Heineman: Farm focus key for new regent

LINCOLN (AP) — Gov. Dave Heineman says he plans to fill an open seat on the University of Nebraska Board of Regents based on the person’s views on agriculture, college affordability and the university’s role in spurring economic growth.

The new board opening has drawn the attention of abortion opponents, who want Heineman to fill the seat with a candidate who opposes embryonic stem cell research.

Heineman said Friday that the stem-cell issue is important to him as well, but he plans to focus on a broader set of factors when making his decision.

The seat was held by former state Sen. Lavon Heidemann, who resigned on Wednesday after Heineman tapped him to serve as Nebraska’s lieutenant governor.

Heineman says Heidemann will be his top adviser when deciding which applicant to pick.