Stenberg running for treasurer

Republican Don Stenberg has run eight statewide campaigns in his long political career. Today, the political veteran said he was ready for his ninth.

Stenberg formally filed as a candidate for the State Treasurer’s Office today, setting the stage for a competitive GOP primary race between the widely known Stenberg and two lesser-known candidates: Tom Nesbitt and Tony Fulton.

All three candidates are Republicans. So far, no Democrat has either filed or expressed an interest in the office. Outgoing State Treasurer Shane Osborn, a Republican, is not seeking re-election.

The primary is set for May 11.

Stenberg, 61, of Gretna argued that he is the strongest candidate in the field, with both the educational and government experience to serve as state treasurer.

Stenberg is an attorney who has worked in state government for years, including 12 years as Nebraska attorney general. In addition, he has a master’s degree in business administration from Harvard University.
“In these tough economic times, we need a state treasurer who has a background in financial issues and state government management experience,” said Stenberg.

Stenberg is widely known in Republican political circles. He has run three times for U.S. Senate, losing to Republican Chuck Hagel in 1996 and Democrat Ben Nelson in 2000. He also ran for U.S. Senate in 2006, losing in the GOP primary to Omaha businessman Pete Ricketts.
Stenberg ran for lieutenant governor in 1978 and lost. He also lost his first bid for attorney general in 1986.

Stenberg has denied political speculation that he plans to use the State Treasurer’s Office as a platform to launch campaigns for U.S. Senate in 2012 or for the Governor’s Office in 2014. However, Stenberg said he would not take a pledge to serve out the entire four years as state treasurer if he is elected in November. “The only promise I’m making is if I’m elected state treasurer, I will do the job to the best of my ability for whatever time I hold the office,” said Stenberg.

Stenberg has never been a formidable fundraiser. His strength rests with his name recognition, which is considerable across the state.
He raised $17,000 last year for his state treasurer’s bid.

David Kramer, a longtime Republican who ran against Stenberg in the 2006 GOP primary for U.S. Senate, said he believes that Stenberg has to be considered the “favorite” in the race. But, he said, Fulton and Nesbitt can win if they raise enough money to mount a credible campaign. Stenberg is a known quantity in Nebraska, who enters the race with a solid base of Republican supporters, said Kramer.

Tom Nesbitt is the former head of the Nebraska State Patrol; Fulton is a state senator from Lincoln. Their task will be to persuade the “anybody-but-Don” voters to support their campaigns, said Kramer. “They have to differentiate themselves enough to overcome Don’s base,” he said.

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