LINCOLN - Gov. Pete Ricketts confirmed Monday, December 20 he asked former President Donald Trump to "stay out of the race" and not endorse anyone in the Nebraska primary.

He also used it as an opportunity to take a shot at Charles Herbster who has been endorsed by Trump.

"When it comes to the candidate that he ultimately endorsed, that I don't believe if you put your company headquarters in a different state that you're going to be able to be effective with regard to economic development here in the state," Ricketts said referring to Herbster, a Falls City businessman who runs Herbster Angus Farms.

Currently, there are six Republican candidates: Charles Herbster, NU Regent Jim Pillen, State Senator Brett Lindstrom, Omaha IT manager Breland Ridenour, Lincoln military veteran Micahel Connely, and Herbster's former running-mate, Theresa Thibodeau.

So far, State Senator Carol Blood is the lone Democrat candidate.

Despite former Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman's announcement to not run, he intends to make his voice and concerns heard in the race. He has not yet endorsed anyone, however.

Ricketts said he wants to wait until everybody who is running has announced their intention to do so before he endorses any candidate. Although, it has been widely speculated that he will support Jim Pillen.

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