2014 Nebraska gubernatorial election explained

See also: 2014 Nebraska elections.

Election Name:2014 Nebraska gubernatorial election
Country:Nebraska
Type:presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:2010 Nebraska gubernatorial election
Previous Year:2010
Next Election:2018 Nebraska gubernatorial election
Next Year:2018
Image1:File:Ricketts, Pete 2013-11-04a.JPG
Nominee1:Pete Ricketts
Running Mate1:Mike Foley
Party1:Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:308,751
Percentage1:57.15%
Nominee2:Chuck Hassebrook
Running Mate2:Jane Raybould
Party2:Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:211,905
Percentage2:39.23%
Map Size:300px
Governor
Before Election:Dave Heineman
Before Party:Republican Party (United States)
After Election:Pete Ricketts
After Party:Republican Party (United States)

The 2014 Nebraska gubernatorial election took place on Tuesday, November 4, 2014, to elect the 40th Governor of Nebraska. Republican Candidate and former COO of TD Ameritrade Pete Ricketts defeated Democratic candidate and former Regent of the University of Nebraska Chuck Hassebrook, receiving 57.2% of the vote to Hassebrook's 39.2%[1] This was the first open seat election, and the first time a Democrat won a county for governor since 1998.

Republican primary

Lieutenant Governor Rick Sheehy first declared his intention to run for governor in July 2011.[2] Considered to be the "hand-picked" successor to incumbent Governor Dave Heineman, he was endorsed by him.[3] Sheehy was joined in the Republican primary by Speaker of the Nebraska Legislature Mike Flood in November 2012.[4] Flood withdrew from the race less than a month later after his wife was diagnosed with breast cancer.[5]

Sheehy resigned as Lieutenant Governor and withdrew from the race in February 2013 after the Omaha World-Herald discovered that he had made 2,300 phone calls on a state-issued phone, many of them long and at night, to four women, none of whom were his wife.[6] At the end of the month, Flood was reported to be reconsidering his decision with his wife progressing well in her treatment. In July he announced that he would not re-enter the race.

Cattle rancher Charles W. Herbster, who had not formally entered the race but had been campaigning since July, became the third Republican to withdraw when he withdrew on August 23. He cited the health of his wife, who had recently undergone heart surgery.[7]

In September 2013, Omaha businessman Pete Ricketts joined the race. Ricketts, a former chief operating officer of TD Ameritrade and the son of company founder Joe Ricketts, had run unsuccessfully in 2006 for the U.S. Senate seat held by Ben Nelson.[8]

State Senator Charlie Janssen, who had lagged in endorsements and fundraising, withdrew from the race on February 3, 2014. He said: "The way the field was shaping up, I didn't see a clear path to victory."[9] He later declared his candidacy for State Auditor.

In February 2014, state attorney general Jon Bruning announced that he was joining the race. His entry made him the perceived front-runner, supplanting Ricketts, who had been regarded as the leading contender up to that time.[10]

In the May 13 Republican primary, Ricketts narrowly defeated Bruning, with 26.5% of the vote to Bruning's 25.5%. His 1-point margin of victory made this the closest Republican gubernatorial primary in 92 years, since the 1922 primary in which Charles Randall defeated Adam McMullen by 0.6 points.[11]

Candidates

Declared

Withdrew

Declined

Polling

Poll sourceDate(s)
administered
class=small Sample
size
class=small Margin of
error
Jon
Bruning
Tom
Carlson
Mike
Foley
Charlie
Janssen
Beau
McCoy
Pete
Ricketts
Bryan
Slone
OtherUndecided
Magellan StrategiesMay 8, 2014525±4.28%24%5%18%16% align=center25%5%1%6%
Harper PollingFebruary 3–4, 2014565±4% align=center34.7%5.3%14.2%5.6%4.7%16.2%0.9%18.4%

