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Kleeb wins; Johanns goes on offense

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BY DON WALTON / Lincoln Journal Star

Wednesday, May 14, 2008 - 12:59:26 pm CDT

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.

Story Photo
Scott Kleeb speaks to a packed Zen's Bar on Tuesday. (Heidi Hoffman)

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Kleeb victory rally speech

Scott Kleeb speaks to a packed Zen's Bar about his campaign for U.S. Senate. (Anthony Roberts / JournalStar.com)...

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Election 2008 Central
Mike Johanns' election night remarks
Kleeb beats Raimondo in all but two counties

Scott Kleeb received more votes than Tony Raimondo in all but two counties in the 2008 Democratic Senate primary. Kleeb’s support was especially strong in Nebraska’s huge 3rd District, where he was the 2006 Democratic congressional nominee. The Democratic map above (Democratic Senate results by county) shows the net percentage of votes the two candidates received based on all votes cast. For example: In Lancaster County, Kleeb received 16,140 to Raimondo’s 4,470, and 912 votes went to other candidates. Kleeb got 75 percent to Raimondo’s 21 percent, for a net advantage of 54 percent. Raimondo, a businessman from Columbus, won Platte, his home county, and nearby Colfax. Kleeb will face Republican nominee Mike Johanns in November’s general election.

Flynn takes only one county in GOP Senate race

Mike Johanns received more votes than Pat Flynn in all but Colfax County in the 2008 Senate Republican primary Tuesday. Flynn is from Schuyler, Colfax’s county seat. Support for Johanns exceeded 35 percent in 79 counties, and it exceeded 55 percent along the east central edge and in the west central area of the state. The Republican map above (Republican Senate primary results by county) shows the net percentage of votes each candidate received relative to the other. Example: In Lancaster County, Johanns received 16,089 to Flynn’s 4,423, or 78 percent to 22 percent, for a net advantage to Johanns of 56 percent. In total votes cast statewide, Johanns got 111,289 (78 percent) to Flynn’s 31,369 (22 percent).

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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Doubtful wrote on May 13, 2008 12:31 pm:
" that any one of the candidates ever had a real job. Most have been in politics all their life. How many blue collar people have you ever seen run for office. They don't have the money. Most like georgie and tricky dicky were born with a silver spoon and never ever did a honest day of physical labor. How can they possibly know what the working class people need? I would like to see a law that says no one can use more than 50 thousand dollars to get voted into office. I don't trust any of them and more especially Johanns , as he is to close to george bush. "

 whatever wrote on May 13, 2008 10:39 pm:
" Big money will come to Nebraska to defeat the quiter Johanns. That's where his expertise lies. Another prominent Republican seat bit the dust tonight in the House. That makes 4 in the last year. Running as a Republican won't sell well this year. Johanns may win, but he will be outfinanced and will have the fight of his life. This Republican and many others have had enough of the traitors. Anyone who served in Bush's cabinet isn't a friend of America. They are TRAITORS to AMERICA and should be dealt with as the law of the United States of America prescribes for traitors. "

 me wrote on May 13, 2008 10:39 pm:
" Kleeb has my vote. "

 DOC wrote on May 13, 2008 10:41 pm:
" We all wish Scott well in whatever he chooses to do. I had the privilege of teaching many of his aunts and uncles. Unfortunately, Scott was raised overseas and never had a chance to embrace Nebraska values. Here we believe in marriage between one man and one woman. We like children, we don't want them dead in the womb. We are self-starters and don't want the government messin' in our lives. We are for paying as little tax as possible because we believe we can manage our money better than the government. I would suggest that Scott get real close to the Nebraska values, become a conservative and run again sometime. "

 Eric wrote on May 13, 2008 10:48 pm:
" Mike Johanns didn't finish his term of Governor. Mike Johanns didn't finish his appointment to Sec. of Ag. He is an opportunist quitter. He will never get my vote. "

 Steve wrote on May 13, 2008 11:15 pm:
" Congratulations, Scott. You won the opportunity to get slaughtered by Mike in November. "

 Thanks wrote on May 13, 2008 11:20 pm:
" Thanks democrats for giving me someone I can vote for. Kleeb sounds like a good choice. I'm tired of conservative Nebraska values. "

