LINCOLN- Dave Heineman has told associates he is thinking of a possible gubernatorial bid in 2022, which could raise the prospect of a very high-profile Republican primary a year from now. His decision though is not final and Gov. Ricketts has not yet endorsed a candidate. But, the governor's 2018 reelection team are aboard Jim Pillen's campaign.

If Pillen and Heineman go toe to toe, the race could get ugly. Heineman rose to the governorship in 2005 after Mike Johanns resigned to become U.S. secretary of agriculture and again after defeating Tom Osborne in the Republican primary election in 2006. He then garnered 74% of the vote in 2010 for his second four-year term. The Nebraska Republican Party is Pete Ricketts' party today, with the two governors going toe-to-toe in last year’s match up of Senator Julie Slama, who was heavily backed by Governor Ricketts, and challenger Janet Palmtag who was backed by Governor Heineman.

The gubernatorial race becomes even more complex as many key senators will be term-limited in the legislature, some of whom have considered a run for the state’s top seat.

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