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President-elect Obama has again made history by splitting traditionally Republican Nebraska's electoral votes, winning one of them in a state that has never split. After all remaining ballots were counted Friday, Obama emerged with a 3,325-vote lead over Republican John McCain in unofficial results in the 2nd Congressional District. The district covers Douglas County, which includes Omaha. Nebraska has five electoral votes. It is the only state besides Maine that split electoral votes. Results in Missouri, with 11 electoral votes, are still not complete so the winner in that state has not been announced. Officials have until Tuesday to complete...

OMAHA, Neb. – President-elect Barack Obama has won one of Nebraska's electoral votes, making history in a state that has never split its electoral votes. After all remaining ballots were counted Friday, Obama emerged with a 3,325-vote lead over Republican John McCain in unofficial results in the 2nd Congressional District. The district covers Douglas County, which includes Omaha, and portions of adjacent Sarpy County. Nebraska, with five votes, and Maine are the only states that divide their electoral votes by congressional district. Obama now has 365 electoral votes to McCain's 162. Missouri, with 11 electoral votes, is still too close...

Published Friday November 7, 2008 Breaking News: Obama wins electoral vote in Nebraska BY ROBYNN TYSVER WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER Barack Obama made history today in Nebraska. Click to Enlarge Barack Obama The Democratic presidential candidate claimed an electoral vote in the Omaha-based 2nd Congressional District — the first time in more than four decades a Democrat won any of Nebraska’s electoral votes. The Omaha World-Herald is calling the race after Obama won 8,434 out of 15,039 early votes that arrived too late to be included in Tuesday’s results. They were counted today by Douglas County election officials. Those ballots give...

Well, it seems even a reliably red state has some blue in it. The Omaha district, NE-2 has voted for Obama. Guess NE becoming RINO too?

Talk about burying the political hatchet, even Senator Ben Nelson is ready to recommend Chuck Hagel for a promotion. Hagel's name is making the rounds for a slot in the Obama White House, and Nelson tells me Hagel has excellent foreign policy credentials. The cabinet slot most associated with Hagel is Secretary of Defense

Everybody knows Barack Obama will be the next president, but it might be a week before they find out whether he won one of five electoral votes from Nebraska. Republican John McCain had a 569-vote lead over Obama in the state's 2nd Congressional District early Wednesday. The number of votes it takes to force a recount is based on a formula that takes 1 percent of the top vote-getter. If the tally stands, a recount would occur if the final margin is less than about 1,260 votes, because McCain had 126,303 votes.

OMAHA (KPTM) - The voting booth is supposed to be a sacred spot. The right to vote is considered the cornerstone of American democracy. But there always seems to be someone trying to take advantage of the system. The long line outside the Douglas County Election Office isn't moving fast. But Eileen Tighe is on an early voting mission. "If I had to sit on the concrete I would do that." She re-registered to vote at the County Treasurers office two weeks ago when she moved. "The box was open, it didn't have a slot in it and I didn't...

Joking that she had never seen so many McCain-Palin yard signs in one city, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton nonetheless gave an enthusiastic address at the Qwest Center on Tuesday in support of Sen. Barack Obama.

As much of the media obsessed this weekend about Barack Obama's large numbers -- crowds and dollars -- William Ayers, the controversial '60s radical who helped launch the Democrat's political career in his Chicago South Side living room, popped back up in the news in the Midwest. It seems the cofounder of the violent Weather UndWeather Underground founder, University of Illinois education professor and friend of Democrat presidential candidate Barack Obama, William Ayers in a Chicago alley posing for a magazine article photo shoot a few years agoerground that bombed public buildings during the Vietnam War was invited as a...

