2014 United States Senate election in Nebraska

The 2014 United States Senate election in Nebraska took place on November 4, 2014. Incumbent Republican Senator Mike Johanns did not run for re-election to a second term. Republican nominee Ben Sasse defeated Democratic nominee David Domina to succeed him.

2014 United States Senate election in Nebraska

November 4, 2014 (2014-11-04)

Nominee Ben Sasse David Domina Party Republican Democratic Popular vote 347,636 170,127 Percentage 64.3% 31.5%

County Results Sasse:      50-60%      60-70%      70-80%      80-90%

U.S. senator before election Mike Johanns Republican Elected U.S. Senator Ben Sasse Republican

Republican primary

Candidates

Declared

• Sid Dinsdale, president of Pinnacle Bank[1]
• Clifton Johnson, businessman[2]
• Bart McLeay, attorney[3]
• Shane Osborn, former treasurer of Nebraska[4]
• Ben Sasse, president of Midland University[5]

Declined

• Patrick Borchers, former vice president of academic affairs of Creighton University and former dean of Creighton University School of Law[6][7]
• Jon Bruning, Attorney General of Nebraska (running for governor)[8]
• Mike Foley, Auditor of Public Accounts (running for Governor)[9]
• Jeff Fortenberry, U.S. Representative[10]
• Dave Heineman, Governor of Nebraska[11]
• Charles Herbster, businessman[12]
• Charlie Janssen, state senator (running for state auditor)[13]
• Mike Johanns, incumbent U.S. Senator[14]
• Bob Krist, state senator[15]
• Pete Ricketts, former COO of TD Ameritrade and nominee for the U.S. Senate in 2006 (running for governor)[16]
• Adrian Smith, U.S. Representative[17]
• Don Stenberg, Treasurer of Nebraska, candidate for the U.S. Senate in 1996, 2006 and 2012 and nominee for the U.S. Senate in 2000[18]
• Lee Terry, U.S. Representative[17]

Endorsements

Sid Dinsdale
Individuals Tom Osborne, former U.S. Representative and former University of Nebraska football coach[19] Charles Thone, former Governor of Nebraska[20]

Bart McLeay
Individuals Jon Christensen, former U.S. Representative[21] David Karnes, former U.S. Senator[21]

Shane Osborn

Individuals Ray Aguilar, former state senator[22] Bill Barrett, former U.S. Representative[23] Patrick Borchers, former Vice President of Academic Affairs of Creighton University and former Dean of Creighton Law School[7] Colby Coash, state senator[22] Doug Cunningham, former state senator[24] Pat Engle, former state senator[24] Steve Forbes, publishing executive and candidate for President in 1996 and 2000[25] Bill Kintner, state senator[22] Scott Lautenbaugh, state senator[22] John Murante, state senator[22] Rich Pahls, former state senator[24] Scott Price, state senator[22] Jim Scheer, state senator[22] Ken Schilz, state senator[22] Phyllis Schlafly, conservative activist and founder of the Eagle Forum[26] Organizations Concerned Women PAC[27] Family-PAC Federal[28] National Defense PAC[29] Rescinded Endorsement FreedomWorks[30][31]

Ben Sasse

Individuals Dick Armey, former House Majority Leader and former Chairman of FreedomWorks[32] Tom Coburn, U.S. Senator from Oklahoma[33] Ted Cruz, U.S. Senator from Texas[34] Erick Erickson, conservative political commentator and editor-in-chief of RedState[35] Mark Fahleson, former Chairman of the Nebraska Republican Party[36] Mike Lee, U.S. Senator from Utah[37] Mark Levin, talk radio host and conservative political commentator[38] Paul Ryan, U.S. Representative from Wisconsin, Chairman of the House Committee on the Budget and nominee for Vice President of the United States in 2012[39] Sarah Palin, former Governor of Alaska, nominee for Vice President of the United States in 2008 Rick Santorum, former U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania[40] Pat Toomey, U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania[41] Organizations Club for Growth[42] Family Research Council[43] FreedomWorks[31] Gun Owners of America[44] Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation PAC[45] Senate Conservatives Fund[46]