Results

Democratic primary

Candidates

Declared

Withdrew

Declined

Results

Libertarian primary

Candidates

Declared

Results

General election

Debates

September 1 debate

Chuck Hassebrook and Pete Ricketts sparred over education policy, economics and full-time residency in Lincoln at the Nebraska State Fair. Hassebrook opposed school vouchers for public school students, suggesting that tax dollars should be used to improve public schools. Ricketts countered that a gradual voucher policy would help students while keeping money in public schools. The duo showed stark differences in economic policy, with Hassebrook supporting a minimum wage increase and Ricketts opposing an increased wage. Moderator Mike'l Severe asked both candidates if they would reside in the governor's mansion full-time if elected. Ricketts, who has three children attending school in Omaha, said that he had not made a final decision on the question. Hassebrook stated that Nebraska needs a "full-time governor" and that he would live in Lincoln because "40 hours a week is a vacation."[35]

October 2 debate

The two candidates traded barbs over past positions in a debate sponsored by Nebraska Educational Communications. Hassebrook accused Ricketts of supporting Gov. Dave Heineman's (R) tax proposal in 2013, which would have increased sales tax rates. The Platte Institute, a conservative think-tank created by Ricketts, supported the tax proposal, which ultimately failed to pass in the face of increasing public criticism. Hassebrook argued that Ricketts tried to hide his support for the measure when he decided to run for governor. Ricketts denied support for the bill, noting that he did not agree with every position taken by the institute.[36]

Ricketts countered by bringing up a report co-authored by Hassebrook in 1990 that called for a ban on exports of genetically modified crops. The issue of biotechnology in farming has grown in prominence due to the importance of Nebraska's agricultural sector. Hassebrook responded that he provided little assistance to the authors of the report, and was wrongly credited as a co-author. He also noted that he supported biotechnology research since the early 1990s, when he served on the University of Nebraska Board of Regents.[36]

Debate viewers also saw Hassebrook and Ricketts stake out distinct positions on immigration and the proposed Keystone XL pipeline that would run through Nebraska. Hassebrook advocated for allowing driving licenses for children brought to the country illegally, while Ricketts opposed issuing licenses as a matter of protecting existing laws. Ricketts suggested that the XL Pipeline would bring jobs to the state and securely transport oil across the country, citing problems with rail transportation of oil. Hassebrook opposed the pipeline because he suggested the project would contribute to climate change.[36]

Candidates

In Nebraska, gubernatorial nominees select their running mates after the primary elections.

Predictions

SourceRankingAs of
align=left The Cook Political Report[42] November 3, 2014
align=left Sabato's Crystal Ball[43] November 3, 2014
align=left Rothenberg Political Report[44] November 3, 2014
align=left Real Clear Politics[45] November 3, 2014

Polling

Poll sourceDate(s)
administered
class=small Sample
size
Margin of
error
Pete
Ricketts (R)
Chuck
OtherUndecided
CBS News/NYT/YouGovOctober 16–23, 2014681± 5% align=center55%35%0%11%
CBS News/NYT/YouGovSeptember 20 – October 1, 2014721± 4% align=center55%35%1%9%
CBS News/NYT/YouGovAugust 18 – September 2, 2014987± 4% align=center54%34%1%11%
CBS News/NYT/YouGovJuly 5–24, 2014855± 4.4% align=center49%41%0%9%
Public Policy PollingJune 11–12, 2014902± 3.3% align=center42%38%8%13%
Rasmussen ReportsMay 14–15, 2014750± 4% align=center47%40%5%8%

1. Poll conducted on behalf of Chuck Hassebrook's campaign.

2. Mark Elworth (Libertarian)

Results

Counties that flipped from Republican to Democratic

By congressional district

Rickets won all 3 congressional districts, including one that elected a Democrat.[46]

DistrictRickettsHassebrookRepresentative
55%42%Jeff Fortenberry
53%44%Lee Terry (113th Congress)
Brad Ashford (114th Congress)
65%32%Adrian Smith

