Achelpohl won't seek another term as head of Nebraska Democrats

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Published Wednesday | January 9, 2008

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - The chairman of the Nebraska Democratic Party says he won't seek another term.

Steve Achelpohl, an attorney with a private practice, will step aside at the state convention this summer, and a new chairman or chairwoman will be elected.

He said Wednesday that the party has seen an influx of young people, and "I think it's time for some new blood."

Achelpohl became chairman in 2001 after Anne Boyle stepped down. He was re-elected in 2002, 2004 and 2006.

"It's a lightning rod position," Achelpohl said. "In seven years, you make a lot of decisions, and some people are happy, some people aren't."

Democrats in Nebraska are struggling to come up with congressional candidates this year. So far, no Democrat has entered the race for the U.S. Senate seat to be vacated by Republican Chuck Hagel, and no one is yet challenging the three Republican U.S. representatives.

Achelpohl said the struggles have nothing to do with his decision not to seek another term.

"It's very difficult for Democrats to compete in those races," Achelpohl said. "It was difficult when I took over, and now that I'm leaving, it's still difficult."