Politics | Mike Johanns Nebraska GOP Senator to Retire He's one of only two Republicans backing Chuck Hagel By Kevin Spak Posted Feb 18, 2013 11:29 AM CST Copied Sen. Mike Johanns, R-Neb. speaks with reporters on Capitol Hill in Washington,Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2012, as the lame duck 112th Congress session began. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) Nebraska Sen. Mike Johanns has informed his state's governor that he doesn't intend to run for re-election next year, sources tell NBC News. Johanns is notable as the man who replaced Chuck Hagel in the Senate—and is now one of only two Senate Republicans publicly backing his defense nomination. He hasn't made headlines often, but you might remember the time he tried to ban Japanese cars, or the time he butted heads with John McCain over popcorn. Read These Next Sheriff in Guthrie case says he may have a motive, and a warning. Think twice if you're in the UAE recording any missile strikes. Have you ever seen an inflated kitten? Meet 'Puff Kitty.' The USPS' latest stamps go low, really low. Report an error