LINCOLN- This election season, Nebraska has seen a higher-than-usual number of highly contested races, and contribution and donation amounts not often seen.

Because of large, prevalent issues like abortion and concealed carry, Nebraska Republicans are pursuing a 33-plus member 'supermajority,' which would allow the party to overcome Democrat filibusters. "For far too long, conservative bills haven't been passed in the Legislature because we haven't been able to overcome the 33-vote threshold," read a post on the Douglas County GOP's Facebook.

Jane Kleeb, Democratic Party state chair, doesn't believe Republicans will reach their goal of 33 members in the Legislature, but understands just how contentious these races will be. "More and more voters, particularly in the Douglas, Lancaster and Sarpy County area, aren't buying into their extremist agenda," stated Kleeb.

Pere Neilan, a political consultant, stated that chances for a Republican supermajority are "possible but difficult." Currently, the Nebraska Legislature is split 32-17, so only one previously Democratic or Independent seat would need to flip.

Neilan believes that abortion will not be the issue that determines the election, but rather inflation and taxes. However, Kleeb stated that she sees abortion as one of the most pressing issues in the state.

The races for Omaha-area seats are expected to remain firmly in control of the incumbents--Sens. Hunt, Cavanaugh, and DeBoer--but Lincoln is a different story. Early polling shows Republican attorney Russ Barger narrowly passing Democrat George Dungan III by around 300 votes.

Other races all over the state are as contentious, if not more, than those in the metropolitan areas.

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