LINCOLN, Neb. - Safety concerns have forced University of Nebraska-Lincoln officials to cancel plans for William Ayers to speak on campus. Ayers, who founded a group in the late 1960s that claimed responsibility for bombing several government buildings, was to speak Nov. 15. But officials said Friday the university's threat assessment group received e-mails and phone calls over the last day or two that identified safety issues. When asked about details of the concerns, including if they contained threats against Ayers, University spokeswoman Meg Lauerman declined to comment further. "We don't discuss the specifics of any threat assessment on campus,"...

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln rescinded its speaking invitation tonight for 1960s radical-turned-educator William Ayers. University officials cited "safety reasons" for canceling Ayers' Nov. 15 appearance. Spokeswoman Kelly Bartling declined to elaborate on what safety concerns would keep Ayers from addressing a College of Education and Human Sciences event. Earlier today, Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman strongly condemned the invitation and called on the NU Board of Regents and President J.B. Milliken to block it.

Video here.

OMAHA, Oct. 5 -- With a month to go before Election Day, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, the Republican vice presidential nominee, touched down here Sunday for an unexpected rally in a state that President Bush won by 22 percentage points in 2004. This Story Candidates Prepare for Tuesday's Town Hall Debate Monday, Oct. 6 at 11 a.m. ET: Post Politics Hour Monday, Oct. 6 at 10 a.m. ET: Election 2008: Conservative Concerns About Palin Registration Gains Favor Democrats Nebraska Becomes Unlikely Battleground GOP Seeks Probe of Donations to Obama Death in Biden Family Obama and Biden on the Trail McCain...

Sarah Palin lit up an overflow crowd at the Civic Auditorium’s Music Hall with a 24-minute mixture of attacks on Democrat Barack Obama and a pledge that she and John McCain can deliver lower taxes and energy independence. The Alaska governor and No. 1 hockey mom also adopted the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s hockey team. "I love that cheer — Go Mavericks," said Palin, who insists she and McCain are the real Mavericks ready to bring change to the nation. In her remarks, Palin warned that Obama and the Democrats have "a left wing agenda prettied up to look...

The more criticism heaped on Sarah Palin, the more her Nebraska fans said Sunday they would rally around the Republican vice presidential candidate with the folksy demeanor. Palin, several Republicans said, has been unfairly maligned by Democratic critics and "gotcha" journalists who don't like the Alaska governor because she's a political outsider with down-home roots. "She's one of us. She has a family and she has a job," said Carolyn Gigstad, a Republican from Syracuse, Neb., who was a working mother until a couple of years ago. "I think she has a lot more on the ball than a lot...

Sarah Palin is coming to Omaha on Sunday 10/5 .. 6pm, downtown at the Civic!!!

I noted with interest stories today discussing McCain and Obama opening up campaign offices in some far-flung places: McCain in Bangor, Maine and Obama in Omaha, Nebraska. Maine and Nebraska do not have reputations as swing states, so what the heck are these guys up to? Part of it is to head off the possibility of something like this occuring:

Campaign officials have confirmed that Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin will hold a rally in Omaha tomorrow. The Alaska governor will headline a 6 p.m. event at Omaha's Civic Auditorium tomorrow. Tickets aren't required.

The anger felt by many Nebraska Republicans toward Sen. Chuck Hagel rose to new heights Thursday after Hagel questioned whether Sarah Palin has the experience to serve as president. State Republicans are "worn out" with Hagel and his propensity for controversial comments aimed at fellow Republicans, said Mark Quandahl, chairman of the Nebraska GOP. Quandahl went out of his way to distance the state party from Hagel's remarks about Palin, the party's vice presidential nominee. Quandahl said few Nebraskans would agree with Hagel, the Nebraska party's senior elected official. "The views expressed are his own and would not reflect the...

"Joe Biden is the right partner for Barack Obama. His many years of distinguished service to America, his seasoned judgment and his vast experience in foreign policy and national security will match up well with the unique challenges of the 21st Century. An Obama-Biden ticket is a very impressive and strong team. Biden's selection is good news for Obama and America."