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Nebraska Governor's race results. Politico. November 7, 2014. November 10, 2014.
  2. Web site: Sheehy says he will run for Nebraska governor in 2014. July 15, 2011. August 12, 2013. Journal Star.
  3. Web site: Mike Flood still considering run for Nebraska governor. August 8, 2012. August 12, 2013. Omaha.com.
  4. Web site: Mike Flood launches bid for governor's office in 2014. November 12, 2012. August 12, 2013. Omaha.com.
  5. Web site: Mike Flood drops bid for governor; wife ill. December 6, 2012. August 12, 2013. Omaha.com.
  6. Web site: Sheehy steps aside after phone records reveal 2,300 calls to 4 women. February 4, 2013. August 12, 2013. Omaha.com.
  7. Web site: Surprises in governor's race: Herbster out; McCoy in. August 24, 2013. August 27, 2013. Omaha.com. Robynn Tysver.
  8. Walton, Don. "Ricketts looks forward to changing skeptics' minds". Lincoln Journal Star. September 8, 2013. Retrieved 2015-02-10.
  9. Web site: Charlie Janssen abandons his bid for governor. February 3, 2014. February 3, 2014. Omaha World-Herald. Robynn. Tysver.
  10. Tsyver, Robynn. "Attorney General Jon Bruning to run for Nebraska governor". Omaha World-Herald. February 9, 2014. Retrieved 2015-02-10.
  11. Web site: Ricketts Wins Nebraska GOP Gubernatorial Nod with Lowest Support in State History . Smart Politics . Eric . Ostermeier . May 14, 2014.
  12. Web site: Sen. Tom Carlson enters governor race. July 12, 2013. July 12, 2013. Lincoln Journal Star. Don. Walton.
  13. Web site: Foley pledges fiscally conservative governorship. September 5, 2013. September 5, 2013. Lincoln Journal Star. Don. Walton.
  14. Web site: Sen. Beau McCoy enters GOP governor race. August 23, 2013. August 24, 2013. Lincoln Journal Star. Don. Walton.
  15. Web site: Ricketts Running For Governor. September 8, 2013. September 9, 2013. WOWT. https://web.archive.org/web/20141023035242/http://www.wowt.com/news/headlines/Ricketts-Running-For-Governor-222885861.html?ref=861. October 23, 2014. dead.
  16. Web site: Bryan Slone joins the race to replace Dave Heineman. December 15, 2013. December 20, 2013. Omaha World-Herald. Henry J.. Cordes.
  17. Web site: Don Walton: Flood won't re-enter governor's race. July 7, 2013. July 8, 2013. Lincoln Journal Star. Don. Walton.
  18. Web site: Mike Flood drops bid for governor; wife ill. December 6, 2012. January 14, 2013. Omaha World-Herald. Paul. Hammel. Martha. Stoddard.
  19. Web site: State Sen. Charlie Janssen to run for governor; Clare won't run. February 18, 2013. February 18, 2013. Omaha World-Herald. David. Hendee. February 20, 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20130220235219/http://www.omaha.com/article/20130218/NEWS/130219525/1685#state-sen-charlie-janssen-to-run-for-governor-clare-won-t-run. dead.
  20. Web site: Sheehy's gubernatorial campaign shutting down. February 5, 2013. February 5, 2013. Omaha World-Herald. Paul. Hammel.
  21. Web site: Nebraska Governor's Race Quickly Taking Shape. September 9, 2013. April 24, 2014. KOLN. https://web.archive.org/web/20140424231643/http://www.1011now.com/home/headlines/Nebraska-Governors-Race-Quickly-Taking-Shape--223025811.html. April 24, 2014. dead.
  22. Web site: Fortenberry will not seek Senate seat. May 29, 2013. May 29, 2013. Lincoln Journal Star. Don. Walton.
  23. Web site: Choice of Heidemann for lieutenant governor called 'great pick'. February 14, 2013. February 18, 2013. Omaha World-Herald. Paul. Hammel.
