Former Nebraska State Patrol Superintendent Tom Nesbitt plans to run for the state treasurer's job in the Republican primary.

Nesbitt says he has spent his life in law enforcement "watching out for other people's stuff."

As state treasurer, he says, he will watch over the people's money.

Nesbitt, 54, said he is "driven to serve."

"When we come into this world we are given a life," he said. "It is important to spend that life well, in service to other people."

Nesbitt will make his official announcement in news conferences Friday in Norfolk, Omaha, Lincoln and Kearney, and in other communities next week.

He said the visits to other communities indicate his statewide commitment.

"I'm here to say that all Nebraskans are very important to me."

Nesbitt, who became a state trooper in 1978, was appointed head of the patrol by then-Gov. Mike Johanns in 1999. He retired in 2005 after Dave Heineman become governor.

Nesbitt then worked briefly for former state Treasurer Ron Ross in the unclaimed property division.

Two other Republicans, state Sen. Tony Fulton and former state Attorney General Don Stenberg, have indicated they will seek the state treasurer's seat.

Treasurer Shane Osborn has decided not to seek re-election.

Reach Nancy Hicks at 473-7250 or nhicks@journalstar.com.