Feb 13, 2012 - 12:18 pm
Democrats are down to one for U.S. Senate.
State Sen. Steve Lathrop of Omaha pulled his name out of contention Monday, saying he is more interested in running for governor in 2014.
That leaves one major Democrat in the race - University of Nebraska Regent Chuck Hassebrook. He is set to announce Tuesday at his home near Lyons, where he works as the head of the Center for Rural Affairs.
Democrats have been on a deadline for about a week, since former Nebraska Gov. Bob Kerrey bowed out of a potential run, leaving them without a candidate.
Three major Republicans are vying for the race on the other side of the political aisle: Attorney General Jon Bruning, State Treasurer Don Stenberg and State Sen. Deb Fischer.
The primary is set for May 15.
Lathrop said he decided he wanted to remain in the Nebraska Legislature, where he would continue his work on child-welfare issues. He also said he would work to ensure that if there is tax relief, it is “fair and sustainable.”
“I want to continue to serve in the Legislature. I think there are significant issues facing the state,” he said.
