Sen. Ben Nelson not seeking reelection in 2012

By Katie Schubert

Omaha, NE – Nebraska's senior U.S. Senator won't seek re-election next year.

Senator Ben Nelson announced Tuesday afternoon he's leaving the Senate after 12 years. Nelson, a Democrat, is currently serving his second term in the U.S. Senate. He also served two terms as Nebraska Governor.

Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee chairwoman Senator Patty Murray called Nelson "a loyal public servant to the people of Nebraska."

In a video posted online Tuesday, Nelson says "simply put: it's time to move on." He says he wants to spend more time with his family, and find other ways to serve Nebraska.

Video of Nelson's announcement is available here: