Sen. Johanns Makes Surprise Announcement

First term Nebraska Sen. Mike Johanns (R) announced that he will not seek re-election next year. Johanns, a former U.S. Agriculture Secretary, two-term Nebraska Governor, Mayor, and county commissioner was elected to the Senate in 2008, defeating rancher Scott Kleeb 58 to 40 percent. He appeared to be a lock for a second term, but says he and his wife desire to return to "a quieter life" after what will be 32 years in public office. The seat should easily remain in Republican hands as Democrats have a weak political bench in the Cornhusker State. With their best possible candidate, former Sen. Bob Kerrey, losing badly to freshman Sen. Deb Fischer (42 to 58 percent) last November, in what was a clear Democratic year nationally, the party leaders and candidates will have a difficult time reaching the realm of competitiveness in 2014. On the Republican side, the early speculation surrounds popular term-limited Gov. Dave Heineman. He would be the party's strongest candidate should he choose to run. If the Governor takes a pass on the race, then look for one or more of the state's three Congressmen to take the leap. Reps. Jeff Fortenberry (R-Neb.-1) and Adrian Smith (R-Neb.-3) are more likely to run than 2nd District Rep. Lee Terry (R). Mr. Terry, just appointed chairman of the House Subcommittee (of Energy & Commerce) on Commerce, Manufacturing, & Trade, may not want to forfeit his strong path on an exclusive committee for a run at statewide office. If Terry does decide to run, however, he might be the most formidable of the Nebraska Congressmen, as he represents the Omaha seat and is already well known in the state's most dominant media market. In terms of other potential candidates, state Treasurer Don Stenberg (R), who has lost four other statewide campaigns, is quoted as saying he is considering running. Other statewide officials are currently either running for re-election or looking at the open Governor's race. For more information, please contact David Ashinoff at (202) 547-5013 or ashinoffd@agc.org.