  24. Web site: Kramer: I'm not running for Governor. February 11, 2013. July 24, 2013. Leavenworth Street.
  25. Web site: State Sen. Bob Krist opts to not run for higher office. July 23, 2013. July 24, 2013. Omaha World-Herald. Paul. Hammel.
  26. Web site: A reset in the Nebraska Senate race. May 28, 2013. May 28, 2013. The Washington Post. Sean. Sullivan.
  27. Web site: Treasurer Stenberg to run for re-election, not governor or Senate (AUDIO). https://web.archive.org/web/20131205053122/http://nebraskaradionetwork.com/2013/12/04/treasurer-stenberg-to-run-for-re-election-not-governor-or-senate-audio/. dead. December 5, 2013. December 4, 2013. December 4, 2013. Nebraska Radio Network. Brent. Martin.
  28. Web site: Hassebrook will enter 2014 governor's race. June 2, 2013. June 2, 2013. Lincoln Journal Star. Don. Walton.
  29. Web site: Dubas withdraws from 2014 Nebraska governor's race. November 25, 2013. November 25, 2013. Omaha World-Herald. Martha. Stoddard. December 2, 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20131202222452/http://www.omaha.com/article/20131125/NEWS/131129146/1685#dubas-withdraws-from-2014-nebraska-governor-s-race. dead.
  30. Web site: Mike Flood launches bid for governor's office in 2014. November 13, 2012. November 16, 2012. Omaha World-Herald. Paul. Hammel.
  31. Web site: Hassebrook receives support from Lincoln Mayor Chris Beutler, NSEA, AFL-CIO. March 26, 2014. April 24, 2014. ChuckHassebrook.com.
  32. Walton, Don (August 9, 2013). "Lathrop will not run for governor". Lincoln Journal Star. Retrieved August 9, 2013.
  33. Web site: Local attorney to run for Legislature. June 12, 2013. August 27, 2013. Star-Herald. Chabella. Guzman.
  34. http://www.omaha.com/article/20140304/NEWS/140309516/1685#statewide-election-filings "Statewide election filings".
  35. Web site: Hassebrook-Ricketts debate: Nebraska's governor candidates display stark choice voters will face. Robynn Tysver / World-Herald staff. writer. Omaha World-Herald.
  36. Web site: In their last debate before election, Nebraska governor candidates try to build contrasts. Robynn Tysver / World-Herald. Bureau. Omaha World-Herald.
  37. Web site: Nebraska Lt. Governor Lavon Heidemann Resigns Following Domestic Abuse Allegations. September 9, 2014. September 9, 2014. Associated Press. Grant. Schulte.
  38. Web site: Pete Ricketts moves quickly to pick Mike Foley as running mate, but is it fast enough to get name on ballot?. September 9, 2014. September 10, 2014. Omaha.com. Robynn Tysver.
  39. Web site: Ricketts Can Have Heidemann Removed From Ballot. September 10, 2014. September 12, 2014. ABC News. Grant Schulte.
  40. Web site: Hassebrook chooses Jane Raybould. June 30, 2014. July 31, 2014. Lincoln Journal Star. Don. Walton.
  41. Web site: Statewide Candidate List. September 3, 2014. September 10, 2014. Nebraska Secretary of State.
  42. Web site: 2014 Governor Race Ratings for November 3, 2014 . The Cook Political Report . September 3, 2018.
  43. Web site: The Crystal Ball's Final 2014 Picks . Sabato's Crystal Ball . September 3, 2018.
  44. Web site: 2014 Gubernatorial Ratings . Senate Ratings . The Rothenberg Political Report . September 3, 2018.
  45. Web site: 2014 Elections Map - 2014 Governors Races . Real Clear Politics . September 3, 2018.
  46. https://centerforpolitics.org/crystalball/the-electoral-college-maine-and-nebraskas-crucial-battleground-votes/