GOP, Business Leaders Rally Around Pillen Following Lindstrom Announcement
by Lewis Thune
In the wake of former GOP state senator and congressional candidate Brett Lindstrom announcing an Independent gubernatorial bid, Governor Jim Pillen is touting his support from GOP and business leaders from around the state for his reelection bid.
The Pillen campaign drew attention to a wide array of the governor’s backers, including former Governor Dave Heineman, in statements shared with The Plains Sentinel.
“I’m supporting Governor Pillen because he supports law enforcement and he’s a strong supporter of the 2nd Amendment,” Heineman said in a statement. “He passed the largest income tax relief bill in our state’s history and he opposes any attempt to delay the full implementation of those tax cuts.”
Heineman was joined by fellow former governor and current U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts.
“Brett Lindstrom getting in doesn’t change my vote for Jim Pillen,” Ricketts said.
The entirety of Nebraska’s federal delegation agreed, including retiring Omaha Congressman Don Bacon, a frequent maverick vote in the GOP.
“Nebraskans know exactly who Jim Pillen is – he doesn’t pretend to be one thing one day and something else another,” he said. “Governor Pillen is a straight shooter who is leading Nebraska’s efforts to grow the economy, increase trade for ag and manufacturing, cut taxes for working class families, value all life, and protect our Second Amendment rights.”
Pillen also welcomed support from Omaha’s Brinker Harding — who is running for the seat Bacon will vacate — as well as multiple state senators, Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers, State Treasurer Joey Spellerberg, and pro-life leaders like Sandy Danek of Nebraska Right to Life and Nate Grasz of the Nebraska Family Alliance.
The Pillen campaign also highlighted support from business leaders.
“Governor Jim Pillen’s leadership on LB 1165 delivered the most significant economic development package Nebraska has enacted in years, positioning our state to compete for transformational investment and high-quality jobs,” Heath Mello, a Democrat and current President and CEO of the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce, said. “We are already seeing the momentum generated by this bold legislation, and its impact will continue to shape Nebraska’s economic future for years to come.”
Omaha business leader Mike Cassling, business advisor Dave Nabity, and Fremont business owner Kevin Yount have also backed Pillen.
“If you’re sick of the high taxes, the selfish business powers, and the left-wing nut cases, please support Jim,” Nabity said.
Walz Unveiled Day 1 Plan
It was not a quiet week for Pillen’s Democrat opponent either. Lynne Walz unveiled her “Commitment to Nebraska” and day 1 priorities on Wednesday and took aim at Pillen on Twitter Thursday over the state’s ongoing budgetary deficit.
Walz said in her platform release that she would be a “unifying” force if elected and promised to appoint Republicans, Democrats, and Independents to “key positions” if elected. Earlier this month, she secured the endorsement of a former GOP state senator.
Lindstrom announced last week that he would be seeking signatures to make the November ballot as an Independent candidate.
“Our state is facing a pivotal moment in terms of how we manage our budget and create opportunities for future generations and Nebraskans deserve another choice,” he said in an announcement statement. “Our immediate focus will be collecting the required signatures to be on the ballot, and once that is complete, we look forward to joining the discussion about the future of our great state.”
Walz told The Plains Sentinel last week that she had talked with Lindstrom prior to him jumping into the race.
“We’ve had conversations about him getting into the race, I was honestly a little surprised that he decided to get in the race, because we only have like 16 weeks left. So I feel it’s a little late.”
Whether Brett Lindstrom’s campaign can garner support remains to be seen, as he and his campaign have remained silent since the July 13 launch. Friday’s announcement from the Pillen campaign indicates the incumbent has a vast swath of his party’s support behind him going into the fall.
— Lewis Thune is a writing fellow with The Plains Sentinel.