Former Republican Rep. Jim Leach endorsed Barack Obama's White House bid Tuesday, and said he hopes the Illinois senator considers a former GOP ally of rival John McCain as his running mate. Speaking on a conference call with reporters to announce a new effort among Republicans in support of Obama's candidacy, Leach said he thought Nebraska Sen. Chuck Hagel should join the Democratic ticket. "There are a number of impressive potential vice presidential candidates and this is a singular decision for one person, and that is Barack Obama," Leach said. "But personally I'd be hopeful in the list of serious...

ASHLAND, Neb. - Presidential candidate John McCain may have differences with Nebraska Sen. Chuck Hagel, but he made it clear Wednesday that he respects his fellow Republican's views on the Iraq war. McCain said that Hagel's criticism of the war, unlike Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama's, amounts to an "informed decision" because of the time Hagel has spent in Iraq and studying the issue, McCain said. This was McCain's first campaign trip to Nebraska. The Arizona senator, here to raise money for his presidential bid, praised Hagel and declined to talk about speculation that his Republican colleague and fellow Vietnam...

Barack Obama has already made history in this campaign, but what if he does it one more time by picking a Republican as his V.P.? Salon.com reports about the buzz surrounding GOP Sen. Chuck Hagel of Nebraska as a potential choice for Obama. Hagel admittedly is a long shot for the job. Just imagine the symbolism: Obama could truly hit home the message that he’s serious about changing the way Washington works by running with a Republican. And there’s no better Republican for him to run with than Chuck Hagel. Hagel is retiring at the end of his term. He...

The media, now focusing on the general election, have taken to naming likely vice presidential candidates and frequently include a surprising choice on Sen. Barack Obama's list. Nebraska Republican Sen. Chuck Hagel found his way onto that list after repeatedly clashing with the Bush administration and fellow Republicans over the Iraq War, the No Child Left Behind law and the prescription-drug plan under Medicare. Hagel, who is not running for re-election, spoke to a crowd of about 150 at the libertarian-minded Cato Institute Thursday to promote his book, "America: Our Next Chapter." He said he isn't saying yes to the...

5/16-18. Likely voters. MoE 4.1% (No trend lines) All CD1 CD2 CD3 McCain (R) 49 44 48 57 Obama (D) 40 43 43 33 In Nebraska, two electors are chosen via the statewide vote, while the other three are given to the winner of each congressional district. Republicans can no longer take all five of Nebraska's EVs for granted.

(Political Animal) HAGEL HEARTS OBAMA....Chuck Hagel (R–Neb.) sure does seem to like the presumptive Democratic nominee for president. Not too surprising given their personal relationship, I suppose, but I wonder how many other Republicans secretly agree with him? More than few, I'll bet.

In the race to become Nebraska’s next United States Senator, Mike Johanns (R) leads Scott Kleeb (D) by fifteen percentage points. The first Rasmussen Reports telephone survey of the race shows Johanns earning 55% of the vote while Kleeb attracts support from 40%. The two men are seeking to replace Republican Senator Chuck Hagel who decided against seeking re-election. Johanns is supported by 78% of Republicans, Kleeb by 72% of Democrats, and unaffiliated voters are evenly divided. Johanns is viewed favorably by 65% of the state’s voters, including 27% who have a Very Favorable opinion of the Republican candidate. Kleeb...

In the race to become Nebraska’s next United States Senator, Mike Johanns (R) leads Scott Kleeb (D) by fifteen percentage points. The first Rasmussen Reports telephone survey of the race shows Johanns earning 55% of the vote while Kleeb attracts support from 40%. The two men are seeking to replace Republican Senator Chuck Hagel who decided against seeking re-election. Johanns is supported by 78% of Republicans, Kleeb by 72% of Democrats, and unaffiliated voters are evenly divided. Johanns is viewed favorably by 65% of the state’s voters, including 27% who have a Very Favorable opinion of the Republican candidate. Kleeb...