 Erin wrote on May 13, 2008 11:22 pm:
" Dear DOC, we are not all in favor of those things you listed in your comment. Please only speak for yourself and your close-mindedness. "

 ellfie wrote on May 13, 2008 11:24 pm:
" Mike Johanns brought Nebraskas thru the aftemath of 911. Ha ha ha. Seriously doubt those who perpetrated 911 even knew where Nebraska was and other than those who lost friends and family in the attacks Nebraska wasn't even affected by these acts. What joke that claim is. Other than that I see a transplanted Iowan who quit in the middle of his last 2 jobs, governor and secretary of agriculture. As if the secretary of ag is really an important post to begin with. If memory serves Johanns was appointed to the job by his dear friend GW Bush. Think this needs to be kept in mind when considering who Nebraska's next senator might be. "

 laughing all the way wrote on May 13, 2008 11:36 pm:
" Well, if Kleeb makes it we won't be able to compare him to any Kennedy...since he can't drive. lol. "

 steverl wrote on May 13, 2008 11:45 pm:
" I will vote for Kleeb. Any one connected to bush can't be too smart. I hope bush campaigns for Johans. He will lose for sure. I have mostly conservative values but can't see the logic behind the conservative thinking. "

 Thomas Paine wrote on May 13, 2008 11:45 pm:
" The Journal Star,I have every confidence,will support Scott Kleeb for their senator.A fresh new course is needed. Our country is in serious difficulty which means that we badly need to change course! "

 JT wrote on May 13, 2008 11:52 pm:
" Good Luck Scott Kleeb, let's take this all the way to Washington. "

 JpS wrote on May 13, 2008 11:57 pm:
" Regardless of your party....Nebraskans had best hope 'Senator' Mike Johanns, in fact, does win in November!! I think even Nebraska Democracts
do not realize how liberal Kleeb really is....as DOC mentions below...Kleeb has had very little exposure to the "good life," and is only a fairly recent transplant! Don't be overly impressed because Kleeb
comes off as a young and very attractive young man (less his teeth and completion)....it is what he has in his mind/heart that counts....and this guy doesn't have NEBRASKA values in his heart/mind...and never will! "

 Late ODay wrote on May 14, 2008 12:07 am:
" That's now twice in recent memory that Nebraskans have told Republicans (Pete Rickets & Tony "No, really...I'm a Democrat" Raimondo) that you can't buy our elections. That restores a bit of my faith in the system. "

 JR wrote on May 14, 2008 1:28 am:
" Ol Mike, the quitter, must be running a bit scared. He wasted no time trying to bring up the old tired arguments. Would not surprise me if Nebraskans elect a Bush clone as Nebraska is one of the very few who still think he is doing a good job. I would like to think Nebraskans are better educated than that, but I am a bit too cynical for that. Sure hope I am proven wrong. "

 No financial genius but wrote on May 14, 2008 2:06 am:
" The 2001 and 2003 tax cuts that Johanns proposes making permanent have done nothing but make the very rich even richer, while shifting more of the tax burden to the middle class and the states. Trickle-down economics don't work for working Americans, and even a good Republican like John McCain opposed them before he flip-flopped for the presidential race. Mike Johanns proposes more of the same stale anti-worker policies of G.W. Bush. Are you better off than you were eight years ago? Mike is. "

 What wrote on May 14, 2008 6:09 am:
" Nebraskans are self-starters and don't want government messing in their lives? Really? NE receives 1 billion dollars per year in farm subisidies. Enough said. "

 think wrote on May 14, 2008 7:10 am:
" Who employs most of the people in this country? ... Oh yeah, the rich. "

 DB wrote on May 14, 2008 7:24 am:
" Yes Johanns is for lower taxes for his rich farm buddies and also giving them millions in farm subsidies like in the recent farm bill that was written while he was Sec'y of Ag and passed. He's all for handing out money to the rich while robbing the poor.

Besides, he couldn't even finish his full terms in the last 3 jobs he had, mayor of Lincoln, Nebr Governor and Sec'y of Ag. If elected, my money is on that he will decide to switch jobs in the middle of his term so why elect a proven quitter?
"

 Sue F. wrote on May 14, 2008 7:26 am:
" Doc does not speak for all Nebraskans. I and many others believe in a women's right to make her own choices on what to do with her body and we believe in equal rights. Many Nebraskans believe that justice and equeality are moral values worth fighting for. GO KLEEB! "

 Chris wrote on May 14, 2008 7:51 am:
" Johanns: former mayor of the state capital, won two gubernatorial elections handily, and was a cabinet secretary. Oh, and he's a Republican running in a heavily Republican state.

