2012 United States Senate election in Nebraska

* * *

| <- 2006 | November 6, 2012 | 2018 ->

|
|

|  |  |

|
|

Nominee  | Deb Fischer | Bob Kerrey |
Party  | Republican | Democratic
Popular vote  | 455,593 | 332,979
Percentage  | 57.77% | 42.23%

* * *

County results

Congressional district results

Fischer: 50–60% 60–70% 70–80% 80–90%
Kerrey: 50–60%

* * *

| U.S. senator before election

Ben Nelson
Democratic

| Elected U.S. Senator

Deb Fischer
Republican

|

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* e

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 senator Ben Nelson chose to retire instead of seeking a third term.[1] Democrat Bob Kerrey, who held this seat from 1989 to 2001, and Republican state senator Deb Fischer won their respective parties' primary elections on May 15, 2012.

Fischer won the general election with 57.8% of the vote. Her election marked the first time since 1970 that a Republican was elected to Nebraska's Class 1 Senate seat, as well as the first time that a woman was elected to a full Senate term in the state's history. This was the only Republican flip of the 2012 U.S. Senate elections. Fischer's inauguration marked the first time since the resignation of Roman Hruska in 1976 where Republicans held both Senate seats from Nebraska.

## Democratic primary

[edit]

### Candidates

[edit]

#### Declared

[edit]

* Bob Kerrey, former U.S. Senator and former governor of Nebraska[2]
* Steven Lustgarten, video production company owner[3]
* Larry Marvin, landlord and perennial candidate[4]
* Sherman Yates[4]

#### Withdrew

[edit]

* Chuck Hassebrook, Regent of the University of Nebraska[5]

#### Declined

[edit]

* Chris Beutler, Mayor of Lincoln[6]
* Jane Kleeb, founder and director of Bold Nebraska[7]
* Scott Kleeb, businessman, Democratic nominee for the 3rd congressional district in 2006 and for the U.S. Senate in 2008[7]
* Steve Lathrop, state senator[8]
* Ben Nelson, incumbent U.S. senator[9]
* Kim Robak, former lieutenant governor[10]

### Endorsements

[edit]

Bob Kerrey

U.S. Senators

* Warren Rudman, former U.S. Senator from New Hampshire (Republican)[11]

Individuals

* David Koechner, actor[12]

### Results

[edit]

Democratic primary results[13] Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Democratic | Bob Kerrey  | 66,586  | 80.98%
| Democratic | Chuck Hassebrook  | 9,886  | 12.02%
| Democratic | Steven P. Lustgarten  | 2,177  | 2.65%
| Democratic | Larry Marvin  | 2,076  | 2.52%
| Democratic | Sherman Yates  | 1,500  | 1.82%
Total votes  | 82,225  | 100.00%

## Republican primary

[edit]

### Candidates

[edit]

* Jon Bruning, Attorney General of Nebraska[14]
* Sharyn Elander[4]
* Deb Fischer, state senator[15]
* Pat Flynn, financial adviser[16]
* Don Stenberg, treasurer of Nebraska, former attorney general of Nebraska and nominee for the U.S. Senate in 2000[17]
* Spencer Zimmerman, truck driver and Air Force veteran[4][18]

#### Declined

[edit]

* Bob Bennie, businessman[19]
* Rex Fisher, businessman[19]
* Mike Flood, speaker of the Nebraska Legislature[20]
* Jeff Fortenberry, U.S. representative[21]
* Dave Heineman, Governor of Nebraska[22]
* Kay Orr, former governor of Nebraska[23]
* Mike Simmonds, businessman[24]
* Adrian Smith, U.S. Representative[25]
* Lee Terry, U.S. Representative[26]

### Polling

[edit]

Poll source  | Date(s)
administered  | Sample
size  | Margin of
error  | Jon
Bruning  | Sharyn
Elander  | Deb
Fischer  | Pat
Flynn  | Don
Stenberg  | Spencer
Zimmerman  | Undecided

|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|

Public Policy Polling[27] | January 26–27, 2011  | 519  | ±4.3%  | 47% | –  | 6%  | 7%  | 19%  | –  | 20%
Public Policy Polling[28] | September 30 – October 2, 2011  | 400  | ±4.9%  | 37% | –  | 14%  | 6%  | 16%  | –  | 27%
Public Policy Polling[29] | March 22–25, 2012  | 440  | ±4.7%  | 46% | 3%  | 12%  | 4%  | 18%  | 0%  | 18%
We Ask America[30] | May 6, 2012  | 1,173  | ±2.9%  | 42.2% | 3.4%  | 25.9%  | 4%  | 22.5%  | 2%  | –
We Ask America[31] | May 13, 2012  | 1,109  | ±2.95%  | 34%  | 4%  | 39% | 3%  | 18%  | 2%  | –
Public Policy Polling[32] | May 14, 2012  | 272  | ±5.9%  | 33%  | 1%  | 37% | 2%  | 17%  | 1%  | 7%

