Despite an intense primary battle, the trio of Nebraskans vying for the GOP nomination for Senate have something in common — each thinks he will win Tuesday.
That’s what emerged from a series of rapid-fire interviews each candidate had with MSNBC’s Chuck Todd, as Cornhukers hit the polls to select the person who will almost assuredly replace retiring Republican Sen. Mike Johanns in Washington.
State Treasurer Shane Osborn told the program that while he respects his opponents — Midland University President Ben Sasse and Omaha banker Sid Dinsdale — he is “the only one who’s been tested in office” and has the clearest position on immigration reform.
“I do not believe in amnesty for illegals,” he said. “We’re a nation of laws and we need to follow them.”
Mr. Sasse, who picked up support from conservative heroes like Sarah Palin and Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, said he wants to see stricter term limits in “for everyone in Washington.”
He said he will “absolutely” support Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell if the Kentucky Republican rises to majority leader next year, despite a falling out the pair had last year.
The national media, he added, likes to play up GOP “civil war stuff.”
Mr. Dinsdale presented himself as a level-headed candidate who would make tough decisions and rein in government spending, but without fooling around with the nation’s debt limit.
“I feel really good about where we are,” he said of his campaign.
Of course, the other guys feel that way too.
Mr. Osborn vowed to support the GOP nominee, no matter who it is.
“I’ve already publicly stated that,” he said. “But it will be me.”
• Tom Howell Jr. can be reached at thowell@washingtontimes.com.
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