Kleeb: seems like a nice guy, but has only spent three years living in Nebraska, speaks only in bland platitudes, and has no experience whatsoever. Oh, and he's a Democrat running in a heavily Republican state.

A pretty easy call here. "

 pac wrote on May 14, 2008 8:03 am:
" Scott Kleeb has my vote in November! "

 nebraskan for change wrote on May 14, 2008 8:17 am:
" With his tired, weak comments, Johanns is already showing that he knows he's going to have a challenger come fall. He should be worried, too. He hasn't accomplished anything in the multitude of offices that he's held, quitting each one before actually doing anything of merit. He's the definition of a career politician, with no resume to go along with it. Scott may be new to the scene, but he has fresh ideas; just the kind that a state like Nebraska needs to keep competing in this century. A vote for Johanns is a vote for making Nebraska even more irrelevant. "

 JB wrote on May 14, 2008 8:38 am:
" Kleeb can beat the "quitter" Johanns if the Democratic National Committee wants to keep their numbers in the Senate and will give lots of money to do it. "

 My Nebraska Values... wrote on May 14, 2008 8:44 am:
" are evolved ones, not ones stuck in the past. They include: Equal rights for all (including gay people), responsible stewardship of the land (aka, water conservation, decrease in farm chemical usage, looking at new crops to bring in, move from corn-based ethanol industry to switch grass and sugar beets that are less damaging). Quality education for all of Nebraska's children, and jobs that will pay well and keep them in Nebraska, thus ending the brain drain. Quality health care that all Nebraskans can afford. Comprehensive sex education (ABC), and safety nets for pregnant women and girls who feel that they have no choice but to abort, in the effort to decrease abortions and the spread of diseases. Fiscal responsibility, meaning if our government is going to spend, then they will cut wasteful spending while maintaining standard tax rates and not inventing new ones. Finding innovative new ways to bring in jobs. I believe that Scott Kleeb can usher in these improvements. Johanns will not better Nebraska. Scott Kleeb,you have my vote and support, and I and thousands of other Nebraskans will work to help you win in November. "

 John wrote on May 14, 2008 9:01 am:
" Let the "NRA" and "Right to Lifers" have the "Quitter". I want someone with an educated mind and knows how to use it. Go Kleeb. "

 go Mike wrote on May 14, 2008 9:02 am:
" I like Mike! Good luck! You have my vote! How can we have a senator who doesn't even have his own license? "

 RAC wrote on May 14, 2008 9:11 am:
" Don't fool yourselves, Johanns by a landslide in Nov. Sorry, but the Reds outnumber the Blues here in NE, fortunately. Most of us don't buy the "change" buzzword and have the common sense to look for specifics in all the campaign rhetoric. "

 Thanks think wrote on May 14, 2008 9:17 am:
" thank you think, and I may add that who also pays more in taxes than anyone else in this country....the rich "

 Action wrote on May 14, 2008 9:27 am:
" Congrats Mr. Kleeb. Now go after Johanns and his terrible record as both Gov. and Secretary of Agriculture. As Sec. of Agriculture, Mr. Johanns has done as President Bush said after Katrina "One heck of a Job!". After the E-coli in bagged vegtables, he did nothing? Johanns has done nothing about recall after recall of meat and veggies. Not long ago I saw film on tv showing a downer cow still being sent to market? Mad Cow- I truly believe it is here in the U.S. and is causing the demitia type symptoms we all see everyday.Mr. Kleeb, Just get the facts on Johanns poor track record on everything, and you'll win in a landslide. "

 Hey Doc wrote on May 14, 2008 9:46 am:
" what do you mean pay as little in taxes as possible. It aint possible in nebraska to pay little taxes. As far a nebraska values, thats exactly why nebraska is known as the hick state around the nation. Put on a go big red bumper sticker and visit with people from other states to see their reaction to nebraskans. Most will make a comment like oh the state with the cornhuskers huh? Johanns is a clone of bush and I don't have to say more about that. Hopefully the dems will take it all this year and get the u.s. out of the mud its in. "

