Nebraska: Gov. Ricketts’ Candidate Defeats Trump’s Contender

​The media is leading with the point that former President Donald Trump’s Nebraska gubernatorial candidate, rancher and company CEO Chuck Herbster, lost his primary battle last night to rancher and University of Nebraska Regent Jim Pillen.  The fact that eight women, including a state Senator, accused Mr. Herbster of sexual harassment long after the Trump endorsement was announced likely was the more critical factor in how the race ended. 
 
For his part, Mr. Pillen had the support of term-limited Gov. Pete Ricketts, former US Congressman and ex-University of Nebraska championship head football coach Tom Osborne, former Gov. Kay Orr, the Nebraska Farm Bureau, and Americans for Prosperity, thus demonstrating a wide range of conservative and institutional backers. 
 
Mr. Pillen defeated Mr. Herbster and Omaha state Sen. Brett Lindstrom in a close 33-30-26% result to claim the Republican nomination.  He will be a heavy favorite in November against the new Democratic nominee, Bellevue state Sen. Carol Blood.  Republican turnout was up approximately 53% when compared with the 2018 midterm election.  Democrats also increased their participation rate but only in the 6% range.