### Endorsements

[edit]

Jon Bruning

* Mike Huckabee, former Governor of Arkansas[33][34]
* Rick Santorum, former U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania[33]
* Mike Flood, Speaker of the Nebraska Legislature[33][35]
* Joe Arpaio, Sheriff of Maricopa County, Arizona[33][36]
* Bill Schuette, Attorney General of Michigan[37]
* Tea Party Express[33][38]
* American Future Fund[39]
* United States Chamber of Commerce[33]
* Nebraska Right to Life[33]
* Nebraska Fraternal Order of Police[33]

Deb Fischer

* Jeff Fortenberry, U.S. Representative for Nebraska's 1st congressional district[40]
* Sarah Palin, former governor of Alaska and 2008 Republican vice presidential nominee[41]
* Todd Palin, Sarah Palin's husband[41]
* Herman Cain, former presidential candidate
* Nebraska Right to Life[42]
* Kay Orr, former Governor of Nebraska
* Joe Ricketts, businessman, owner of the Chicago Cubs

Don Stenberg

* Jim DeMint, U.S. Senator from South Carolina[43][44]
* Mike Lee, U.S. Senator from Utah[43][45]
* Rand Paul, U.S. Senator from Kentucky[43]
* Ken Blackwell, former Secretary of State of Ohio[43][46]
* Edwin Meese, former U.S. Attorney general[43]
* Mark Levin, radio talk show host[43][47]
* Erick Erickson, managing editor of RedState[43]
* FreedomWorks[43][48]
* Club for Growth[43]
* Family Research Council[43]
* Eagle Forum[43]
* Nebraska Right to Life[43]
* Nebraskans United for Life[43]
* Republican National Coalition for Life[43]
* Gun Owners of America[43]

### Results

[edit]

Results by county:

Fischer

* 30–40%

* 40–50%

* 50–60%

* 60–70%

* 70–80%

Bruning

* 30–40%

* 40–50%

* 60–70%

Flynn

* 30–40%

Republican primary results[13] Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Republican | Deb Fischer  | 79,941  | 40.99%
| Republican | Jon Bruning  | 70,067  | 35.92%
| Republican | Don Stenberg  | 36,727  | 18.83%
| Republican | Pat Flynn  | 5,413  | 2.78%
| Republican | Spencer Zimmerman  | 1,601  | 0.82%
| Republican | Sharyn Elander  | 1,294  | 0.66%
Total votes  | 195,043  | 100.00%

## General election

[edit]

### Candidates

[edit]

* Bob Kerrey, (Democrat), former U.S. senator and former governor of Nebraska
* Deb Fischer, (Republican), state senator

### Debates

[edit]

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 of debate, September 28, 2012 - C-SPAN
* Complete video of debate, October 1, 2012 - C-SPAN

### Fundraising

[edit]

Candidate (party)  | Receipts  | Disbursements  | Cash on hand  | Debt

|
|
|
|

Bob Kerrey (D)  | $4,877,704  | $4,582,224  | $295,480  | $0
Deb Fischer (R)  | $4,536,837  | $3,472,721  | $1,458,122  | $65,000
Source: Federal Election Commission[49][50][51]

#### Top contributors

[edit]

[52]

Bob Kerrey  | Contribution  | Deb Fischer  | Contribution

|
|
|

Rural Media Group | $62,500  | Elliott Management Corporation | $29,413
MacAndrews & Forbes | $51,000  | Hawkins Construction  | $20,000
Tenet Healthcare | $25,650  | Kelly PAC  | $20,000
Nix, Patterson & Roach  | $25,000  | Tenaska Energy  | $17,500
Allen & Company | $22,500  | Werner Enterprises | $15,250
Kirkland & Ellis | $21,500  | T&L Irrigation  | $13,200
Level 3 Communications | $17,000  | Union Pacific | $11,500
Genworth Financial | $16,000  | Pinnacle Financial Partners | $10,500
Williams Kherkher  | $16,000  | 21st Century Majority Fund  | $10,000
Bank of America | $15,250  | AG Processing  | $10,000

#### Top industries

[edit]

[53]