 Voice of Reason wrote on May 14, 2008 9:53 am:
" Mike is on the attack with his first two lies. Scott has always said marriage is between a man and a woman. He is against abortion. The Republican party tries to run on two issues, pro life and less spending. They have had their judges on the courts, they have been in control much, much more than the Democrats. The Repubs have never made a serious attempt to get rid of abortions. They all jump on the pro-life bandwagon, but they can't afford to get rid of abortion, cuz it is a hot button social issue that brings in tons of money into their campaigns. Don't even talk about less spending. Johanns is part of this machine. By attacking Scott right out of the chute, Johanns has admitted he's in for a fight, and he's pulling those same knee jerk reactions from the Repubs. I'm surprised he went to the mudslinging so soon. With every one of his attacks, he's giving Kleeb more credibility. "

 Tim wrote on May 14, 2008 10:41 am:
" Let's see, the state of Nebraska has two candidates running for our Senate seat, one does not have a Nebraska driver's license and the other one has not finished a job yet. What's wrong with this picture? Nebraskans deserve better than these two candidates! I'm not sure who I am voting for next November. "

 Think Again - Doc wrote on May 14, 2008 11:05 am:
" Correction: Most people are employed by small business owners, not the ultra wealthy people who benefited from the Bush tax cuts. The gap between the ultra wealthy and the rest of us is now as wide as it's been since the Robber Barons of the 19th century.

Dear Doc, Republicans controlled the House, Senete, White House and the Supreme Court, yet they passed zero laws supporting your "Nebraska" values. When will you realize you're being used to get your vote so you will then vote against your own economic interests.

It's nice to see Mike put his campaign platform out there early, more of the same thing you've enjoyed the last 8 years.... NO THANKS! "

 Dano wrote on May 14, 2008 11:19 am:
" I wish i could believe one of them. They always say what you want to hear, but are never able to produce even if they could. Business runs the government, not the people.

I will have to vote for change this year, I know enough about Johanns and his affiliations, that it will be easy to choose. I need to see progressive views from his camp, before I could even consider it now. He quit on Nebraska twice now. Once as governor and once in the cabinet by not getting an overall of the farm bill completed. All talk, and no results, doesn't make your case very well. "

 Concern Citizen wrote on May 14, 2008 11:36 am:
" At least if Kleeb wins he will not have to drive anywhere in Washington,Go Broncos! "

 Dash wrote on May 14, 2008 12:17 pm:
" The first quote I read from Johanns was that Kleeb would be "pushing for high taxes." Yeah, that's what Kleeb and Raimondo (who is a real class person if you listened to him after his defeat) debated about--who would be the High Tax Democrat. There are so many important issues--gas prices, food prices, recession, Iraq--and all Johanns wants to do is be a ditto of Pete Ricketts (God, do we have to go thru that again til November???) This ain't 1984 Reagan v Mondale anymore, we've all moved on to important issues. Johanns, people, is CLUELESS you don't need me to tell y'all that "

 jmk wrote on May 14, 2008 12:30 pm:
" Everyone wants experience. Did any of you ever stop to consider what this experience has brought us? higher taxes, higher fuel prices, higher food prices, less consideration for what would help the people instead of what would fill their pockets quicker. Personally, I have run out of vaseline and won't even consider voting for anyone who has this experience you clain=m is so important. "

 Prof wrote on May 14, 2008 12:33 pm:
" OK class. As long as it has a pulse and an R behind its name, it will get elected in Nebraska. You can take that to the bank. "

 Dweeb vs Kleeb wrote on May 14, 2008 12:40 pm:
" Nebraska values include balanced budgets, caring for your neighbors and those less privileged, strong education and respect for all people. Sure
don't seem like republican values any more. For them it's all about tax cuts. Mikey gutted the mental health system in Nebraska. He said last night the current health insurance system is working fine (even with millions without and prohibitive costs for individuals and companies). Not to mention numerous AG policies involving mad cow disease and Bush's push to prevent smaller livestock producers from testing every animal (can't let small businesses do what they want if it gives them any advantage over the big guys). If Johanns couldn't impact this administration being that close to Bush, how can he achieve anything as
one guy in congress. Kleeb has seen the world, understands the value of international respect, cultural differences and can connect the dots that the crash of the dollar is due to the last 8 years of idiocy. And he understands Nebraska. This household is voting democrat. "

