Sen. Ben Nelson (D-Neb.) is expected to announce his retirement Tuesday, according to various media reports.
Nelson’s decision to leave the upper chamber bodes poorly for Democrats, many of whom fear that his seat in the heavily conservative state will likely be taken by a Republican, thus decreasing Democrats’ chances of keeping the Senate. Five Democrats and one independent, the Democratic leaning Joe Lieberman, have already announced that they will not run in 2012.
Nelson, a former Nebraska Governor, was elected to serve in the Senate in 2000. He has gained headlines in recent years for being at odds with his party over key pieces of legislation, particularly health care reform.
Nelson is expected to formally make the announcement during a press conference Tuesday.