Bob Kerrey  | Contribution  | Deb Fischer  | Contribution

|
|
|

Lawyers/Law Firms | $293,434  | Leadership PACs | $165,500
Retired  | $219,224  | Retired  | $124,546
Leadership PACs  | $203,500  | Agribusiness | $105,052
Financial Institutions | $182,150  | Commercial Banks | $54,990
Entertainment Industry  | $119,000  | Financial Institutions  | $54,416
Lobbyists | $104,400  | General Contractors  | $54,300
Real Estate | $87,675  | Real Estate  | $38,000
Manufacturing & Distributing  | $61,700  | Insurance | $36,000
Education  | $53,000  | Health Professionals | $31,850
Insurance  | $51,500  | Electric Utilities | $29,900

### Predictions

[edit]

Source  | Ranking  | As of

|
|

The Cook Political Report[54] | Lean R (flip) | November 1, 2012
Sabato's Crystal Ball[55] | Likely R (flip) | November 5, 2012
Rothenberg Political Report[56] | Likely R (flip) | November 2, 2012
Real Clear Politics[57] | Lean R (flip) | November 5, 2012

### Polling

[edit]

Poll source  | Date(s)
administered | Sample
size | Margin of
error | Bob
Kerrey (D)  | Deb
Fischer (R)  | Other  | Undecided

|
|
|
|
|
|
|

Rasmussen Reports[58] | March 5, 2012  | 500  | ±4.5%  | 34%  | 46% | 10%  | 10%
Public Policy Polling[29] | March 22–25, 2012  | 1,028  | ±3.1%  | 38%  | 48% | —  | 14%
Rasmussen Reports[59] | May 16, 2012  | 500  | ±4.5%  | 38%  | 56% | 2%  | 3%
WeAskAmerica[60] | August 14, 2012  | 1,273  | ±2.8%  | 34%  | 55% | —  | 11%
Omaha World-Herald[61] | September 17–20, 2012  | 800  | ±3.5%  | 42%  | 52% | —  | 6%
Pharos Research[62] | October 19–21, 2012  | 783  | ±3.5%  | 46%  | 48% | —  | 6%
Omaha World-Herald[63] | October 23–25, 2012  | 800  | ±3.5%  | 45%  | 48% | —  | 7%
We Ask America[64] | November 1, 2012  | 1,178  | ±3.0%  | 41%  | 54% | —  | 5%

Hypothetical polling

With Kerrey

Poll source  | Date(s)
administered | Sample
size | Margin of
error | Bob
Kerrey (D)  | Jon
Bruning (R)  | Other  | Undecided

|
|
|
|
|
|
|

Magellan Strategies[65] | January 10–11, 2012  | 675  | ±3.77%  | 40%  | 51% | –  | 9%
Rasmussen Reports[58] | March 5, 2012  | 500  | ±4.5%  | 33%  | 55% | 4%  | 7%
Public Policy Polling[29] | March 22–25, 2012  | 1,028  | ±3.1%  | 37%  | 54% | –  | 9%
Poll source  | Date(s)
administered | Sample
size | Margin of
error | Bob
Kerrey (D)  | Don
Stenberg (R)  | Other  | Undecided

|
|
|
|
|
|
|

Magellan Strategies[65] | January 10–11, 2012  | 675  | ±3.77%  | 39%  | 47% | –  | 14%
Rasmussen Reports[58] | March 5, 2012  | 500  | ±4.5%  | 34%  | 52% | 5%  | 9%
Public Policy Polling[29] | March 22–25, 2012  | 1,028  | ±3.1%  | 38%  | 52% | –  | 10%

With Lathrop

Poll source  | Date(s)
administered | Sample
size | Margin of
error | Steve
Lathrop (D)  | Jon
Bruning (R)  | Other  | Undecided

|
|
|
|
|
|
|

Magellan Strategies[65] | January 10–11, 2012  | 675  | ±3.77%  | 29%  | 52% | –  | 19%
Poll source  | Date(s)
administered | Sample
size | Margin of
error | Steve
Lathrop (D)  | Don
Stenberg (R)  | Other  | Undecided

|
|
|
|
|
|
|

Magellan Strategies[65] | January 10–11, 2012  | 675  | ±3.77%  | 27%  | 52% | –  | 21%

With Nelson

Poll source  | Date(s)
administered | Sample
size | Margin of
error | Ben
Nelson (D)  | Jon
Bruning (R)  | Other  | Undecided

|
|
|
|
|
|
|

Magellan Strategies[66] | December 15, 2010  | 1,789  | ±2.3%  | 38%  | 52% | ––  | 10%
Public Policy Polling[67] | January 26–27, 2011  | 977  | ±3.1%  | 39%  | 50% | ––  | 11%
Public Policy Polling[68] | September 30 – October 2, 2011  | 739  | ±3.6%  | 42%  | 46% | ––  | 12%
Magellan Strategies[69] | November 20–21, 2011  | 645  | ±3.9%  | 39%  | 45% | ––  | 16%
Poll source  | Date(s)
administered | Sample
size | Margin of
error | Ben
Nelson (D)  | Deb
Fischer (R)  | Other  | Undecided