Polling

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size	Margin of error	Sid Dinsdale	Clifton Johnson	Bart McLeay	Shane Osborn	Ben Sasse	Other	Undecided
Gravis Marketing	September 6–7, 2013	1,842	± 2.2%	7%	—	2%	41%	5%	—	45%
Public Opinion Strategies^	October 27–28, 2013	400	± 4.9%	7%	—	1%	39%	7%	—	46%
Harper Polling	February 3–4, 2014	565	± 4%	13.1%	—	4.3%	30.4%	29%	—	23.2%
The Polling Company	February 25–28, 2014	400	± 4.9%	9%	1%	2%	35%	24%	—	30%
NSON Opinion Strategy	April 16–20, 2014	400	± 5%	13%	—	—	27%	29%	—	28%
Not disclosed*	April 26–28, 2014	507	± ?	22%	3%	5%	25%	31%	—	14%
Strategic National	May 7–8, 2014	500	± 4.9%	23%	3%	8%	20%	34%	—	11.5%
Magellan Strategies	May 8, 2014	525	± 4.28%	24%	2%	6%	20%	38%	3%	7%

• * Internal poll for Ben Sasse campaign
• ^ Internal poll for Shane Osborn campaign

Results

Buffalo County Republican Party candidate event in November 2013. From left to right: Shane Osborn, Sid Dinsdale, Bart McLeay and Ben Sasse.

Republican primary results[47]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Republican	Ben Sasse	109,847	49.37%
	Republican	Sid Dinsdale	49,832	22.39%
	Republican	Shane Osborn	46,856	21.06%
	Republican	Bart McLeay	12,700	5.71%
	Republican	Clifton Johnson	3,285	1.48%
Total votes			222,520	100.00%

Democratic primary

Candidates

Declared

• David Domina, trial attorney and candidate for Governor of Nebraska in 1986[48]
• Larry Marvin, air force veteran and candidate for U.S. Senate in 2008 and 2012[49]

Declined

• Brad Ashford, state senator[50]
• Chris Beutler, Mayor of Lincoln[51]
• Annette Dubas, state senator[52]
• Mike Fahey, former mayor of Omaha[53]
• Chuck Hassebrook, former Regent of the University of Nebraska and candidate for the U.S. Senate in 2012 (running for governor)[54]
• Bob Kerrey, former U.S. Senator and former governor of Nebraska[55]
• Steve Lathrop, state senator[56]
• Mike Meister, attorney, nominee for Attorney General of Nebraska in 2002 and nominee for governor in 2010[57]
• Kim Robak, former lieutenant governor of Nebraska[58]

Endorsements

Dave Domina
Organizations AFL-CIO[59] United Automobile Workers[60] International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers and Helpers[61] Nebraska Farmers Union[62] League of Conservation Voters[63] National Education Association[64]

Polling

Results

Democratic primary results[47]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Democratic	David Domina	44,813	67.46%
	Democratic	Larry Marvin	21,615	32.54%
Total votes			66,428	100.00%

General election

Candidates

• Ben Sasse (R), president of Midland University
• David Domina (D), trial attorney and candidate for governor in 1986
• Dan Buhrdorf (I), former educator and peace activist[65]
• Jim Jenkins (I), rancher, restaurant owner and former chairman of the Nebraska Ethanol Board[66][67]
• Todd Watson (I), businessman[68]

Debates

• Complete video of debate, September 14, 2014

Predictions

Source	Ranking	As of
The Cook Political Report[69]	Solid R	November 3, 2014
Sabato's Crystal Ball[70]	Safe R	November 3, 2014
Rothenberg Political Report[71]	Safe R	November 3, 2014
Real Clear Politics[72]	Safe R	November 3, 2014

Polling

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size	Margin of error	Ben Sasse (R)	David Domina (D)	Other	Undecided
Rasmussen Reports	April 7–8, 2014	750	± 4%	52%	27%	5%	16%
Rasmussen Reports	May 14–15, 2014	750	± 4%	51%	34%	5%	10%
CBS News/NYT/YouGov	July 5–24, 2014	858	± 4.4%	56%	34%	1%	9%
CBS News/NYT/YouGov	August 18 – September 2, 2014	987	± 4%	56%	30%	1%	13%
CBS News/NYT/YouGov	September 20 – October 1, 2014	721	± 4%	58%	31%	0%	11%
CBS News/NYT/YouGov	October 16–23, 2014	681	± 5%	59%	30%	0%	11%

Results

United States Senate election in Nebraska, 2014[73]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%	±
	Republican	Ben Sasse	347,636	64.34%	+6.82%
	Democratic	Dave Domina	170,127	31.48%	-8.58%
	Independent	Jim Jenkins	15,868	2.94%	N/A
	Independent	Todd Watson	6,260	1.16%	N/A
	n/a	Write-ins	446	0.08%	N/A
Total votes			540,337	100.0%	N/A
	Republican hold

See also

• 2014 Nebraska gubernatorial election
• 2014 United States House of Representatives elections in Nebraska
• 2014 United States Senate elections
• 2014 United States elections

