The conservative group American Crossroads has a new radio ad in Nebraska, hitting former Sen. Bob Kerrey on an alleged secret deal with Democratic leaders in Washington — which has already been explained by Kerrey.
“Hasn’t Nebraska been embarrassed enough? First Ben Nelson embarrassed us with his Cornhusker Kickback — trading favors to vote for Obamacare,” the announcer says. “And now it’s Bob Kerrey who’s embarrassing us. Kerrey’s already cut his own secret deal with Democrat leaders in Washington — a deal so secret, Kerrey won’t talk about what promises were made.”
The audio then cuts to an interview Kerrey gave shortly after entering the race two weeks ago: “I won’t tell you. It’s still a private conversation…I asked for them, and they agreed.”
The announcer says: “Maybe that’s how you do it, when you lived in New York for the last decade — like Bob Kerrey. But it’s not the Nebraska way.”
In fact, Kerrey has since clarified the nature of his talks with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV). Last week, Kerrey told the Omaha World-Herald that had received assurances his past 12 years of Senate service would be honored in some manner if he is elected, without any specific promise about seniority.