Chuck Hagel will announce the end of his career in the U.S. Senate next week

BREAKING NEWS: Chuck Hagel is calling it quits

Omaha.com | JAKE THOMPSON

WASHINGTON - Chuck Hagel will announce Monday that he is retiring from the U.S. Senate and will not run for president next year, people close to the Nebraska Republican said Friday.

Nebraska Sen. Chuck Hagel plans to leave the Senate after two terms as a Republican Party maverick, people close to him say.Hagel plans to announce that "he will not run for re-election and that he does not intend to be a candidate for any office in 2008," said one person, who asked not to be named.