Scott Kleeb will announce his political future Monday. The announcement follows Associated Press reports that Kleeb is entering the race. Kleeb wouldn't comment on the reports.

Nebraska Wesleyan Political Science Professor Dr. John Vermeer said Kleeb would be in a good position if he entered. "Kleeb motivated people in 2006. People got involved in the 3rd District that didn't expect to get involved, and if he can bring that kind of energy to the Primary, that would be really outstanding," Vermeer said.

Kleeb would be up against Columbus businessman Tony Raimondo in May's Democratic Primary. Vermeer said the match-up should be exciting. "I think what is going to effect the outcome will be both organization -- getting people out to vote and also resources. Specifically money to raise awareness in name recognition. Kleeb has some name recognition. Raimondo has more personal money. Kleeb would need to pick up quite a few contributions to make up that edge. If he can do that, then he probably has a better chance. But if he can't, the name recognition is going to carry the day."

Vermeer said if Kleeb enters the race, he shouldn't be considered a late entrant. Vermeer said looking back at announcements for Senate runs over that last 20 years, many times the announcement isn't made until late winter.

However, political blogger Kyle Michaelis said timing is everything when it comes to fundraising and getting your name out there. "You do want to be in earlier. But at the same time, Scott Kleeb already has the name recognition. Perhaps in the Primary, he kind of has a natural advantage." Michaelis' political blog was buzzing with commentary about Kleeb Wednesday afternoon.

Kleeb and Raimondo may also be judged by voters on how loyal they've been to the party. Last month Raimondo, a lifelong Republican, registered as a Democrat so he could run. He said the Republican Senate race was "all but closed" to him after Mike Johanns entered.

"Kleeb took on a difficult race in a very Republican area and Democrats are grateful for that. Raimondo switched parties recently and Democrats are a little skeptical of that, I would expect. So if you're someone who's willing to shoulder the burden for Democrats two years ago against somebody who sees being a Democrat as an opportunity, or is portrayed that way, then the party loyalists are likely to rally around Scott Kleeb," Vermeer said.

Vermeer said the Democrats do have a chance of winning the Senate seat, if they generate enough media buzz. "A tight contest with Raimondo and Kleeb would raise name recognition for both of them for the General Election. That is, if one of them were to run, and not the other, there wouldn't be as much of a contest and then at the end of the Primary, the person wouldn't be all that well-known and be in a big hole against Johanns."

Be sure to watch 10/11 News This Morning on Monday, February 25 around 6:30 a.m. as Scott Kleeb announces his political future.