 The Governor wrote on May 14, 2008 12:59 pm:
" I automatically vote against anyone that has connections with our current governor. Also, I think that the state will be presently surprised at all the democrats that come out to vote because of the presidential election, another factor that should worry Johanns. "

 Kleeb supported wrote on May 14, 2008 1:38 pm:
" If people will take the time to listen to this man they will vote for him. It will be the same old crap if you vote for Johanns. No change!! "

 TG wrote on May 14, 2008 2:25 pm:
" Johanns didn't recently pass a farm bill, in fact, no farm bill has been recently passed. Johanns left while it was in the early stages of being written. Amazingly, the Bush administration is also threatening to VETO the farm bill IF it does get passed, because it does not have low enough income limits. Currently, the Democrats who control congress, have written in income caps of $750,000 per individual and $1.5 million per household to qualify for farm payments. The Bush administration would like to see the caps be $250,000 and $500,000 respectively. You tell me who is wanting to pass out the money in an election year. The reason the democrats haven't won the presidency the last two years is because of voters in the heartland of the US. What better way to please them than to keep those farm caps high going into an election year. "

 Jeff wrote on May 14, 2008 2:52 pm:
" This morning on the radio, Johanns said that he never met Kleeb, because Kleeb was just coming to Nebraska when he was going off to the Cabinet. Let me put that in better words. Kleeb was RETURNING to Nebraska about the time that Johanns quit the governorship to go work for George Bush. That's right, the same George Bush who has the lowest approval ratings and may be the worst president in modern times. Let's see, compare that to a young idealist who worked on ranchs and rode bulls, and also went to school at Yale and majored in Internation Studies. And then came to NEBRASKA! Johanns says that we should vote for him so he can change Washington. He's joking right? It should be - vote for me - so I can join the conservatives in Washington who will work hard to block all initiatives for change that are brought forward. and then he implies that Kleeb does not support the rhetoric. Does Johanns not realize that the ultimate lack of support for the military is putting them in a situation with poor planning, strategy, and no military solution. I could go on and on. Change will not come with Johanns. "

 geewhiz wrote on May 14, 2008 7:37 pm:
" Johanns has the pro-life vote. They are an one-issue voting machine and high in Nebraska (who are strangely offended for being called on it, since it is the only issue, you know). I just hope that people will see the shallow waters of the Johanns river. "

 campaign slogan wrote on May 14, 2008 7:39 pm:
" Kleeb vs the Dweeb! "

 Cant wait... wrote on May 14, 2008 9:03 pm:
" ...to vote for Scott Kleeb on November 4th. Johanns doesn't even call the shots in his own political career (Stephanie does), so I don't want him calling the shots in the senate for Nebraska. "

 NeoCon revised wrote on May 14, 2008 10:09 pm:
" I know most Real Conservatives are upset with us Republicans for abandoning them, but I'm sure we can all agree on one thing. Experience is the number one thing, and the only thing, when scrutinizing a Candidate. Example, one of the most experienced men in all of Washington is none other than our own,,,,,,,,,,,Dick Cheney! "

 Kristin wrote on May 15, 2008 9:45 am:
" I'm going to vote for him because he's cute. sounds like as good a reason as any i've heard. i'm not sure what his platform is, but he sure does look nice in a suit. LOL "

 Jim wrote on May 15, 2008 10:18 am:
" So what has Johanns done besides run for office and quit. He moved here and ran for office, then ran for another office and quit, then another and so on. Then his good bud GW gave him a job that could really have affected Nebraskans but wait he quit, and left it for someone else to do. How long was he the Sec of AG and the 2008 bill just got passed, he never even started working on it while he was on the job. All I am wondering is what job he could take if and when he would quit being a Sen. I am one Republican that will vote for Kleeb, he may not be able to drive but really who cares, keep focused on real issues. For all of you who keep bragging about Nebraska values, ask yourself where did Johanns come from befor he ran for a politcal office and what party was he affilitated with when he did. Kleeb maybe a recent return to Nebraska but his experience growing up abroad maybe a big plus. If you think he is going to be a push over your mistaken. He ran for Rep against a very well known and well funded Nebraska Republican and almost won. Now he is getting money and is known so watch out Johanns. "

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