ELECTION 2008: Johanns, Kleeb to face off in U.S. Senate race

Democrat Scott Kleeb, a Yale-educated ranch hand turned history teacher, easily won Tuesday's Nebraska Senate primary over industrialist Tony Raimondo.

Kleeb, 32, will face former U.S. Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns in the November contest to replace Republican Chuck Hagel, who isn't seeking re-election. The 57-year-old Johanns, also a former Nebraska governor, has already raised more than $2 million, to about $400,000 for Kleeb.

Kleeb said Tuesday the victory showed a willingness among Nebraskans to recommit to the future and a new brand of politics.

"Politics at its best gets people involved for their own reason, not only for their candidate, but for their families and their future," he said.

As for facing Johanns in November: "Right now I'm looking forward to a soccer game tomorrow. My little girl has a soccer game," Kleeb said.

But Johanns wasted no time pointing out differences between himself and Kleeb on issues including energy policy, tax cuts, health care and Iraq.

Johanns said Tuesday that he supports extending the Bush tax cuts of 2001 and 2003 while Kleeb "stands for higher taxes."

Kleeb has said he would consider supporting a national health care program, while Johanns said it would bring "more big government, more bureaucracy."

"Believe me, this will not be a race about personalities," Johanns said. "I will promise the voters they will get a very thorough debate on the issues.

"Tomorrow morning, we'll be working like we're 15 points behind and have two days to make it up," said Johanns, who was planning a statewide tour Wednesday with Republican Gov. Dave Heineman.

With 99 percent of precincts reporting, Kleeb led Raimondo with 69 percent of the vote. Johanns led political newcomer Pat Flynn with 78 percent.

Raimondo, a former Republican, said he'd endorse Kleeb and help him get elected, but he likely won't run again himself.

"He was way ahead of me on name recognition ... because of his jump-start in 2006," Raimondo said Tuesday. "That's what business is about -- you win some, you lose some."

Kleeb ran a closer-than-expected race for Nebraska's 3rd District House seat in 2006, losing to Republican Adrian Smith.

Flynn said he'll stay involved in politics.

"It's a learning curve, and we're learning pretty well," the Schuyler investment adviser said Tuesday.

Raimondo, 68, and Kleeb were battling for the Democratic nomination in a race that also included Larry Marvin of Fremont and James Bryan Wilson of Lincoln.