Former Senator Bob Kerrey says he won't seek the Democratic nomination to replace retiring Senator Ben Nelson of Nebraska.

In a written statement to WOWT, Kerrey said, "I have given the decision of becoming a candidate for the U.S. Senate very serious thought and prayer. For many reasons I nearly said yes. In the end I choose to remain a private citizen. To those who urged me to do so, I am sorry, very sorry to have disappointed you."

Kerrey's announcement Tuesday shuts down hopes for a bid both parties called Democrats' best chance to hold on to the seat. Kerrey himself had described it as a longshot.

The 1992 presidential candidate and former Nebraska governor moved to New York City after giving up his seat. He spent nearly a week in Nebraska this month to seek advice about whether to run in a state that's drifted ideologically away from him since he left.

Nelson's decision not to seek another term this year came as a boon to Republicans, who must net four seats to retake the Senate. And they've prioritized capturing the lone Democratic seat in Nebraska's congressional delegation.