LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — The Republican primary to replace U.S. Sen. Mike Johanns in Nebraska could unfold as an open-and-shut contest or a wide-open race, depending on what Gov. Dave Heineman decides.
GOP officials and strategists say Heineman would enter the 2014 election as a heavy favorite if he chooses to run for the seat. Conversely, party officials say a decision by Heineman not to run would unleash a flurry of candidates with no immediate frontrunner.
Johanns announced Monday that he would not seek re-election in 2014. Heineman has said he is considering a run for the seat, but he has not decided one way or the other.
Heineman, the state's longest-serving governor, has enjoyed consistent approval ratings above 60 percent in polls. He was twice elected governor with more than 70 percent support.
