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2014 Nebraska gubernatorial election

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2014 Nebraska gubernatorial election

← 2010 November 4, 2014 (2014-11-04) 2018 →
 
Nominee Pete Ricketts Chuck Hassebrook
Party Republican Democratic
Running mate Mike Foley Jane Raybould
Popular vote 308,751 211,905
Percentage 57.15% 39.23%

County results
Ricketts:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%
Hassebrook:      40–50%      50–60%

Governor before election

Dave Heineman
Republican

Elected Governor

Pete Ricketts
Republican

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

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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.[7]

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.[8]

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.[9]

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."[10] 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.[11]

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.[12]

Candidates

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Declared

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Four serious-looking men in dark jackets
Buffalo County Republican Party candidate event in November 2013. From left to right: Charlie Janssen, Pete Ricketts, Mike Foley and Tom Carlson. Beau McCoy was not present at the event; Jon Bruning had not yet declared his candidacy.

Withdrew

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Declined

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Endorsements

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Jon Bruning
Tom Carlson

Individuals

Organizations

  • National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors[41]
Mike Foley
Beau McCoy
  • Charles Herbster, businessman[43]
Pete Ricketts
Bryan Slone

Polling

[edit]
Poll source Date(s)
administered
Sample
size
Margin of
error
Jon
Bruning
Tom
Carlson
Mike
Foley
Charlie
Janssen
Beau
McCoy
Pete
Ricketts
Bryan
Slone
Other Undecided
Magellan Strategies[51] May 8, 2014 525 ±4.28% 24% 5% 18% 16% 25% 5% 1% 6%
Harper Polling[52] February 3–4, 2014 565 ±4% 34.7% 5.3% 14.2% 5.6% 4.7% 16.2% 0.9% 18.4%

Results

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Results by county:
Ricketts
  •   Ricketts—<40%
  •   Ricketts—40–50%
Bruning
  •   Bruning—<40%
  •   Bruning—40–50%
  •   Bruning—50–60%
McCoy
  •   McCoy—<40%
  •   McCoy—40–50%
Foley
  •   Foley—<40%
  •   Foley—40–50%
Carlson
  •   Carlson—<40%
Slone
  •   Slone—<40%
Republican primary results[53]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Pete Ricketts 57,936 26.48
Republican Jon Bruning 55,761 25.49
Republican Beau McCoy 45,820 20.94
Republican Mike Foley 42,039 19.22
Republican Tom Carlson 9,036 4.13
Republican Bryan Slone 8,179 3.74
Total votes 218,771 100

Democratic primary

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Candidates

[edit]

Declared

[edit]

Withdrew

[edit]

Declined

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Endorsements

[edit]
Chuck Hassebrook

Individuals

Organizations

  • Nebraska Farmers Union[64]
  • Nebraska Fraternal Order of Police[65]
  • Omaha Police Officers Association[66]
  • Omaha Professional Fire Fighters Association, IAFF L385[67]
  • Planned Parenthood Voters of Nebraska[68]

Results

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Democratic primary results[53]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Chuck Hassebrook 64,509 100
Total votes 64,509 100

Libertarian primary

[edit]

Candidates

[edit]

Declared

[edit]

Results

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Libertarian primary results[53]
Party Candidate Votes %
Libertarian Mark G. Elworth, Jr. 396 100
Total votes 396 100

General election

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Debates

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September 1 debate

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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."[70]

October 2 debate

[edit]

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.[71]

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.[71]

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.[71]

Candidates

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

  • Running mate: Mike Foley, Nebraska Auditor of Public Accounts. Ricketts had initially selected incumbent Lieutenant Governor Lavon Heidemann as his running mate, but Heidemann resigned from office and withdrew from the election on September 9, 2014, after allegations of domestic abuse. Ricketts named Foley as his new running mate within hours and, after some initial confusion as to whether Heidemann's name would still appear on the ballot,[72][73] Secretary of State John A. Gale confirmed that the switch had been made to ensure "the accurate reflection of candidates on the ballot."[74]
  • Mark Elworth, Jr. (Libertarian)
  • Running mate: Scott Zimmerman[76]

Predictions

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Source Ranking As of
The Cook Political Report[77] Solid R November 3, 2014
Sabato's Crystal Ball[78] Safe R November 3, 2014
Rothenberg Political Report[79] Safe R November 3, 2014
Real Clear Politics[80] Likely R November 3, 2014

