Omaha, NE - Nebraska Senator Chuck Hagel's Vice-Presidential stock has jumped again.

Hagel's move up the ladder comes as he sets off for a Mid-East road trip with Barack Obama.

According to CBS News Hagel is now third in the Obama Veepstakes, behind Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius and Indiana Senator Evan Bayh. A week ago Hagel was fourth.

All this comes as several sources tell Action 3 News that Hagel's been snubbing the Nebraska's Republican Party.

Last week-end at the annual GOP State Convention in La Vista, Hagel was a no-show.

State Chairman Mark Quandahl says Hagel did not make a personal appearance, did not have a surrogate or substitute speaker, and didn't send a letter.

A spokesman for Hagel tells me two of Hagel's staff members were there.

All this of course as Hagel's name continues to make noise with the Obama campaign.

During his money making stop in Nebraska a few days ago, John McCain had plenty to say about his old friend Chuck Hagel, but not all of it was good such as Hagel's opposition to the war.

As McCain put it, "Senator Hagel is wrong."

As for Hagel's no show at the State convention Quandahl, tells Action 3 News, "It is what it is."

Quandahl also says that two months ago the Nebraska GOP told Hagel they wanted to honor him at the convention, but Hagel said he wouldn't be able to make it.

That was two months ago, about the same time Hagel's Democratic vice-presidential star began rising.

Reported by Joe Jordan, joe@action3news.com