From The Hotline Latest Edition for Friday, May 9,2008

NEBRASKA

Getting Thick, Going Deep

Fri. May 9, 2008


'06 NE-03 nominee/rancher/prof. Scott Kleeb (D) "kept the focus on retail politics" 5/8, stumping through Omaha and Lincoln. "He is being outspent on the airwaves" by industrialist Tony Raimondo (D), but Kleeb "is banking on having a better ground game. He is using his contacts" from his '06 bid in western NE "to mine for volunteers. He says he has more than 500 helping him across the state. Kleeb also has the endorsement" of the NE AFL-CIO, "which is expected to help get his supporters to the polls."

Kleeb: "We've got a thick, deep campaign. It's not just TV spots."

"Kleeb said Omaha and Lincoln will play key roles in the primary. The state's two largest cities have the highest concentration" of Dems. "That's why Kleeb and Raimondo have been spending time walking in parades in Omaha and attending ribbon-cuttings in Lincoln" (Tysver, Omaha World-Herald, 5/9).

However '06 NE-02 nominee/'08 NE-02 candidate Jim Esch (D) endorsed Raimondo 5/9. "With the economy looming as the biggest issue in this year's elections, Esch said, voters should look to Raimondo and his success leading Behlen Manufacturing Co." Esch "said his endorsement of Raimondo carries a political risk. He said many of his supporters back Kleeb." Esch: "It's maybe a controversial decision, but we don't need leaders who just do what's opportune or easy."

Kleeb spokesperson Joe Zepecki said in response to Esch that Kleeb is "running the only campaign that can defeat Mike Johanns." Raimondo said Esch's support will help with Omaha Dems, especially among young voters. Raimondo: "I think his base is an asset, and I think he has excellent experience in economic development. I'd call it a good partnership between two moderate candidates that have a lot to offer Nebraska" (Elfrink, Omaha World-Herald, 5/9).