|
|
|
|
|
|
|

Public Policy Polling[67] | January 26–27, 2011  | 977  | ±3.1%  | 42% | 35%  | ––  | 22%
Public Policy Polling[68] | September 30 – October 2, 2011  | 739  | ±3.6%  | 41% | 39%  | ––  | 20%
Magellan Strategies[69] | November 20–21, 2011  | 645  | ±3.9%  | 41% | 35%  | ––  | 24%
Poll source  | Date(s)
administered | Sample
size | Margin of
error | Ben
Nelson (D)  | Pat
Flynn (R)  | Other  | Undecided

|
|
|
|
|
|
|

Public Policy Polling[67] | January 26–27, 2011  | 977  | ±3.1%  | 42% | 33%  | ––  | 24%
Public Policy Polling[68] | September 30 – October 2, 2011  | 739  | ±3.6%  | 43% | 36%  | ––  | 21%
Poll source  | Date(s)
administered | Sample
size | Margin of
error | Ben
Nelson (D)  | Dave
Heineman (R)  | Other  | Undecided

|
|
|
|
|
|
|

Magellan Strategies[69] | November 20–21, 2011  | 645  | ±3.9%  | 33%  | 51% | ––  | 16%
Poll source  | Date(s)
administered | Sample
size | Margin of
error | Ben
Nelson (D)  | Don
Stenberg (R)  | Other  | Undecided

|
|
|
|
|
|
|

Magellan Strategies[66] | December 15, 2010  | 1,789  | ±2.3%  | 40%  | 46% | ––  | 14%
Public Policy Polling[67] | January 26–27, 2011  | 977  | ±3.1%  | 41%  | 45% | ––  | 14%
Public Policy Polling[68] | September 30 – October 2, 2011  | 739  | ±3.6%  | 41%  | 44% | ––  | 15%
Magellan Strategies[69] | November 20–21, 2011  | 645  | ±3.9%  | 40%  | 41% | ––  | 19%

With Robak

Poll source  | Date(s)
administered | Sample
size | Margin of
error | Kim
Robak (D)  | Jon
Bruning (R)  | Other  | Undecided

|
|
|
|
|
|
|

Magellan Strategies[65] | January 10–11, 2012  | 675  | ±3.77%  | 34%  | 51% | –  | 15%
Poll source  | Date(s)
administered | Sample
size | Margin of
error | Kim
Robak (D)  | Don
Stenberg (R)  | Other  | Undecided

|
|
|
|
|
|
|

Magellan Strategies[65] | January 10–11, 2012  | 675  | ±3.77%  | 32%  | 50% | –  | 18%

### Results

[edit]

2012 United States Senate election in Nebraska[70] Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %  | ±%

|
|
|
|

| Republican | Deb Fischer | 455,593  | 57.77%  | +21.65%
| Democratic | Bob Kerrey | 332,979  | 42.23%  | −21.65%
Majority  | 122,614  | 15.54%  | −12.22%
Total votes  | 788,572  | 100.00%  |
| Republican gain from Democratic

#### By county

[edit]

From Secretary of State of Nebraska[71]

