The Republican primary to replace U.S. Sen. Mike Johanns in Nebraska could unfold as an open-and-shut contest or a wide-open race, depending on what Gov. Dave Heineman decides
LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - The Republican primary to replace U.S. Sen. Mike Johanns in Nebraska could unfold as an open-and-shut contest or a wide-open race, depending on what Gov. Dave Heineman decides.
GOP officials and strategists say Heineman would enter the 2014 election as a heavy favorite if he chooses to run for the seat. Conversely, party officials say a decision by Heineman not to run would unleash a flurry of candidates with no immediate frontrunner.
Johanns announced Monday that he would not seek re-election in 2014. Heineman has said he is considering a run for the seat, but he has not decided one way or the other.
Heineman, the state's longest-serving governor, has enjoyed consistent approval ratings above 60 percent in polls. He was twice elected governor with more than 70 percent support.
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
