Osborne wins weighty GOP endorsements
Tom Osborne scored a significant breakthrough Monday into the ranks of Republican Party leaders, winning the endorsement of former Gov. Charles Thone and two other veteran GOP figures.
Former Rep. Bill Barrett of Lexington and former Republican State Chairman Ralph Knobel of Fairbury will join Thone in leading an advisory committee supporting Osborne’s gubernatorial bid.
All three are former GOP state chairmen with service in the party stretching over four decades.
The trio’s endorsement should help Osborne tap into support among longtime party activists, who have appeared to be lining up primarily in Gov. Dave Heineman’s camp.
“We’re not against anybody or anything,” Thone said in a Lincoln interview. “We’re for Tom Osborne and what he brings to the table.”
Thone cited the 3rd District congressman’s knowledge of key water and agricultural issues as well as his positions on tax cuts and economic development.
“Education really is his forte, with special emphasis on what we have to do for our youth,” Thone said.
Osborne’s refusal to accept campaign contributions from corporations, political action committees or special interests, while imposing a $1,000-per-election limit on donations from individuals, is “something a lot of people ought to take notice of,” the former governor said.
The high-profile endorsement of Osborne was the newest demonstration of a sharply contested GOP gubernatorial primary contest.
Sen. Chuck Hagel, the party’s premier officeholder, has endorsed Heineman in his bid to retain the governorship he inherited last January when Mike Johanns resigned to become U.S. secretary of agriculture.
Former Gov. Kay Orr has thrown her support to Omaha businessman Dave Nabity, the third candidate in the race.
Thone said it’s going to be a barnburner.
“When Osborne first announced, it was a slam dunk,” he said. “But it’s no longer a slam dunk. Heineman is very aggressive. He’s everywhere and he has a lot going for him.
“But Tom is uniquely qualified to address Nebraska’s challenges,” Thone said. “We’ve got an opportunity to elect someone who can really benefit all of Nebraska.
“I think Tom should win. And he will win.”
Carlos Castillo, the governor’s campaign manager, said: “We believe Thone is absolutely right when he says this is going to be a close race. But we have the momentum and we’re going to win on May 9.”
Thone, Barrett and Knobel have “long-standing personal relationships with Tom Osborne,” Castillo said. “But they also have said very complimentary things about the governor and the job he’s doing.”
Barrett, a former Speaker of the Legislature, served five terms in the House before Osborne succeeded him in 2001.
Reach Don Walton at 473-7248 or at dwalton@journalstar.com.
Former Rep. Bill Barrett of Lexington and former Republican State Chairman Ralph Knobel of Fairbury will join Thone in leading an advisory committee supporting Osborne’s gubernatorial bid.
All three are former GOP state chairmen with service in the party stretching over four decades.
The trio’s endorsement should help Osborne tap into support among longtime party activists, who have appeared to be lining up primarily in Gov. Dave Heineman’s camp.
“We’re not against anybody or anything,” Thone said in a Lincoln interview. “We’re for Tom Osborne and what he brings to the table.”
Thone cited the 3rd District congressman’s knowledge of key water and agricultural issues as well as his positions on tax cuts and economic development.
“Education really is his forte, with special emphasis on what we have to do for our youth,” Thone said.
Osborne’s refusal to accept campaign contributions from corporations, political action committees or special interests, while imposing a $1,000-per-election limit on donations from individuals, is “something a lot of people ought to take notice of,” the former governor said.
The high-profile endorsement of Osborne was the newest demonstration of a sharply contested GOP gubernatorial primary contest.
Sen. Chuck Hagel, the party’s premier officeholder, has endorsed Heineman in his bid to retain the governorship he inherited last January when Mike Johanns resigned to become U.S. secretary of agriculture.
Former Gov. Kay Orr has thrown her support to Omaha businessman Dave Nabity, the third candidate in the race.
Thone said it’s going to be a barnburner.
“When Osborne first announced, it was a slam dunk,” he said. “But it’s no longer a slam dunk. Heineman is very aggressive. He’s everywhere and he has a lot going for him.
“But Tom is uniquely qualified to address Nebraska’s challenges,” Thone said. “We’ve got an opportunity to elect someone who can really benefit all of Nebraska.
“I think Tom should win. And he will win.”
Carlos Castillo, the governor’s campaign manager, said: “We believe Thone is absolutely right when he says this is going to be a close race. But we have the momentum and we’re going to win on May 9.”
Thone, Barrett and Knobel have “long-standing personal relationships with Tom Osborne,” Castillo said. “But they also have said very complimentary things about the governor and the job he’s doing.”
Barrett, a former Speaker of the Legislature, served five terms in the House before Osborne succeeded him in 2001.
Reach Don Walton at 473-7248 or at dwalton@journalstar.com.
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