The 2012 United States Senate election in Nebraska took place on November 6, 2012, concurrently with the 2012 U.S. presidential election as well as other elections to the United States Senate and House of Representatives and various state and local elections.
Incumbent Democratic U.S. senator Ben Nelson had chosen to retire instead of seeking a third term. Former U.S. senator Bob Kerrey, a Democrat, and state senator Deb Fischer, a Republican, won their respective parties' primary elections on May 15, 2012.
Fischer won the general election with 58% of the vote.
Bob Kerrey, former U.S. senator and former governor
Steven Lustgarten, video production company owner
Larry Marvin, landlord and perennial candidate
Sherman Yates
Chuck Hassebrook, University of Nebraska regent
Chris Beutler, mayor of Lincoln
Jane Kleeb, founder and director of Bold Nebraska
Scott Kleeb, businessman, Democratic nominee for the 3rd congressional district in 2006 and for the U.S. Senate in 2008
Steve Lathrop, state senator
Ben Nelson, incumbent U.S. senator
Kim Robak, former lieutenant governor
Candidates
Jon Bruning, state attorney general
Sharyn Elander
Deb Fischer, state senator
Pat Flynn, financial adviser
Don Stenberg, state treasurer, former state attorney general and nominee for the U.S. Senate in 2000
Spencer Zimmerman, truck driver and Air Force veteran
Bob Bennie, businessman
Rex Fisher, businessman
Mike Flood, speaker of the Nebraska legislature]]
Jeff Fortenberry, U.S. representative
Dave Heineman, governor
Kay Orr, former governor
Mike Simmonds, businessman
Adrian Smith, U.S. representative
Lee Terry, U.S. representative
Candidates
Bob Kerrey, (Democrat), former U.S. senator and former governor of Nebraska
Deb Fischer, (Republican), state senator
The first debate took place at the Heartland Events Center during the Nebraska State Fair at 4 p.m. Saturday, August 25, 2012. Kerrey and Fischer participated.
The second debate took place on September 28, 2012, KETV-TV, Chamber of Commerce of Greater Omaha. Kerrey and Fischer participated.
The third debate took place on October 1, 2012, NET-TV. Kerrey and Fischer participated. Topics included agriculture policy, the economy, taxes and education.
External links
Complete video at Grand Island Independent, first debate, August 25, 2012
Complete video and transcript at C-SPAN, second debate, September 28, 2012
Complete video and transcript at C-SPAN, third debate, October 1, 2012
