2012 United States Senate election in Nebraska

The 2012 United States Senate election in Nebraska took place on November 6, 2012, concurrently with the 2012 U.S. presidential election, 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. 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, marking the first time since 1970 that a Republican was elected to Nebraska's Class 1 Senate seat. She was the first woman to be elected in the Senate since Hazel Abel in the 1954 special election, and as well as the first woman to be 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 was sworn in on January 3, 2013, marking the first time since Roman Hruska resigned in December 1976 that Republicans simultaneously held both of Nebraska’s U.S. Senate seats.

Democratic primary Candidates Declared Bob Kerrey, former U.S. senator and former governor of Nebraska (initially declined) Steven Lustgarten, video production company owner Larry Marvin, landlord and perennial candidate Sherman Yates

Withdrew Chuck Hassebrook, regent of the University of Nebraska

Declined Chris Beutler, mayor of Lincoln Jane Kleeb, founder and director of Bold Nebraska Scott Kleeb, businessman, Democratic nominee for the 3rd congressional district in 2006 and for the U.S. Senate in 2008 Steve Lathrop, state senator Ben Nelson, incumbent U.S. senator Kim Robak, former lieutenant governor

Endorsements

Results

Republican primary

Candidates Jon Bruning, attorney general of Nebraska Sharyn Elander Deb Fischer, state senator Pat Flynn, financial adviser Don Stenberg, treasurer of Nebraska, former attorney general of Nebraska, nominee for this seat in 2000 and candidate for this seat in 2006 Spencer Zimmerman, truck driver and Air Force veteran

Declined Bob Bennie, businessman Rex Fisher, businessman Mike Flood, speaker of the Nebraska Legislature Jeff Fortenberry, U.S. representative Dave Heineman, governor of Nebraska Kay Orr, former governor of Nebraska Mike Simmonds, businessman Adrian Smith, U.S. representative Lee Terry, U.S. representative

Polling Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesize Margin oferror JonBruning SharynElander DebFischer PatFlynn DonStenberg SpencerZimmerman UndecidedPublic Policy PollingPublic Policy Polling January 26–27, 2011 519 ±4.3% 47% – 6% 7% 19% – 20%Public Policy PollingPublic Policy Polling September 30 – October 2, 2011 400 ±4.9% 37% – 14% 6% 16% – 27%Public Policy PollingPublic Policy Polling March 22–25, 2012 440 ±4.7% 46% 3% 12% 4% 18% 0% 18%We Ask AmericaWe Ask America May 6, 2012 1,173 ±2.9% 42.2% 3.4% 25.9% 4% 22.5% 2% –We Ask AmericaWe Ask America May 13, 2012 1,109 ±2.95% 34% 4% 39% 3% 18% 2% –Public Policy PollingPublic Policy Polling May 14, 2012 272 ±5.9% 33% 1% 37% 2% 17% 1% 7%

Endorsements

Results

General election

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

Debates 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 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

Top contributors Kansas District 04 2012 RaceOpenSecrets 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

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 Source Ranking As of The Cook Political Report November 1, 2012 Sabato's Crystal Ball November 5, 2012 Rothenberg Political Report November 2, 2012 Real Clear Politics November 5, 2012

Polling Poll source BobKerrey (D) DebFischer (R) Other UndecidedRasmussen ReportsRasmussen Reports March 5, 2012 500 ±4.5% 34% 46% 10% 10%Public Policy Polling March 22–25, 2012 1,028 ±3.1% 38% 48% — 14%Rasmussen ReportsRasmussen Reports May 16, 2012 500 ±4.5% 38% 56% 2% 3%WeAskAmericaWeAskAmerica August 14, 2012 1,273 ±2.8% 34% 55% — 11%Omaha World-HeraldOmaha World-Herald September 17–20, 2012 800 ±3.5% 42% 52% — 6%Pharos ResearchPharos Research October 19–21, 2012 783 ±3.5% 46% 48% — 6%Omaha World-HeraldOmaha World-Herald October 23–25, 2012 800 ±3.5% 45% 48% — 7%We Ask AmericaWe Ask America November 1, 2012 1,178 ±3.0% 41% 54% — 5%

