OK, let’s get it on.

Mark your ballots tomorrow and we’ll roll down the curtain on this intriguing Republican governor’s race.

David versus Goliath, some have suggested.

But is it David (Heineman) versus the Goliath that is Tom Osborne?

Or is it David (Osborne) against the Goliath of the Republican establishment in Nebraska?

Of course, the real David in this race against giants is named Nabity.

OK, let’s be clear the reference to “Republican establishment” does not mean “Republican Party.”

The party itself remains uncommitted in the gubernatorial contest, even though there’s little doubt where the votes of most of its leaders and devoted activists will go on Tuesday.

Let’s ask Nabity, the plain spoken guy, whether the party has remained neutral in this race.

Uh, Dave.

“Yes,” Nabity says, it has.

Now, let’s try to be more clear about defining “the establishment.”

That’s a broader definition that includes dependably Republican interest groups, most of which have direct ties to the GOP through their leadership as well as philosophically.

The three interest groups identified by Heineman as critical in a statewide Republican primary race are the Nebraska Farm Bureau, Nebraska Right to Life and the National Rifle Association.

All have endorsed only the governor, even though Osborne (as well as Nabity) are pro-agriculture, pro-gun rights and strongly pro-life.

Also on Heineman’s side are Sen. Chuck Hagel’s skilled political operatives. Hagel endorsed the governor a year ago.

Osborne’s biggest endorsements came from public employees, including teachers. But the Nebraska State Education Association and the Nebraska Association of Public Employees are not identified with the GOP.

So what’s up here?

Support for Heineman is based not only on his performance as governor and his incumbency, but also because he’s a dependable, loyal, committed, longtime party person.

A member of the team.

Philosophically, in terms of his voting record and in his demonstrated personal beliefs — as evidenced by his longtime GOP voter registration — Osborne is dependably Republican. He has raised money and campaigned for GOP candidates in Nebraska and nationally.

But he’s a rather independent fellow.

Not a party insider.

Not a member of the Republican establishment.

So who’s the David standing against Goliath in this race?

Yeah, I know, Nabity.

nnn

Finishing up:

n Barack Obama, telling a delighted audience at Salem Baptist Church in north Omaha about having a mother from Kansas as well as a father from Kenya: “I’ve got that midwestern, flat, corn, wheat thing going.”

n Obama’s appearance at the church, billed as “Empower the Community,” was co-sponsored by the Nebraska Democratic Black Caucus. The accompanying church brochure stated: “We’re not here to tell you who to vote for, but we do encourage you to let your voice be heard.”

n Has the Republican gubernatorial race aroused emotions? Check my e-mail and phone messages: Hey, you’re unfair, one-sided. Hey, how about more stories and photos and headlines for my guy?

n If anybody should have a complaint, it’s David Hahn.

Reach Don Walton at 473-7248 or at dwalton@journalstar.com.