References

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2. Walton, Don (December 11, 2013). "New Senate candidate voices tea party values". Lincoln Journal Star. Retrieved December 13, 2013.
3. Tysver, Robynn (July 1, 2013). "Attorney Bart McLeay to run for Nebraska U.S. Senate seat". Omaha World-Herald. Archived from the original on July 8, 2013. Retrieved July 8, 2013.
4. Walton, Don (June 2, 2013). "Shane Osborn enters GOP Senate race". Lincoln Journal Star. Retrieved June 2, 2013.
5. Beck, Margery A. (July 23, 2013). "University president Sasse files for US Senate". SF Gate. Retrieved July 24, 2013.
6. Borchers, Patrick (July 1, 2013). "Friends: I have decided not to be a candidate for Senate in 2014..." Facebook. Retrieved October 3, 2013.
7. Osborn, Shane (August 13, 2013). "Thank you Patrick Borchers for the kind comments on my campaign..." Facebook. Retrieved October 3, 2013.
8. Trygstad, Kyle (March 4, 2013). "Nebraska: Bruning Won't Seek Open Senate Seat". Roll Call. Retrieved March 4, 2013.
9. Walton, Don (September 5, 2013). "Foley pledges fiscally conservative governorship". Lincoln Journal Star. Retrieved September 5, 2013.
10. Walton, Don (May 29, 2013). "Fortenberry will not seek Senate seat". Lincoln Journal Star. Retrieved May 29, 2013.
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18. Hammel, Paul (October 1, 2013). "Nebraska treasurer Stenberg won't run for Senate; door 'slightly' open for governor run". Omaha World-Herald. Retrieved October 13, 2013.
19. Tysver, Robynn (September 16, 2013). "Omaha banker Sid Dinsdale enters the U.S. Senate race". Omaha World-Herald. Archived from the original on October 13, 2013. Retrieved October 13, 2013.
20. "We appreciate today's endorsement by Charley Thone..." Facebook. September 20, 2013. Retrieved October 13, 2013.
21. Tysver, Robynn (January 15, 2014). "Bart McLeay grabs Senate endorsements from Christensen, Karnes". Omaha World-Herald. Retrieved January 19, 2014.
22. "State senators endorse Osborn". Lincoln Journal Star. November 20, 2013. Retrieved December 5, 2013.
23. Moring, Roseann (February 13, 2014). "Shane Osborn wins Bill Barrett's nod for Senate". Omaha World-Herald. Retrieved March 14, 2014.
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26. Moring, Roseann (March 4, 2014). "Phyllis Schlafly backs Shane Osborn's Senate candidacy". Omaha World-Herald. Retrieved March 14, 2014.
27. Moring, Roseann (February 20, 2014). "D.C.-based women's group backs Shane Osborn in U.S. Senate bid". Omaha World-Herald. Archived from the original on March 14, 2014. Retrieved March 14, 2014.
28. "Release: Family-Pac Federal Endorses Shane Osborn for U.S. Senate in Nebraska". Shane Osborn for Senate. March 11, 2014. Archived from the original on March 14, 2014. Retrieved March 14, 2014.
29. "Shane Osborn Nebraska Senate - National Defense PAC" (PDF). National Defense PAC. August 26, 2013. Retrieved October 13, 2013.
30. "Senate candidate Shane Osborn picks up FreedomWorks endorsement". FreedomWorks. November 11, 2013. Retrieved November 12, 2013.
31. James, Hohmann (March 28, 2014). "FreedomWorks dumps Shane Osborn, backs Ben Sasse". Politico. Retrieved March 28, 2014.
32. Tysver, Robynn (November 14, 2013). "Senate hopeful Ben Sasse picks up endorsement of ex-House Majority Leader Dick Armey". Omaha World-Herald. Retrieved December 11, 2013.
33. Cahn, Emily (February 10, 2014). "Coburn Endorses in Competitive Nebraska Senate Primary". Roll Call. Retrieved February 11, 2014.
34. Sullivan, Sean (April 23, 2014). "Ted Cruz endorses Ben Sasse in Nebraska Senate race". The Washington Post. Retrieved April 23, 2014.
35. Erickson, Erick (January 15, 2014). "You Need Ben Sasse in the Senate". RedState. Retrieved March 14, 2014.
36. Trygstad, Kyle (September 11, 2013). "The Open-Seat Race No One's Talking About". Roll Call. Retrieved October 13, 2013.
37. Kyle Trygstad (March 4, 2014). "Mike Lee Backs Sasse in Nebraska Primary". Roll Call. Retrieved March 4, 2014.
38. Lowry, Rich (January 17, 2014). "Mark Levin Endorses Ben Sasse". Omaha World-Herald. Retrieved January 19, 2014.
