Another Republican has joined the race for the seat of retiring Senator Chuck Hagel (R-NE). Former Congressman Hal Daub, who also served as mayor of Omaha, officially announced his candidacy today. Daub had already been exploring a primary challenge against Hagel, along with current candidates Jon Bruning, the state attorney general, and financial analyst Pat Flynn.

Many Republicans are also rumored to be courting former governor and current U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns, while former Democratic Senator Bob Kerrey is also looking at the race.

Before he announced his retirement, Hagel had already become a target of the right due to his break with the White House on Iraq.