Heineman Still Taking His Time on Senate Bid - KHGI-TV/KWNB-TV/KHGI-CD-Grand Island, Kearney, Hastings

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman says he will likely take a month or more to decide whether to jump into the 2014 U.S. Senate race.

Heineman said Monday that the gridlock in Congress is holding him back.

He says he is concerned about transitioning from a statewide office where he can make an impact every day to a slow-moving Congress. The Republican governor says he enjoys bringing people together and being able to weigh in on the state budget and other important legislative issues.

The Senate seat opened up after Nebraska Sen. Mike Johanns announced last month that he would not seek re-election in 2014.

Heineman says the Republican Party has a good shot at the seat whether he or another Republican runs. No candidates have joined the race yet.