LINCOLN — The dean of the State Legislature, State Sen. Brad Ashford of Omaha, confirmed Thursday what many had speculated — that he's taking a close look at running for mayor of Omaha.
Ashford, a 62-year-old lawyer who recently changed his political registration to independent, said he had considered seeking the office three years ago but deferred to a friend, Hal Daub, who was defeated by Jim Suttle for the major's office.
Because of term limits, Ashford's latest stint in the Legislature will end in 2014. Omaha's city elections are next year.
"The mayor's job is an opportunity to continue to serve," he said, as well as focus on Omaha issues.
Ashford's legislative career has focused frequently on city issues. He was behind the law that helped finance the Qwest Center (now CenturyLink Center) and a proposal this year to allow Omaha and other cities to increase local sales taxes by half-cent, with voter approval, to address budget problems.
He said he would not decide whether he's a candidate until May, after the legislative session ends. His comments Thursday put him in the position of pushing some of Suttle's top priorities in the Legislature at the same time he is pondering a run against him.
Ashford pointed out that he opposed the recall of Suttle and said he could continue to work with the Democrat mayor as well as with the City Council.
Ashford, who chairs the Legislature's Judiciary Committee, was a registered Republican until December, when he switched to independent. He said the move allows him to better work with both parties and better reflects his personal politics.
Ashford has served two stints in the one-house Legislature, from 1986-94, and then was elected again in 2006, making his service the longest of any current state senator.
He is a former director of the Omaha Housing Authority and a founding member of the Metropolitan Entertainment and Convention Authority (MECA) board.
His wife, Ann, has announced as a candidate for the University of Nebraska Board of Regents. Daub, a former Omaha mayor and U.S. congressman, is running for the same seat.
Contact the writer:
402-473-9584, paul.hammel@owh.com
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