County  | Deb Fischer

Republican

| Bob Kerrey

Democratic

| Total
votes

|
|
|

%  | #  | %  | #
Adams | 64.65% | 8,170  | 35.35% | 4,468  | 12,638
Antelope | 81.32% | 2,625  | 18.68% | 603  | 3,228
Arthur | 86.74% | 229  | 13.26% | 35  | 264
Banner | 84.91% | 349  | 15.09% | 62  | 411
Blaine | 89.23% | 265  | 10.77% | 32  | 297
Boone | 76.31% | 2,139  | 23.69% | 664  | 2,803
Box Butte | 60.41% | 2,838  | 39.59% | 1,860  | 4,698
Boyd | 80.36% | 851  | 19.64% | 208  | 1,059
Brown | 86.80% | 1,342  | 13.20% | 204  | 1,546
Buffalo | 70.01% | 13,491  | 29.99% | 5,779  | 19,270
Burt | 59.55% | 1,977  | 40.45% | 1,343  | 3,320
Butler | 68.86% | 2,642  | 31.14% | 1,195  | 3,837
Cass | 59.25% | 7,153  | 40.75% | 4,919  | 12,072
Cedar | 70.31% | 3,041  | 29.69% | 1,284  | 4,325
Chase | 83.57% | 1,546  | 16.43% | 304  | 1,850
Cherry | 77.91% | 2,328  | 22.09% | 660  | 2,988
Cheyenne | 72.54% | 3,344  | 27.46% | 1,266  | 4,610
Clay | 74.52% | 2,194  | 25.48% | 750  | 2,944
Colfax | 65.23% | 1,992  | 34.77% | 1,062  | 3,054
Cuming | 73.00% | 2,893  | 27.00% | 1,070  | 3,963
Custer | 80.78% | 4,439  | 19.22% | 1,056  | 5,495
Dakota | 45.63% | 2,770  | 54.37% | 3,300  | 6,070
Dawes | 64.86% | 2,405  | 35.14% | 1,303  | 3,708
Dawson | 69.54% | 5,422  | 30.46% | 2,375  | 7,797
Deuel | 75.00% | 762  | 25.00% | 254  | 1,016
Dixon | 60.22% | 1,618  | 39.78% | 1,069  | 2,687
Dodge | 59.30% | 8,823  | 40.70% | 6,056  | 14,879
Douglas | 48.25% | 106,951  | 51.75% | 114,700  | 221,651
Dundy | 78.35% | 767  | 21.65% | 212  | 979
Fillmore | 67.18% | 1,918  | 32.82% | 937  | 2,855
Franklin | 72.59% | 1,107  | 27.41% | 418  | 1,525
Frontier | 77.12% | 1,008  | 22.88% | 299  | 1,307
Furnas | 77.43% | 1,729  | 22.57% | 504  | 2,233
Gage | 53.74% | 5,172  | 46.26% | 4,452  | 9,624
Garden | 75.76% | 819  | 24.24% | 262  | 1,081
Garfield | 81.99% | 774  | 18.01% | 170  | 944
Gosper | 75.31% | 738  | 24.69% | 242  | 980
Grant | 83.52% | 299  | 16.48% | 59  | 358
Greeley | 69.61% | 827  | 30.39% | 361  | 1,188
Hall | 61.32% | 12,350  | 38.68% | 7,790  | 20,140
Hamilton | 72.27% | 3,498  | 27.73% | 1,342  | 4,840
Harlan | 75.64% | 1329  | 24.36% | 428  | 1,757
Hayes | 83.49% | 445  | 16.51% | 88  | 533
Hitchcock | 74.98% | 1,112  | 25.02% | 371  | 1,483
Holt | 79.17% | 3,896  | 20.83% | 1,025  | 4,921
Hooker | 82.84% | 333  | 17.16% | 69  | 402
Howard | 67.69% | 1,940  | 32.31% | 926  | 2,866
Jefferson | 60.04% | 2,052  | 39.96% | 1,366  | 3,418
Johnson | 55.76% | 1,147  | 44.24% | 910  | 2,057
Kearney | 74.08% | 2,343  | 25.92% | 820  | 3,163
Keith | 73.76% | 2,988  | 26.24% | 1,063  | 4,051
Keya Paha | 84.62% | 407  | 15.38% | 74  | 481
Kimball | 73.39% | 1,233  | 26.61% | 447  | 1,680
Knox | 71.52% | 2,880  | 28.48% | 1,147  | 4,027
Lancaster | 46.15% | 58,306  | 53.85% | 68,046  | 126,352
Lincoln | 66.00% | 10,285  | 34.00% | 5,298  | 15,583
Logan | 82.45% | 357  | 17.55% | 76  | 433
Loup | 78.71% | 281  | 21.29% | 76  | 357
Madison | 72.92% | 10,089  | 27.08% | 3,746  | 13,835
McPherson | 86.35% | 253  | 13.65% | 40  | 293
Merrick | 71.44% | 2,491  | 28.56% | 996  | 3,487
Morrill | 76.24% | 1,675  | 23.76% | 522  | 2,197
Nance | 66.42% | 1,068  | 33.58% | 540  | 1,608
Nemaha | 59.09% | 1,901  | 40.91% | 1,316  | 3,217
Nuckolls | 70.21% | 1,532  | 29.79% | 650  | 2,182
Otoe | 58.58% | 4,067  | 41.42% | 2,876  | 6,943
Pawnee | 64.11% | 861  | 35.89% | 482  | 1,343
Perkins | 78.60% | 1,091  | 21.40% | 297  | 1,388
Phelps | 77.00% | 3,368  | 23.00% | 1,006  | 4,374
Pierce | 79.55% | 2,716  | 20.45% | 698  | 3,414
Platte | 73.13% | 9,801  | 26.87% | 3,601  | 13,402
Polk | 74.65% | 1,820  | 25.35% | 618  | 2,438
Red Willow | 75.25% | 3,692  | 24.75% | 1,214  | 4,906
Richardson | 62.08% | 2,312  | 37.92% | 1,412  | 3,724
Rock | 86.90% | 683  | 13.10% | 103  | 786
Saline | 48.30% | 2,387  | 51.70% | 2,555  | 4,942
Sarpy | 57.56% | 40,682  | 42.44% | 29,996  | 70,678
Saunders | 63.72% | 6,547  | 36.28% | 3,728  | 10,275
Scotts Bluff | 64.96% | 9,299  | 35.04% | 5,017  | 14,316
Seward | 63.18% | 4,764  | 36.82% | 2,776  | 7,540
Sheridan | 80.24% | 1,986  | 19.76% | 489  | 2,475
Sherman | 63.20% | 960  | 36.80% | 559  | 1,519
Sioux | 82.76% | 605  | 17.24% | 126  | 731
Stanton | 74.99% | 1,979  | 25.01% | 660  | 2,639
Thayer | 65.79% | 1,742  | 34.21% | 906  | 2,648
Thomas | 85.23% | 352  | 14.77% | 61  | 413
Thurston | 40.38% | 900  | 59.62% | 1,329  | 2,229
Valley | 72.91% | 1,599  | 27.09% | 594  | 2,193
Washington | 65.52% | 6,660  | 34.48% | 3,505  | 10,165
Wayne | 67.56% | 2,484  | 32.44% | 1,193  | 3,677
Webster | 69.66% | 1,203  | 30.34% | 524  | 1,727
Wheeler | 79.78% | 359  | 20.22% | 91  | 450
York | 74.78% | 4,726  | 25.22% | 1,594  | 6,320