Polling

[edit]
Poll source Date(s)
administered
Sample
size
Margin of
error
Pete
Ricketts (R)
Chuck
Hassebrook (D)
Other Undecided
CBS News/NYT/YouGov[81] October 16–23, 2014 681 ± 5% 55% 35% 0% 11%
CBS News/NYT/YouGov[82] September 20 – October 1, 2014 721 ± 4% 55% 35% 1% 9%
CBS News/NYT/YouGov[83] August 18 – September 2, 2014 987 ± 4% 54% 34% 1% 11%
CBS News/NYT/YouGov[84] July 5–24, 2014 855 ± 4.4% 49% 41% 0% 9%
Public Policy Polling[85]1 June 11–12, 2014 902 ± 3.3% 42% 38% 8%2 13%
Rasmussen Reports[86] May 14–15, 2014 750 ± 4% 47% 40% 5% 8%
1. ^ Poll conducted on behalf of Chuck Hassebrook's campaign.
2. ^ Mark Elworth (Libertarian)

Results

[edit]
Nebraska gubernatorial election, 2014[87]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Pete Ricketts 308,751 57.15% −16.75%
Democratic Chuck Hassebrook 211,905 39.23% +13.13%
Libertarian Mark Elworth 19,001 3.52% N/A
Write-in 545 0.10% N/A
Total votes 540,202 100.0% N/A
Republican hold

Counties that flipped from Republican to Democratic

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By congressional district

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Rickets won all 3 congressional districts, including one that elected a Democrat.[88]

District Ricketts Hassebrook Representative
1st 55% 42% Jeff Fortenberry
2nd 53% 44% Lee Terry (113th Congress)
Brad Ashford (114th Congress)
3rd 65% 32% Adrian Smith

