LINCOLN- Republicans in Nebraska rushed to defend U.S. Rep. Jeff Fortenberry this week as the congressman was indicted for lying to FBI investigators.

Meanwhile, the chair of the Democratic Party in the state said that Fortenberry was a “crook and a liar” and deserves to be replaced.

Observers, however, were split on the impact of the federal grand jury’s indictment on the congressman’s political future.

Fortenberry, who was first elected to represent Nebraska’s 1st Congressional District in 2004, said in a video shot before the indictment was released that the allegations, linked to a federal investigation into illegal campaign contributions from a Nigerian-born billionaire, were untrue and a betrayal after he had cooperated with an FBI probe.

“In America, we are fortunate our legal system abides by the ‘innocent until proven guilty’ mantra and this applies to Rep. Fortenberry as well,” Rep. Don Bacon, a Republican, said in a statement. “The man I know is a good-hearted man and not someone I would attribute these accusations to.”

More than one official said they had a hard time believing the allegations.

"I do have a very difficult time believing the allegations. It would be very out of character for him," said J.L. Spray, a Lincoln attorney and GOP national committeeman.

"Jeff is a man of integrity," said Mark Fahleson, a former chair of the Nebraska Republican Party. He said Fortenberry's only crime was using long words that few people understand.

But Jane Kleeb, who chairs the Nebraska Democratic Party, said Fortenberry had violated the trust of voters, and that Democrats should “win this seat back for the people.”

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