Counties that flipped from Democratic to Republican

* Burt (largest village: Tekamah)
* Adams (largest city: Hastings)
* Antelope (largest city: Neligh)
* Box Butte (largest city: Alliance)
* Boyd (largest city: Spencer)
* Brown (largest city: Ainsworth)
* Buffalo (largest city: Kearney)
* Butler (largest city: David City)
* Cass (largest city: Plattsmouth)
* Cherry (largest city: Valentine)
* Clay (largest city: Sutton)
* Colfax (largest city: Schuyler)
* Cuming (largest city: West Point)
* Cedar (largest city: Hartington)
* Custer (largest city: Broken Bow)
* Dixon (largest city: Wakefield)
* Dawes (largest city: Chadron)
* Dawson (largest city: Lexington)
* Dodge (largest city: Fremont)
* Dundy (largest city: Benkelman)
* Frontier (largest city: Curtis)
* Furnas (largest city: Cambridge)
* Garfield (largest city: Burwell)
* Gosper (largest city: Elwood)
* Grant (largest city: Hyannis)
* Hall (largest city: Grand Island)
* Hamilton (largest city: Aurora)
* Harlan (largest city: Alma)
* Hayes (largest city: Palisade)
* Hitchcock (largest city: Culbertson)
* Holt (largest city: O'Neill)
* Hooker (largest city: Mullen)
* Kearney (largest city: Minden)
* Keya Paha (largest city: Springview)
* Knox (largest city: Creighton)
* Lincoln (largest city: North Platte)
* Logan (largest city: Stapleton)
* Loup (largest city: Taylor)
* Madison (largest city: Norfolk)
* Merrick (largest city: Central City)
* Nemaha (largest city: Auburn)
* Otoe (largest city: Nebraska City)
* Nance (largest city: Fullerton)
* Boone (largest city: Albion)
* Greeley (largest city: Spalding)
* Howard (largest city: St. Paul)
* Sherman (largest city: Loup City)
* Fillmore (largest city: Geneva)
* Gage (largest city: Beatrice)
* Jefferson (largest city: Fairbury)
* Johnson (largest city: Tecumseh)
* Pawnee (largest city: Pawnee City)
* Perkins (largest city: Grant)
* Phelps (largest city: Holdrege)
* Pierce (largest city: Pierce)
* Platte (largest city: Columbus)
* Polk (largest city: Stromsburg)
* Red Willow (largest city: McCook)
* Richardson (largest city: Falls City)
* Rock (largest city: Bassett)
* Sarpy (largest city: Bellevue)
* Saunders (largest city: Wahoo)
* Scotts Bluff (largest city: Scottsbluff)
* Seward (largest city: Seward)
* Stanton (largest city: Stanton)
* Thayer (largest city: Hebron)
* Thomas (largest city: Thedford)
* Valley (largest city: Ord)
* Washington (largest city: Blair)
* Wayne (largest city: Wayne)
* Webster (largest city: Red Cloud)
* Nuckolls (largest city: Superior)
* Franklin (largest city: Franklin)
* Wheeler (largest city: Bartlett)
* York (largest city: York)

#### By congressional district

[edit]

Fischer won all 3 congressional districts.[72]