March 23 (Bloomberg) -- Senator Chuck Hagel of Nebraska said long-held disagreements with the Bush administration's handling of the Iraq War may prevent him from endorsing fellow Republican Senator John McCain's presidential bid. ``When I endorse someone, or when I work for someone, or commit to someone, I want to be behind that person in every way I can,'' Hagel, who supports a withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq, said today on ABC's ``This Week.'' ``John and I have some pretty fundamental disagreements over the future of foreign policy.'' The U.S. needs a ``clear plan'' for ending the war, said...

Barack Obama beat Hillary Rodham Clinton in Democratic contests in Louisiana, Nebraska and Washington State as Mike Huckabee showed that he is still attracting Republican voters.

Barack Obama pummeled Democratic rival Hillary Clinton in the latest round of their battle for the White House nomination on Saturday, earning momentum and valuable delegates with big wins in Washington and Nebraska caucuses. Obama registered comfortable victories in both states, outscoring Clinton by margins of roughly 2 to 1, according to media projections. His triumphs will boost the Illinois senator's campaign to be the country's first black president, after a fierce Super Tuesday duel that saw the two share the honors. It was not immediately clear how many delegates Obama picked up from his victories on Saturday, with the...

OBAMA TAKES ALL 3; AS HILLARY CRIES AGAIN

WASHINGTON (AP) - Sen. Barack Obama won caucuses in Nebraska and Washington state and battled Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton in the Louisiana primary Saturday night in a bid to chip away at her slender delegate lead in their historic race for the Democratic presidential nomination. Obama was winning nearly 70 percent support in Nebraska, compared with 31 percent for Clinton, in caucuses with 24 delegates at stake. He also had 67 percent support in Washington state caucuses, compared with 32 percent for Clinton with returns tallied from about one-half of the state's precincts. There were 78 delegates at stake, the...

Barack Obama takes delegate lead with win in Nebraska as of 8:25 PM EST. Sources inside campaign I speak with say Hillary is in for a "very bad night" and will lose Maine tomorrow as well according to internal polling. Hillary has statements at the ready claiming she is focusing on Ohio, Texas, and Tuesday night. Saying Obama gave a good fight in the states she lost tonight but is looking forward to the contests ahead to give her the nomination.

Take one senate seat off the table. "The officials haven’t lost all hope – Mr. Kerrey is headed back to Nebraska for a quick weekend trip, perhaps the Midwestern air will influence his thinking – but they are all but certain he will not enter the race to fill the seat of retiring Senator Chuck Hagel." http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/09/21/kerrey-is-still-mulling-a-... According to Kos, Kerrey was supposed to announce today, so Johanns probably announced just in time to scare Bob Kerrey out of it. http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2007/9/21/1462/71700 Turns out, Kerrey may be more interested in running for Mayor of New York City than running for Nebraska's...

Shown on the crawler of FNC. The GOP is getting understandably antsy about a possible looming debacle in the Senate in '08, and at least they're pulling out the stops in NB. Comments?

Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns has decided to resign from President Bush’s cabinet to return to Nebraska and enter the 2008 Senate race. Johanns, the former two-term Republican governor, began placing phone calls to a number of friends and supporters in the state Tuesday night to inform them of his decision. A formal announcement is expected in Nebraska next week after Johanns has submitted his resignation to the White House, according to a source close to Johanns. Johanns and his wife, Stephanie, went house-hunting over the weekend when he was in Lincoln to attend a Saturday event at which...

A possible title bout between political heavyweights Mike Johanns and Bob Kerrey for the U.S. Senate has the makings of a marquee matchup. The clash of past champions would offer voters a choice between two distinctly different personalities, each with a lengthy public record to defend. It would be a fight with national implications: Democrats would view it as a chance to widen their Senate majority; Republicans would be forced to defend a seat in a red state. The only thing missing? The fighters themselves. Neither man has entered the ring, despite being heavily recruited by his party. Democrat Kerrey...