November 4, 2008 (2008-11-04) 2010 → 3 0 65.84% 34.16% | 3 0 510,513 264,885 Date 4 November 2008 | |
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The 2008 congressional elections in Nebraska were held on November 4, 2008 to determine who would represent the state of Nebraska in the United States House of Representatives, coinciding with the presidential and senatorial elections. Representatives are elected for two-year terms; those elected will serve in the 111th Congress from January 3, 2009 until January 3, 2011.
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Nebraska has three seats in the House, apportioned according to the 2000 United States Census. Its 2007-2008 congressional delegation consisted of three Republicans. No district changed hands, although CQ Politics had forecasted district 2 to be at some risk for the incumbent party.
The party primary elections were held May 13.
District 1
This district encompasses most of the eastern quarter of the state. Republican incumbent Jeff Fortenberry (campaign website) won against Democratic nominee Max Yashirin (campaign website). CQ Politics forecasted the race as 'Safe Republican'.
District 2
This district encompasses the core of the Omaha metropolitan area. Republican incumbent Lee Terry won against Democratic nominee Jim Esch, an Omaha businessman. CQ Politics forecasts the race as 'Leans Republican'. The Cook Political Report ranks it 'Republican Toss Up'. The Rothenberg Political Report rates it 'Toss-Up/Tilt Democratic'.
In 1999, then freshman incumbent Republican Lee Terry announced that he would break the term-limits pledge he made in his 1998 campaign. This garnered some bad press, but he won three more terms with little trouble. However, in 2006, he won by 55% to 45%, much less than expected in a solidly Republican district. His Democratic opponent in that race, Jim Esch, faced him again in 2008.
Lee Terry (R) - Incumbent (campaign website) Jim Esch (D) (campaign website)District 3
This district encompasses the western three-fourths of the state. Republican incumbent Adrian Smith (campaign website) won against Democratic nominee Jay C. Stoddard (campaign website). CQ Politics forecasts the race as 'Safe Republican'.