District  | Fischer  | Kerrey  | Representative

|
|
|

1st | 55.01% | 44.99%  | Jeff Fortenberry
2nd | 50.06% | 49.94%  | Lee Terry
3rd | 68.48% | 31.52%  | Adrian Smith

## See also

[edit]

* 2012 United States Senate elections
* 2012 United States House of Representatives elections in Nebraska

## References

[edit]

1. ^ "Ben Nelson retiring from Senate". Politico. December 27, 2011.
2. ^ "Bob Kerrey will run for U.S. Senate". Omaha World-Herald. February 29, 2012. Archived from the original on March 3, 2012. Retrieved February 29, 2012.
3. ^ "Omahan files as Democratic Senate candidate". Lincoln Journal Star. January 23, 2012. Retrieved February 15, 2012.
4. ^ a b c d Scalora, Christine (May 6, 2012). "Alternative candidates: Issues drew them to Senate race". North Platte Bulletin. Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved May 7, 2012.
5. ^ "Nebraska: Democratic Field Clears for Bob Kerrey | At the Races". Archived from the original on March 11, 2012. Retrieved March 8, 2012.
6. ^ Star, DON WALTON / Lincoln Journal (December 29, 2011). "Beutler brushes off Senate speculation; Nelson staff mulls campaign funds". JournalStar.com.
7. ^ a b Shefte, Jordan (December 28, 2011). "Jane Kleeb comments on Senator Nelson's retirement". KHAS-TV. Archived from the original on May 11, 2012. Retrieved December 29, 2011.
8. ^ Sullivan, Sean (February 13, 2012). "Lathrop Won't Run for Ben Nelson's Seat". National Journal. Archived from the original on October 19, 2012. Retrieved February 13, 2012.
9. ^ Bresnahan, John (December 27, 2011). "Ben Nelson: 'It's time to move on'". POLITICO.
10. ^ "Robak out of Senate race, too - Omaha.com". Archived from the original on September 5, 2012. Retrieved February 1, 2023.
11. ^ "Our Campaigns - NE US Senate Race - Nov 06, 2012". www.ourcampaigns.com.
12. ^ Morton, Joseph (November 2, 2012). "Todd Packer finally picks a side in Nebraska Senate race". Omaha World Herald.
13. ^ a b Gale, John A. (2012). Official Report of the State Board of Canvassers of the State of Nebraska, Primary Election, May 15, 2012 (PDF).
14. ^ Tysver, Robynn (January 5, 2011). "Bruning makes Senate bid official". Omaha World-Herald. Archived from the original on January 13, 2011. Retrieved January 5, 2011.
15. ^ "Fischer kicks off U.S. Senate bid - Omaha.com". Archived from the original on August 6, 2012. Retrieved February 1, 2023.
16. ^ Walton, Don (November 19, 2010). "Pat Flynn launches GOP Senate campaign". Lincoln Journal Star. Retrieved November 22, 2010.
17. ^ "Nebraska Treasurer to Enter GOP Senate Primary". Roll Call. February 28, 2011.
18. ^ Walton, Don (June 18, 2011). "Republican Senate field becoming crowded". Lincoln Journal Star. Retrieved June 18, 2011.
19. ^ a b Tysver, Robynn (December 15, 2010). "More Republicans eyeing Senate?". Omaha World-Herald. Archived from the original on April 30, 2011. Retrieved December 15, 2010.
20. ^ Warneke, Kent (November 9, 2010). "Senate race doesn't interest Flood". Omaha World-Herald. Archived from the original on November 11, 2010. Retrieved November 19, 2010.
21. ^ Walton, Don (January 9, 2012). "Fortenberry won't seek Senate seat". Lincoln Journal Star. Retrieved January 9, 2012.
22. ^ Paul HammelWORLD-HERALD BUREAU. "Heineman: No Senate bid in 2012". Omaha.com. Archived from the original on June 16, 2011. Retrieved November 5, 2010.
23. ^ "Nebraska Senate GOP Primary Gets a New Candidate : Roll Call Politics". Retrieved February 1, 2023.
24. ^ Walton, Don (January 3, 2011). "Don Walton: Electoral vote battle looms". Lincoln Journal Star. Retrieved January 3, 2011.
25. ^ Beck, Margery A. (November 14, 2010). "US Senate race wide open for Neb. GOP candidates". Associated Press. Retrieved December 10, 2010.
26. ^ "No Senate bid for Fortenberry - Omaha.com". Archived from the original on January 12, 2012. Retrieved February 1, 2023.
27. ^ Public Policy Polling
28. ^ Public Policy Polling
29. ^ a b c d Public Policy Polling
30. ^ We Ask America
31. ^ We Ask America
32. ^ Public Policy Polling
33. ^ a b c d e f g h "Jon Bruning for Senate - Endorsements". Archived from the original on March 15, 2014. Retrieved May 8, 2012.