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Nebraska Governor's race results". Politico. November 7, 2014. Retrieved November 10, 2014.
  2. ^ "Sheehy says he will run for Nebraska governor in 2014". Journal Star. July 15, 2011. Retrieved August 12, 2013.
  3. ^ "Mike Flood still considering run for Nebraska governor". Omaha.com. August 8, 2012. Retrieved August 12, 2013.
  4. ^ "Mike Flood launches bid for governor's office in 2014". Omaha.com. November 12, 2012. Retrieved August 12, 2013.
  5. ^ "Mike Flood drops bid for governor; wife ill". Omaha.com. December 6, 2012. Retrieved August 12, 2013.
  6. ^ "Sheehy steps aside after phone records reveal 2,300 calls to 4 women". Omaha.com. February 4, 2013. Retrieved August 12, 2013.
  7. ^ a b Walton, Don (July 7, 2013). "Don Walton: Flood won't re-enter governor's race". Lincoln Journal Star. Retrieved July 8, 2013.
  8. ^ Robynn Tysver (August 24, 2013). "Surprises in governor's race: Herbster out; McCoy in". Omaha.com. Retrieved August 27, 2013.[permanent dead link]
  9. ^ Walton, Don. "Ricketts looks forward to changing skeptics' minds". Lincoln Journal Star. September 8, 2013. Retrieved 2015-02-10.
  10. ^ a b Tysver, Robynn (February 3, 2014). "Charlie Janssen abandons his bid for governor". Omaha World-Herald. Retrieved February 3, 2014.
  11. ^ a b Tsyver, Robynn. "Attorney General Jon Bruning to run for Nebraska governor". Omaha World-Herald. February 9, 2014. Retrieved 2015-02-10.
  12. ^ Ostermeier, Eric (May 14, 2014). "Ricketts Wins Nebraska GOP Gubernatorial Nod with Lowest Support in State History". Smart Politics.
  13. ^ Walton, Don (July 12, 2013). "Sen. Tom Carlson enters governor race". Lincoln Journal Star. Retrieved July 12, 2013.
  14. ^ Walton, Don (September 5, 2013). "Foley pledges fiscally conservative governorship". Lincoln Journal Star. Retrieved September 5, 2013.
  15. ^ a b Walton, Don (August 23, 2013). "Sen. Beau McCoy enters GOP governor race". Lincoln Journal Star. Retrieved August 24, 2013.
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  17. ^ Cordes, Henry J. (December 15, 2013). "Bryan Slone joins the race to replace Dave Heineman". Omaha World-Herald. Retrieved December 20, 2013.
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  29. ^ "Former State Senator Carroll Burling Endorses Tom Carlson for Governor of Nebraska". Tom Carlson for Governor. November 13, 2013. Archived from the original on December 13, 2013. Retrieved December 13, 2013.
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  31. ^ "Senator Al Davis Endorses Tom Carlson for Governor". Tom Carlson for Governor. October 23, 2013. Archived from the original on December 13, 2013. Retrieved December 13, 2013.
  32. ^ "Senator Tom Hansen Endorses Tom Carlson". Tom Carlson for Governor. September 27, 2013. Archived from the original on October 29, 2013. Retrieved October 11, 2013.
  33. ^ "Senator John Harms Endorses Tom Carlson". Tom Carlson for Governor. October 1, 2013. Archived from the original on October 29, 2013. Retrieved October 11, 2013.
  34. ^ "Mayor Rick Jeffery Endorses Tom Carlson". Tom Carlson for Governor. September 25, 2013. Archived from the original on October 29, 2013. Retrieved October 11, 2013.
  35. ^ "Senator Jerry Johnson endorses Tom Carlson for Governor". Tom Carlson for Governor. October 10, 2013. Archived from the original on December 24, 2013. Retrieved December 21, 2013.
  36. ^ "Former State Senator Vickie McDonald Endorses Tom Carlson for Governor". Tom Carlson for Governor. November 20, 2013. Archived from the original on December 13, 2013. Retrieved December 13, 2013.
  37. ^ "Senator John Nelson endorses Tom Carlson for Governor". Tom Carlson for Governor. October 16, 2013. Archived from the original on December 13, 2013. Retrieved December 13, 2013.
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  39. ^ "Senator Les Seiler Endorses Tom Carlson for Governor". Tom Carlson for Governor. October 3, 2013. Archived from the original on November 1, 2013. Retrieved December 21, 2013.
  40. ^ "Senator John Wightman Endorses Tom Carlson for Governor". Tom Carlson for Governor. October 8, 2013. Archived from the original on December 24, 2013. Retrieved December 21, 2013.
  41. ^ "Thank you, NAIFA, for the Endorsement". Tom Carlson for Governor. October 29, 2013. Archived from the original on December 13, 2013. Retrieved December 13, 2013.
  42. ^ Tysver, Robynn (September 6, 2013). "Rep. Jeff Fortenberry gives boost to Mike Foley's bid for governor". Omaha World-Herald. Retrieved October 11, 2013.
  43. ^ "McCoy's campaign for Neb. governor gets big boost". Associated Press. September 15, 2013. Retrieved October 11, 2013.
  44. ^ "Barrett endorses Ricketts for governor". Kearney Hub. December 5, 2013. Retrieved December 13, 2013.
  45. ^ Don Walton (May 8, 2014). "Cheney says Ricketts would be great governor". Lincoln Journal Star. Retrieved May 12, 2014.
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  47. ^ Don Walton (May 6, 2014). "Paul Ryan endorses Pete Ricketts". Lincoln Journal Star. Retrieved May 6, 2014.
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  51. ^ Magellan Strategies
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  64. ^ Walton, Don (December 9, 2013). "Farmers Union endorses Hassebrook". Lincoln Journal Star. Retrieved December 13, 2013.
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  67. ^ Mandy, Meg (October 21, 2014). "Omaha Fire Fighters endorse Hassebrook". Chuck Hassebrook for Governor. Retrieved October 24, 2014.
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  69. ^ "Statewide election filings". Omaha World-Herald. March 4, 2014. Retrieved 2014-03-04.
  70. ^ writer, Robynn Tysver / World-Herald staff (September 2, 2014). "Hassebrook-Ricketts debate: Nebraska's governor candidates display stark choice voters will face". Omaha World-Herald.
  71. ^ a b c Bureau, Robynn Tysver / World-Herald (October 2, 2014). "In their last debate before election, Nebraska governor candidates try to build contrasts". Omaha World-Herald. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  72. ^ Schulte, Grant (September 9, 2014). "Nebraska Lt. Governor Lavon Heidemann Resigns Following Domestic Abuse Allegations". HuffPost. Associated Press. Retrieved September 9, 2014.
  73. ^ Robynn Tysver (September 9, 2014). "Pete Ricketts moves quickly to pick Mike Foley as running mate, but is it fast enough to get name on ballot?". Omaha.com. Retrieved September 10, 2014.
  74. ^ Grant Schulte (September 10, 2014). "Ricketts Can Have Heidemann Removed From Ballot". ABC News. Retrieved September 12, 2014.
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  82. ^ CBS News/NYT/YouGov
  83. ^ CBS News/NYT/YouGov
  84. ^ CBS News/NYT/YouGov
  85. ^ Public Policy Polling
  86. ^ Rasmussen Reports
  87. ^ "Previous Elections". Nebraska Secretary of State. September 30, 2019. Retrieved September 30, 2019.
  88. ^ "The Electoral College: Maine and Nebraska's Crucial Battleground Votes". January 9, 2020.
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