Sen - NE: Stenberg (R) wants a rematch
By Adam C Posted in 2006 — Comments (4) / Email this page » / Leave a comment »
Former Attorney General Don Stenberg wants a rematch with Senator Ben Nelson (D-NE). A little background on Mr. Stenberg. He served as Attorney General for 12 years before leaving office in 2003. He ran for Senate in 1996 losing in the primary to Hagel who subsequently defeated then Governor Nelson in the general. Stenberg ran against Nelson in the 2000 Senate race losing by a mere 15,000 votes. Since that time, "the Republican voter registration advantage over Democrats has grown by 34,000." Furthermore, the article incorrectly states that the 2000 race was in opposition to a "Republican tide." In 2000, several Republican incumbents lost and the Senate fell to a 50-50 tie with a net -5 for Republicans. It was the first time Republicans lost overall seats in the Senate since 1992.
Senator Nelson has twice been elected Governor and once Senator in Nebraska. His narrow victory in 2000 along with a heightened partisanship in the country and a gain in Republican registration since 2000 means this seat is a toss-up. There are several other possible candidates including "former Republican State Chairman David Kramer of Omaha, GOP National Committeeman Kerry Winterer of Omaha, Speaker of the Legislature Kermit Brashear of Omaha, former Lt. Gov. Dave Maurstad and State Treasurer Ron Ross."
The interesting twist factor is Representative Tom Osbourne who may run for Governor. If he does so, he should have coattails for any Republican Senatorial nominee. He has already stated that he isn't interested in Senator Nelson's seat, although he would be the favorite if he went for it.
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Sen - NE: Stenberg (R) wants a rematch 4 Comments (0 topical, 4 editorial, 0 hidden) Post a comment »
Anyone know why Heineman won't run for Senate instead of Governor?
Yeah, I think if Osbourne and Heinemann split the two seats it would end any Democratic chances. It would also virtually eliminate elected Dems in NE. All 3 House seats, the Gov, Lt. Gov, and 2 Senators would be Rs and the state legislature is a unicameral non-partisan group.
FWIW, I like Nelson and wish he'd consider switching into the majority. He has hinted at supporting PRAs and ending the judicial filibuster but can't vote for either because of his party's leadership. But he's been a Dem for a long time and I don't see him switching. So I guess we'll have to win the seat the old way.
Nelson just might make the switch over judicial nominations. When the President nominated Johanns, I think a deal was struck. Obviously, I'm not privy to the details, but it may well have involved a party switch by Nelson. What better time to make it than when the Senate votes on the constitutional option? It'd get Republicans one seat closer to 55, considering that those who vote against the constitutional option are essentially saying that they no longer want to be in the Party.
To have a Republican Senator from Nebraska?
MachoNachos