Nelson starts playing defense on healthcare

The Nebraska senator, hurting in the polls, prepares an ad to tell his side of the story

Published December 30, 2009 8:16PM (EST)

Sen. Ben Nelson, D-Neb., is apparently in more than a little hot water over his reluctant support of Democrats' healthcare reform legislation. A recent Rasmussen poll showed him trailing one potential challenger by almost 30 percentage points.

Fortunately for him, Nelson's not up for reelection until 2012. But he seems fairly nervous anyway, enough so that he's bought airtime during the Nebraska-Arizona bowl game Wednesday night for an ad in which he explains his position. According to the Associated Press, the spot will be airing statewide for a few days to come, as well.


By Alex Koppelman

Alex Koppelman is a staff writer for Salon.

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2012 Elections Ben Nelson D-neb.