34. ^ Walton, Don (May 25, 2011). "Mike Huckabee endorses Jon Bruning". Lincoln Journal Star. Retrieved November 17, 2011.
35. ^ Walton, Don (June 30, 2011). "Mike Flood endorses Bruning Senate bid". Lincoln Journal Star. Retrieved January 24, 2012.
36. ^ "Arizona sheriff endorses Bruning". Lincoln Journal Star. February 20, 2012. Retrieved February 24, 2012.
37. ^ "Our Campaigns - Candidate - Bill Schuette".
38. ^ Toeplitz, Shira (May 11, 2011). "Tea Party Express Endorses Jon Bruning in Nebraska". Roll Call. Retrieved November 17, 2011.
39. ^ "American Future Fund Political Action". Archived from the original on August 24, 2011. Retrieved November 17, 2011.
40. ^ Walton, Don (May 10, 2012). "Fortenberry endorsement adds to Fischer surge". Lincoln Journal Star. Retrieved May 11, 2012.
41. ^ a b Livingston, Abby (May 9, 2012). "Sarah Palin Endorses Deb Fischer in Nebraska Senate Race". Roll Call. Archived from the original on May 12, 2012. Retrieved May 11, 2012.
42. ^ "Protecting Life : Deb Fischer 2012". Archived from the original on May 20, 2012. Retrieved May 15, 2012.
43. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o "Endorsements | Stenberg for Senate 2012". Archived from the original on November 18, 2011. Retrieved April 19, 2012.
44. ^ Walton, Don (November 8, 2011). "DeMint endorses Stenberg, sponsors fundraising drive". Lincoln Journal Star. Retrieved November 17, 2011.
45. ^ Pershing, Ben (October 18, 2011). "Mike Lee looks to carve a niche on the campaign trail". The Washington Post. Retrieved November 17, 2011.
46. ^ Senate 2012, Don Stenberg for U. S. "Ken Blackwell, an NRA & Club for Growth Board Member, Endorses Don Stenberg in Nebraska". PRLog.`{{cite web}}`: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
47. ^ Catanese, David (July 29, 2011). "Stenberg wins Mark Levin primary". POLITICO.
48. ^ "FreedomWorks PAC Endorses Don Stenberg in the Nebraska Senate Race". www.businesswire.com. September 28, 2011.
49. ^ "J. Robert Kerrey". Federal Election Commission. Archived from the original on December 16, 2012. Retrieved January 27, 2023.`{{cite web}}`: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
50. ^ "Debra S. Fischer". Federal Election Commission. Archived from the original on December 10, 2012. Retrieved January 27, 2023.`{{cite web}}`: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
51. ^ "Paul Russell Anderson". Federal Election Commission. Archived from the original on December 16, 2012. Retrieved January 27, 2023.`{{cite web}}`: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
52. ^ Kansas District 04 2012 RaceOpenSecrets
53. ^ "Kansas District 04 2012 Race". OpenSecrets.
54. ^ "2012 Senate Race Ratings for November 1, 2012". The Cook Political Report. Archived from the original on August 29, 2018. Retrieved September 20, 2018.
55. ^ "2012 Senate". Sabato's Crystal Ball. Retrieved September 20, 2018.
56. ^ "2012 Senate Ratings". Senate Ratings. The Rothenberg Political Report. Retrieved September 20, 2018.
57. ^ "2012 Elections Map - Battle for the Senate 2012". Real Clear Politics. Retrieved September 20, 2018.
58. ^ a b c Rasmussen Reports
59. ^ Rasmussen Reports
60. ^ WeAskAmerica
61. ^ Omaha World-Herald
62. ^ Pharos Research
63. ^ Omaha World-Herald Archived October 30, 2012, at the Wayback Machine
64. ^ We Ask America
65. ^ a b c d e f Magellan Strategies
66. ^ a b Magellan Strategies
67. ^ a b c d Public Policy Polling
68. ^ a b c d Public Policy Polling
69. ^ a b c d Magellan Strategies
70. ^ Gale, John A. (2012). Official Report of the Board of State Canvassers of the State of Nebraska, General Election, November 6, 2012 (PDF).
71. ^ "Official Results of Nebraska General Election - November 6, 2012". Nebraska Secretary of State. p. 12. Retrieved January 2, 2013.
72. ^ "Introducing the 2017 Cook Political Report Partisan Voter Index".

## External links

[edit]

* Elections from the Nebraska Secretary of State
* Campaign contributions at OpenSecrets.org
* Outside spending at Sunlight Foundation
* Candidate issue positions at On the Issues
* Election news coverage at the Omaha World-Herald

Official campaign websites

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