Bipartisan resolution and 2008 plans

Don Walton of the Lincoln Journal Star has a piece out today that discusses the bipartisan resoultion on Iraq and Chuck Hagel's thinking about 2008. Here is an excerpt:

Biden and Levin said Hagel approached them with the proposal for a bipartisan resolution. Most of the language came from Hagel, who has consistently expressed concern about the administration’s policy in Iraq, even before the war began.

Hagel said he’s not concerned about the possible impact of Wednesday’s action on his political future.

“I don’t worry about that (when) young men and women are being snuffed out in war. I do what I think is right for my country.

“Am I unmindful of the politics, unmindful I may announce soon that I’m going to run for president? No,” Hagel said.

But that decision has not been made, he said.

Issues like Iraq motivate him to lead and be engaged, he said, but seeking the presidency is “not the only way to do it.”

That decision has “got to fit with you, your family, your gut and with political reality,” he said, including the ability to swiftly raise $20 million to $25 million and build organizations in the first five or six primary and caucus states.

Hagel plans to decide soon whether to pursue the 2008 Republican presidential nomination, seek a third term in the Senate or leave elective office in early 2009.

It is clear that Senator Hagel is trying to do what he feels is best for our nation and our troops, as he has been there (in combat) himself.