State Political Profile: Nebraska
Governor
Republican U.S. Rep. Jim Gibbons faces state Senate Minority Leader Dina Titus, D-Las Vegas, in a race to succeed two-term GOP Gov. Kenny Guinn, who cannot run for re-election. Gibbons calls Titus a big-spending liberal. Titus, who if elected would be the state's first woman governor, says Gibbons supported deficit spending and, as a state legislator, voted for many increases in taxes and fees. Recent polling is mixed, with one indicating a dead heat and another showing Gibbons ahead.
U.S. Senate
The Senate race is drawing national interest, with Republican incumbent John Ensign facing a challenge from Jack Carter, former President Jimmy Carter's son. Carter, an investor who moved to Nevada three years ago and is making his first bid for elective office, criticizes Ensign for marching lockstep with the White House. Ensign has a huge campaign funding advantage. One recent poll indicates a dead heat while another shows Ensign ahead.
U.S House
Republican Secretary of State Dean Heller barely survived a tough primary and now faces Democrat Jill Talbot Derby, a veteran state university system regent, in the race for the 2nd District seat. GOP voters have a big edge over Democrats in the House district that includes most of the state outside the Las Vegas area. Gibbons is giving up the seat to run for governor.
No major opposition developed for Democratic Rep. Shelley Berkley, the 1st District representative who is seeking a fifth term. In the 3rd District, two-term incumbent Republican Jon Porter faces a strong challenge from Democrat Tessa Hafen, a former top aide to Harry Reid, the U.S. Senate minority leader.
Ballot Issues
Among ballot questions are plans limiting tobacco smoking in public places, easing marijuana laws, limiting land seizures by government agencies and boosting state lawmakers' pay.
Legislature
Democrats who control the Assembly could pick up more seats, adding to their current 26-16 advantage. Republicans could lose a seat but likely will remain in control of the state Senate, where they now have a 12-9 edge.
-- Associated Press
