Former U.S. Sen. Bob Kerrey has joined the 3rd District congressional campaign of Democrat Scott Kleeb. Kerrey will serve as chairman of the Kleeb for Congress campaign finance committee.

“I am deeply impressed with Scott’s commitment to thinking deeply about the issues facing central and western Nebraska,” Kerrey said in a statement. “He envisions a Nebraska with jobs and people flowing in instead of out. If that vision is to be realized, we need leaders with the energy and intelligence to promote fresh ideas. And Scott is such a leader.”

Kerrey served in the Senate from 1989 to 2001. He served as governor from 1983 to 1987.

Kerrey is now president of New School University in New York.

Kleeb is the only Democrat running for the seat being vacated by U.S. Rep. Tom Osborne, who is not seeking a fourth term in order to run for the GOP nomination for governor.

Kleeb, 30, works on his family’s ranch near Dunning.

Six Republicans have already said they are running for Osborne’s seat: state Sen. Adrian Smith of Gering; John Hanson of Kearney; Jim Fahr of Kearney; Grand Island Mayor Jay Vavricek; Doug Polk of Kearney and David Harris of Kilgore.

Republican Jeff Fortenberry of the 1st District is unopposed in his bid for second term

Republican Lee Terry of the 2nd District is being challenged in his bid for a fifth term by Democrat Jim Esch of Omaha.