With Kerrey Poll source BobKerrey (D) JonBruning (R) Other UndecidedMagellan StrategiesMagellan Strategies January 10–11, 2012 675 ±3.77% 40% 51% – 9%Rasmussen Reports March 5, 2012 500 ±4.5% 33% 55% 4% 7%Public Policy Polling March 22–25, 2012 1,028 ±3.1% 37% 54% – 9%

Poll source BobKerrey (D) DonStenberg (R) Other UndecidedMagellan Strategies January 10–11, 2012 675 ±3.77% 39% 47% – 14%Rasmussen Reports March 5, 2012 500 ±4.5% 34% 52% 5% 9%Public Policy Polling March 22–25, 2012 1,028 ±3.1% 38% 52% – 10%

With Lathrop Poll source SteveLathrop (D) JonBruning (R) Other UndecidedMagellan Strategies January 10–11, 2012 675 ±3.77% 29% 52% – 19%

Poll source SteveLathrop (D) DonStenberg (R) Other UndecidedMagellan Strategies January 10–11, 2012 675 ±3.77% 27% 52% – 21%

With Nelson Poll source BenNelson (D) JonBruning (R) Other UndecidedMagellan StrategiesMagellan Strategies December 15, 2010 1,789 ±2.3% 38% 52% –– 10%Public Policy PollingPublic Policy Polling January 26–27, 2011 977 ±3.1% 39% 50% –– 11%Public Policy PollingPublic Policy Polling September 30 – October 2, 2011 739 ±3.6% 42% 46% –– 12%Magellan StrategiesMagellan Strategies November 20–21, 2011 645 ±3.9% 39% 45% –– 16%

Poll source BenNelson (D) DebFischer (R) Other UndecidedPublic Policy Polling January 26–27, 2011 977 ±3.1% 42% 35% –– 22%Public Policy Polling September 30 – October 2, 2011 739 ±3.6% 41% 39% –– 20%Magellan Strategies November 20–21, 2011 645 ±3.9% 41% 35% –– 24%

Poll source BenNelson (D) PatFlynn (R) Other UndecidedPublic Policy Polling January 26–27, 2011 977 ±3.1% 42% 33% –– 24%Public Policy Polling September 30 – October 2, 2011 739 ±3.6% 43% 36% –– 21%

Poll source BenNelson (D) DaveHeineman (R) Other UndecidedMagellan Strategies November 20–21, 2011 645 ±3.9% 33% 51% –– 16%

Poll source BenNelson (D) DonStenberg (R) Other UndecidedMagellan Strategies December 15, 2010 1,789 ±2.3% 40% 46% –– 14%Public Policy Polling January 26–27, 2011 977 ±3.1% 41% 45% –– 14%Public Policy Polling September 30 – October 2, 2011 739 ±3.6% 41% 44% –– 15%Magellan Strategies November 20–21, 2011 645 ±3.9% 40% 41% –– 19%

With Robak Poll source KimRobak (D) JonBruning (R) Other UndecidedMagellan Strategies January 10–11, 2012 675 ±3.77% 34% 51% – 15%

Poll source KimRobak (D) DonStenberg (R) Other UndecidedMagellan Strategies January 10–11, 2012 675 ±3.77% 32% 50% – 18%

