Senator Chuck Hagel (R-NE), a conservative who has broken sharply with the White House on Iraq, will hold a press conference on Monday to announce his future political plans. He is up for re-election in 2008, and the Monday announcement could finally reveal whether he is retiring, as many expect, or will in fact be running again.

Hagel already faces pro-war primary challenges from Nebraska Attorney General Jon Bruning, businessman Pat Flynn, and former Congressman Hal Daub — though in an ironic twist, having that many Republican challengers could actually help him if he is seeking re-election.

If Hagel does not run, former Democratic Senator Bob Kerrey might seek a comeback, and would be a favorite to win the seat. If Kerrey does not run, Democrats have also been courting Omaha Mayor Mike Fahey. Neither of them will run if Hagel does.