OMAHA- Every election cycle, Nebraskans are met with a deluge of political ads, mailers, and texts from candidates. However, this year it's changed. Now, Nebraskans are being reached out to for races up and down almost the entire ballot, including schools boards.
By the mid-June filing deadline, Nebraska candidates had raised a record $51 million for state and local races. Two years ago, that number was $23 million.
The Republican gubernatorial race in Lincoln saw record highs as well. Among the three top candidates, $28 million was raised, with Herbseter garnering $13 million, Pillen raising $10 million, and Sen. Lindstrom getting $3 million.
The Ricketts family gave nearly $2 million to Conservative Nebraska, an outside group that pushed heavily against Pillen's two GOP opponents. The Governor also funded groups like the Nebraska Future Action Fund, which is aimed primarily at the University of Nebraska regent's race.
Fundraising is reportedly up quite a bit compared to past years, with the Nebraska Federation for Children garnering around $735,000. The State Board of Education races are also seeing record fundraising numbers after the Board proposed, and later withdrew, new health standards.
Almost 20 candidates for the Nebraska Legislature have raised over $100,000 this cycle, and other important Douglas and Lancaster County races have been seeing similar numbers.
Nebraska Public Service Commissioner Crystal Rhoades said she's seen expensive races before, but nothing on this level. "There are many groups participating and forming, and the existing groups are spending much more money," said Rhoades, "Some of these legislative races are going to get to $400,000 or $500,000 when you include independent expenditures."
Gavin Geis, of Common Cause Nebraska, a political action committee that seeks to limit campaign contributions, said the rising cost of running is discouraging candidates without connections to wealth. "We've seen this nationally," said Geis, "There is more of a focus on local races. There is way more giving at the local level. It's not surprising, but it's still shocking."
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