He's in.

State Sen. Tom White was on the telephone Monday raising money for his 2010 Democratic challenge to Rep. Lee Terry.

White sent an e-mail to supporters announcing he has formed an exploratory committee in preparation for his formal entry into what appears to be next year's premier election showdown in Nebraska.

Already, White is scheduling a series of meetings and appearances in the compact metropolitan Omaha district.

The 2nd District is composed of Douglas County and portions of Sarpy County, including Bellevue, Papillion and La Vista.

White represents an Omaha legislative district that includes Benson and Dundee neighborhoods.

A formal announcement of his candidacy is expected in September.

Terry already has stated his intention to seek a seventh term.

"Our district needs independent, effective representation in Washington," White wrote in his e-mail message.

"Regardless of the issue - making health care affordable, jumpstarting the economy, simplifying the tax code, reducing the deficit - the metro area needs a congressman who puts partisanship aside to get things done."

White signaled his intention to enter the race during a Democratic dinner in La Vista two weeks ago, and Republicans already were preparing for the upcoming fight.

Last Thursday, GOP State Chairman Mark Fahleson posted an entry on his Internet blog creating a telephone hotline to field information about White.

Specifically, Fahleson urged callers to "report White's negative campaign tactics, their various experiences with the state senator and their concerns about his liberal positions and votes in the Legislature."

Democrats have pointed to the 2nd District House race as their priority target in 2010.

President Barack Obama won the district's presidential electoral vote last November and Democrats regained a voter registration edge over Republicans in Douglas County.

Terry, however, ran against the Obama tide and defeated Democratic nominee Jim Esch to retain his seat in the House.

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