39. Daniel Strauss (December 2, 2013). "Paul Ryan Endorses Tea Partier In Nebraska Senate Race". Talking Points Memo. Retrieved December 3, 2013.
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42. Trygstad, Kyle (November 7, 2013). "Club for Growth Makes Endorsement in Nebraska GOP Primary". Roll Call. Retrieved November 7, 2013.
43. Moring, Roseann (February 21, 2014). "Ben Sasse gets endorsement from Family Research Council". Omaha World-Herald. Archived from the original on March 14, 2014. Retrieved March 14, 2014.
44. Moring, Roseann (February 12, 2014). "Gun Owners for America endorses Ben Sasse". Omaha World-Herald. Retrieved March 14, 2014.
45. "Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation - PAC Endorses Ben Sasse in U.S. Senate Primary". Kticradio.com. Retrieved July 25, 2014.
46. Cahn, Emily (October 22, 2013). "Senate Conservatives Fund Endorses in Nebraska Senate Race". Roll Call. Retrieved October 22, 2013.
47. "Unofficial Results: Primary Election - May 13, 2014". Nebraska Secretary of State. Archived from the original on August 4, 2018. Retrieved May 15, 2014.
48. Duggan, Joe (January 19, 2014). "Omaha attorney David Domina first Democrat in Nebraska U.S. Senate race". Omaha World-Herald. Archived from the original on February 14, 2014. Retrieved January 19, 2014.
49. Rickerl, Stephen (October 9, 2013). "Marvin, Fremont Democrat, will seek U.S. Senate seat". Fremont Tribune. Retrieved February 4, 2014.
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51. Winter, Deena (February 19, 2013). "Beutler doesn't rule out a run for governor, U.S. Senate". Nebraska Watchdog. Retrieved February 21, 2013.
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53. "Is Mike Fahey Being Courted to Run for U.S. Senate?". Political Insiders Report. May 16, 2013. Retrieved July 24, 2013.
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57. Guzman, Chabella (June 12, 2013). "Local attorney to run for Legislature". Star-Herald. Retrieved August 27, 2013.
58. Tysver, Robynn (September 1, 2013). "Democrats see uphill battle for federal seat". Omaha World-Herald. Retrieved October 12, 2013.
59. "Endorsed Candidates". AFL-CIO. 2014. Archived from the original on October 31, 2014. Retrieved October 29, 2014.
60. "Official UAW Endorsements- Nebraska". UAW. 2014. Retrieved October 29, 2014.
61. "Election 2014: Boilermakers recommend candidates". Boilermakers. 2014. Retrieved October 29, 2014.
62. "Nebraska Farmers Union PAC Says David Domina is the Best Choice for Agriculture and Nebraska". Nebraska Farmers Union. 2014. Retrieved October 29, 2014.
63. "LCV Action Fund Endorses Dave Domina for US Senate from Nebraska". LCV. 2014. Archived from the original on October 28, 2014. Retrieved October 29, 2014.
64. "NEA endorses Domina in Senate race". NEA. 2014. Retrieved October 29, 2014.
65. "Buhrdorf turns in petitions to run for Senate". JournalStar.com. August 4, 2014. Retrieved September 7, 2014.
66. "Nebraska rancher, restaurateur Jim Jenkins to run for US Senate". Washington Examiner. October 23, 2013. Retrieved November 1, 2013.
67. Moring, Roseann. "Independent Senate candidate Jim Jenkins makes November ballot". Omaha World-Herald. July 11, 2014. Retrieved August 2, 2014.
68. Tobias, Mike (September 19, 2013). "2014 Shaping Up As A Chaotic Election Year In Nebraska". NET News. Retrieved December 13, 2013.
69. "2014 Senate Race Ratings for November 3, 2014". The Cook Political Report. Retrieved September 20, 2018.
70. "The Crystal Ball's Final 2014 Picks". Sabato's Crystal Ball. Retrieved September 20, 2018.
71. "2014 Senate Ratings". Senate Ratings. The Rothenberg Political Report. Retrieved September 20, 2018.
72. "2014 Elections Map - Battle for the Senate 2014". Real Clear Politics. Retrieved September 20, 2018.
73. http://www.sos.ne.gov/elec/2014/results/2014-General-Canvass-Recount-Final.pdf

External links

• U.S. Senate elections in Nebraska, 2014 at Ballotpedia
• Campaign contributions at OpenSecrets.org
• Nebraska U.S. Senate debate excerpts, OnTheIssues.org