Results

By county From Secretary of State of Nebraska"Official Results of Nebraska General Election - November 6, 2012". Nebraska Secretary of State. p. 12. Retrieved January 2, 2013. CountyDeb Fischer RepublicanBob Kerrey DemocraticTotalvotes %# %#Adams64.65%8,17035.35%4,46812,638Antelope81.32%2,62518.68%6033,228Arthur86.74%22913.26%35264Banner84.91%34915.09%62411Blaine89.23%26510.77%32297Boone76.31%2,13923.69%6642,803Box Butte60.41%2,83839.59%1,8604,698Boyd80.36%85119.64%2081,059Brown86.80%1,34213.20%2041,546Buffalo70.01%13,49129.99%5,77919,270Burt59.55%1,97740.45%1,3433,320Butler68.86%2,64231.14%1,1953,837Cass59.25%7,15340.75%4,91912,072Cedar70.31%3,04129.69%1,2844,325Chase83.57%1,54616.43%3041,850Cherry77.91%2,32822.09%6602,988Cheyenne72.54%3,34427.46%1,2664,610Clay74.52%2,19425.48%7502,944Colfax65.23%1,99234.77%1,0623,054Cuming73.00%2,89327.00%1,0703,963Custer80.78%4,43919.22%1,0565,495Dakota45.63%2,77054.37%3,3006,070Dawes64.86%2,40535.14%1,3033,708Dawson69.54%5,42230.46%2,3757,797Deuel75.00%76225.00%2541,016Dixon60.22%1,61839.78%1,0692,687Dodge59.30%8,82340.70%6,05614,879Douglas48.25%106,95151.75%114,700221,651Dundy78.35%76721.65%212979Fillmore67.18%1,91832.82%9372,855Franklin72.59%1,10727.41%4181,525Frontier77.12%1,00822.88%2991,307Furnas77.43%1,72922.57%5042,233Gage53.74%5,17246.26%4,4529,624Garden75.76%81924.24%2621,081Garfield81.99%77418.01%170944Gosper75.31%73824.69%242980Grant83.52%29916.48%59358Greeley69.61%82730.39%3611,188Hall61.32%12,35038.68%7,79020,140Hamilton72.27%3,49827.73%1,3424,840Harlan75.64%132924.36%4281,757Hayes83.49%44516.51%88533Hitchcock74.98%1,11225.02%3711,483Holt79.17%3,89620.83%1,0254,921Hooker82.84%33317.16%69402Howard67.69%1,94032.31%9262,866Jefferson60.04%2,05239.96%1,3663,418Johnson55.76%1,14744.24%9102,057Kearney74.08%2,34325.92%8203,163Keith73.76%2,98826.24%1,0634,051Keya Paha84.62%40715.38%74481Kimball73.39%1,23326.61%4471,680Knox71.52%2,88028.48%1,1474,027Lancaster46.15%58,30653.85%68,046126,352Lincoln66.00%10,28534.00%5,29815,583Logan82.45%35717.55%76433Loup78.71%28121.29%76357Madison72.92%10,08927.08%3,74613,835McPherson86.35%25313.65%40293Merrick71.44%2,49128.56%9963,487Morrill76.24%1,67523.76%5222,197Nance66.42%1,06833.58%5401,608Nemaha59.09%1,90140.91%1,3163,217Nuckolls70.21%1,53229.79%6502,182Otoe58.58%4,06741.42%2,8766,943Pawnee64.11%86135.89%4821,343Perkins78.60%1,09121.40%2971,388Phelps77.00%3,36823.00%1,0064,374Pierce79.55%2,71620.45%6983,414Platte73.13%9,80126.87%3,60113,402Polk74.65%1,82025.35%6182,438Red Willow75.25%3,69224.75%1,2144,906Richardson62.08%2,31237.92%1,4123,724Rock86.90%68313.10%103786Saline48.30%2,38751.70%2,5554,942Sarpy57.56%40,68242.44%29,99670,678Saunders63.72%6,54736.28%3,72810,275Scotts Bluff64.96%9,29935.04%5,01714,316Seward63.18%4,76436.82%2,7767,540Sheridan80.24%1,98619.76%4892,475Sherman63.20%96036.80%5591,519Sioux82.76%60517.24%126731Stanton74.99%1,97925.01%6602,639Thayer65.79%1,74234.21%9062,648Thomas85.23%35214.77%61413Thurston40.38%90059.62%1,3292,229Valley72.91%1,59927.09%5942,193Washington65.52%6,66034.48%3,50510,165Wayne67.56%2,48432.44%1,1933,677Webster69.66%1,20330.34%5241,727Wheeler79.78%35920.22%91450York74.78%4,72625.22%1,5946,320

Counties that flipped from Democratic to Republican

By congressional district Fischer won all three congressional districts.