Incumbants Show Strong In State Primary

LINCOLN (AP) — Lincoln City Councilwoman Jane Raybould won the Democratic primary to try and unseat Republican Sen. Deb Fischer, a tough prospect in overwhelmingly conservative Nebraska.

Raybould, who ran unsuccessfully for lieutenant governor in 2014, helps run a Nebraska grocery store chain founded by her late father. She was the best-financed Democrat in the race.

The other Democrats were Frank Svoboda, a retired farmer, attorney and judge from Lincoln; Larry Marvin, a retired real estate broker from Fremont; and Chris Janicek, of Omaha, who owns a specialty cake business.

Fischer easily defeated four GOP primary challengers and enjoys a substantial fundraising advantage and statewide name recognition. Her primary challengers were Jack Heidel, a retired math professor from Omaha; Dennis Frank Macek, a writer and retired air conditioning technician from Lincoln; Jeffrey Lynn Stein, a professional photographer from Omaha; and Lincoln businessman Todd Watson.

Libertarian Jim Schultz ran unopposed for his party’s nomination.

GOVERNOR

Republican Gov. Pete Ricketts handily won the party’s nomination to seek a second four-year term.

He now faces state Sen. Bob Krist of Omaha, a former Republican and independent who joined the Democratic Party in February. Krist has pitched himself as a less partisan alternative to Ricketts who would work more collaboratively with the Legislature.

Ricketts ran against Krystal Gabel of Omaha, a registered Republican who has volunteered to create the Legal Marijuana Now Party of Nebraska.

Democrats Vanessa Gayle Ward, an Omaha community activist, and University of Nebraska at Omaha instructor Tyler Davis were also seeking the nomination in their first bids for public office.

3RD CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT

In the sprawling 3rd Congressional District, incumbent Rep. Adrian Smith bested three GOP challengers. The candidates were Kirk Penner, an Aurora small business executive; Larry Lee Scott Bollinger, a property manager and author from Alliance; and Arron Kowalski, a Grand Island farmer.

Democrat Paul Theobald is unopposed for his party’s nomination but will be a giant underdog in the overwhelmingly Republican district.

STATE TREASURER

Nebraska state Sen. John Murante won the Republican nomination for state treasurer and is all but certain to get the job in November.

Murante defeated Taylor Royal, a certified public accountant from Omaha. No Democrats have filed to run for the office.

Murante outraised Royal and won the endorsements of the state’s top political leaders, including Gov. Pete Ricketts, current State Treasurer Don Stenberg and former Gov. Kay Orr.

Royal, who ran unsuccessfully for Omaha mayor last year, pointed to his experience as a financial adviser and accountant as a plus for the job.