Kleeb wins; Johanns goes on offense
Scott Kleeb swept past Tony Raimondo Tuesday night, setting the stage for a Senate showdown with Mike Johanns in November.
Building on his high-profile congressional bid in western and central Nebraska two years ago, Kleeb expanded his reach statewide in claiming the Democratic nomination.
Johanns, former governor and recent U.S. secretary of agriculture, bumped Schuyler businessman Pat Flynn in the Republican race.
The Johanns-Kleeb shootout in November will be the premier general election contest in Nebraska.
It will match one of the state’s best known political figures against the 32-year-old newcomer who burst onto the scene in 2006 as a Yale-educated ranch hand seeking congressional office.
Giving Kleeb no time to celebrate his primary victory, Johanns quickly drew stark contrasts with his Democratic opponent.
“I stand for renewing the 2001 and 2003 tax reductions,” Johanns said in a telephone interview. “Scott does not.”
Kleeb “doesn’t know what to do about Iraq,” Johanns said. “He’s all over the board.”
What’s needed, Johanns said, is a clear commitment to “stand by your military.”
Johanns, 57, said he’s pro-life. Other sharp differences will emerge over energy policy and health care reform, Johanns said.
“On every single issue, there’s a very stark difference between the Democratic nominee and myself,” he said.
Responding to Johanns’ remarks, Kleeb said Nebraskans are “hungry for something new” other than traditional political rhetoric.
“It’s not unremarkable to hear the same kind of campaign from someone who’s been involved for 20 years,” he said in a phone interview.
“Tonight’s victory was about community,” Kleeb said. “Politics at its finest asks each of us to involve ourselves for our own reasons. Nebraska actually won tonight.”
Kleeb said he’ll discuss the range of issues raised by Johanns during the coming campaign.
Earlier, Kleeb told cheering supporters at Zen’s Lounge in downtown Lincoln that traditional Washington politicians “care more about their own job than securing our future.”
Wasting no time after celebrating his victory at the Cornhusker, Johanns will head out early this morning on a statewide air tour that takes him to six communities.
Johanns will be accompanied by Gov. Dave Heineman.
Kleeb already has set aside his duties as a history professor at Hastings College to campaign full time this summer and fall.
His primary victory over Raimondo was constructed with the help of strong showings in Lincoln and Omaha, where he was on the ballot for the first time.
Raimondo, 68, chairman of Behlen Manufacturing Co. in Columbus, changed his party registration from Republican to enter the Democratic primary.
Both candidates relied heavily on 30-second TV advertising in a late-developing campaign.
Kleeb credited the size of his victory partially to “a strong ground game” waged by supporters who made phone calls encouraging people to vote.
At stake is the Senate seat held by Republican Sen. Chuck Hagel, who is not seeking re-election to a third term.
Reach Don Walton at 473-7248 or at dwalton@journalstar.com.
Building on his high-profile congressional bid in western and central Nebraska two years ago, Kleeb expanded his reach statewide in claiming the Democratic nomination.
Johanns, former governor and recent U.S. secretary of agriculture, bumped Schuyler businessman Pat Flynn in the Republican race.
The Johanns-Kleeb shootout in November will be the premier general election contest in Nebraska.
It will match one of the state’s best known political figures against the 32-year-old newcomer who burst onto the scene in 2006 as a Yale-educated ranch hand seeking congressional office.
Giving Kleeb no time to celebrate his primary victory, Johanns quickly drew stark contrasts with his Democratic opponent.
“I stand for renewing the 2001 and 2003 tax reductions,” Johanns said in a telephone interview. “Scott does not.”
Kleeb “doesn’t know what to do about Iraq,” Johanns said. “He’s all over the board.”
What’s needed, Johanns said, is a clear commitment to “stand by your military.”
Johanns, 57, said he’s pro-life. Other sharp differences will emerge over energy policy and health care reform, Johanns said.
“On every single issue, there’s a very stark difference between the Democratic nominee and myself,” he said.
Responding to Johanns’ remarks, Kleeb said Nebraskans are “hungry for something new” other than traditional political rhetoric.
“It’s not unremarkable to hear the same kind of campaign from someone who’s been involved for 20 years,” he said in a phone interview.
“Tonight’s victory was about community,” Kleeb said. “Politics at its finest asks each of us to involve ourselves for our own reasons. Nebraska actually won tonight.”
Kleeb said he’ll discuss the range of issues raised by Johanns during the coming campaign.
Earlier, Kleeb told cheering supporters at Zen’s Lounge in downtown Lincoln that traditional Washington politicians “care more about their own job than securing our future.”
Wasting no time after celebrating his victory at the Cornhusker, Johanns will head out early this morning on a statewide air tour that takes him to six communities.
Johanns will be accompanied by Gov. Dave Heineman.
Kleeb already has set aside his duties as a history professor at Hastings College to campaign full time this summer and fall.
His primary victory over Raimondo was constructed with the help of strong showings in Lincoln and Omaha, where he was on the ballot for the first time.
Raimondo, 68, chairman of Behlen Manufacturing Co. in Columbus, changed his party registration from Republican to enter the Democratic primary.
Both candidates relied heavily on 30-second TV advertising in a late-developing campaign.
Kleeb credited the size of his victory partially to “a strong ground game” waged by supporters who made phone calls encouraging people to vote.
At stake is the Senate seat held by Republican Sen. Chuck Hagel, who is not seeking re-election to a third term.
Reach Don Walton at 473-7248 or at dwalton@journalstar.com.
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