Kerrey, Considering

We in no way mean to throw cold water on the Times's excellent scoop that ex-Senator Bob Kerrey is thinking about running for Mayor, a story which brightened our Sunday. (Though we don't blog on Sundays. Sorry!)

But we did do a quick Nexis search of "Kerrey" and "considering," and it gave us some caution.

First of all, Kerrey was widely reported to be considering a 2004 presidential bid -- until the New York Times Magazine carried an article accusing him of war crimes in Vietnam.

Concord Monitor, November, 1997: ""I haven't made that decision yet. I'm widely rumored to be running" [for President]."

Manchester Union-Leader, July 1994: Bob Kerrey "has told at least one high-ranking Democrat that he is seriously considering taking on the sitting President in a 1996 primary battle."

Kerrey did run in 1992, but later said this:

"That was the problem last time.... I only threw my hat in. If I do it this time, I put a lot more in."