Some big names in business and politics showed up this week as contributors to Jon Bruning’s Senate campaign.

The list became public when Bruning’s finance report was posted  on the Federal Election Commission’s Web site.

Among the big Omaha corporate names were Walter Scott, chairman of Level 3 Communications and former chairman of Peter Kiewit and Sons; Charles “Mike” Harper, retired CEO of ConAgra; Mike Yanney, chairman of the Burlington Capital Group; Vin Gupta, chairman and CEO of InfoUSA; and David Sokol, chairman and CEO of Mid-American Energy Co.

Scott also has contributed to Hagel for Senate, the campaign organization raising funds for a possible re-election bid by Republican Sen. Chuck Hagel.

Bruning, the state’s attorney general, is seeking the 2008 GOP Senate nomination for Hagel’s seat.

Hagel plans to announce later this year whether he’ll bid for a third term, pursue the presidency or leave elective office at the end of next year.

Among the big political names on Bruning’s list of contributors were former Rep. Tom Osborne, 1998 GOP gubernatorial candidate John Breslow, State Treasurer Shane Osborn and Lancaster County Republican Chairman Mark Fahleson.

Osborne, the former legendary Nebraska football coach, won Bruning’s support in his 2006 contest with Gov. Dave Heineman for the GOP gubernatorial nomination.  Hagel endorsed Heineman.

Fahleson, who will complete his term as county party chairman in September, said he and Bruning have been friends since college and he believes “Jon would make a fantastic U.S. senator.”

Jim Haga, a former Lancaster County Republican chairman who now lives in suburban Denver, also contributed money to the Bruning campaign.

Other corporate names on Bruning’s list included Bob Daugherty of Omaha, chairman emeritus of Valmont Industries; Fred Hawkins of Hawkins Construction in Omaha; and Tonn Ostergard of Lincoln, president and CEO of Crete Carrier Corp.

Two state government lobbyists, Walt Radcliffe and Loran Schmit, also were listed as contributors.

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