All three of Nebraska's seats in the United States House of Representatives were up for election in 2010. All three incumbents are Republican, and all three ran successfully ran for re-election.
United States House of Representatives elections in Nebraska, 2010[1]
Incumbent Republican Governor Dave Heineman ran for a second full term as Governor. He handily won the Republican primary and was originally set to face Democratic nominee Mark Lakers, an investment banker, in the general election. However, Lakers dropped out of the race following a campaign finance scandal and was replaced with attorney Mike Meister.[2] Heineman defeated Meister in the general election with 74% of the vote.
Incumbent Republican Secretary of State John A. Gale ran for re-election to a third full term. He was challenged in the general election by Fremont attorney Janet Stewart,[4] whom he defeated in a landslide.
Incumbent Republican State Auditor Mike Foley ran for re-election to a second consecutive term. He faced no major-party opposition and defeated Libertarian nominee Michele Sallach-Grace in the general election by a wide margin.
Incumbent Republican State Treasurer Shane Osborn declined to seek re-election to a second term. Former Attorney General Don Stenberg won the Republican nomination to succeed him. In the general election, he faced Democratic nominee Mark Stoj, a branch manager for a credit union.[6] Stenberg won the election in a landslide.
Stenberg entered the race with high name recognition from his past service as Attorney General and several unsuccessful runs for the United States Senate. He was challenged by State Senator Tony Fulton, who emphasized the "fresh perspective" and "new energy" he would bring to the office, and former State Patrol Superintendent Tom Nesbitt, who argued that he was an experienced, non-partisan administrator.[7] Stenberg ultimately won the primary by a wide margin and advanced to the general election.
Incumbent Republican Attorney General Jon Bruning ran for re-election to a third term. He faced no opposition in the primary or general election and was re-elected uncontested.
Incumbent Public Service Commissioner Rod Johnson ran for re-election to a fourth term. He was challenged in the Republican primary by Nebraska Party founder Paul A. Rosberg[8] and Webster County Commissioner Roger L. Bohrer.[9] Johnson campaigned on his experience in dealing with the issues that the commission faces, including "E911 enhancement; continued statewide broadband deployment; affordable natural gas rates and services; and maintaining sound financial grain warehouses." Rosberg emphasized that he was "not a politician, but a Christian statesman," and stressed the importance of ensuring "that the average person gets representation as to utility bill costs." Bohrer argued that his background as a businessman and local government official positioned him as "the only true candidate in this race with the passion for the citizens of this great state."[9] Johnson ultimately won the primary by a wide margin, and advanced to the general election, where he was re-elected unopposed.
Incumbent Public Service Commissioner Jerry Vap ran for re-election to a second full term. He faced a crowded Republican primary, with five challengers running against him. Vap campaigned on his experience, pointing to his work in providing for enhanced 911 services, broadband availability, and expanding telehealth.[10] Vap won renomination with a 32% plurality and was unopposed in the general election.
Incumbent Board member Fred Meyer declined to seek re-election, and he was succeeded by Grand Island Public School Board member Lynn R. Cronk,[11] who defeated Randy P. Klawitter by a wide margin.
Incumbent Board member Kandy Imes declined to seek re-election.[11] Cindi Allen, a member of the Ogallala Public School Board,[12] and Molly O'Holleran, a member of the North Platte Public School Board,[11] ran to succeed her. Allen narrowly placed first in the nonpartisan primary, but in the general election, O'Holleran defeated her by a wide margin.
Incumbent Board member Joe Higgins declined to seek re-election.[11] Businessman John Sieler and retired teacher and administrator Dennis McIntyre ran to replace him. Though the race was formally nonpartisan, Sieler ran as a conservative with the endorsement of Republican Governor Dave Heineman.[13] McIntyre, meanwhile, won the endorsement of the Omaha World-Herald, which praised him for having a "far broader and deeper understanding" of public education issues than Sieler.[14] Ultimately, Sieler narrowly defeated McIntyre.
Incumbent Regent Bob Phares, who was appointed in 2006 following the impeachment and removal of Regent David Hergert, ran for re-election to a full term. He was challenged by Frank B. Svoboda, who had previously served as the Keith County Attorney, a district court judge, and a director of the Upper Republican Natural Resources District.[15] Svoboda placed first in the primary, but Phares ultimately defeated him with 55% of the vote.
Government
