LINCOLN- Following the recently announced departure of Nebraska State Treasurer John Murante, who will now lead the state's Retirement Agency, rumours swirled about who will assume the role of the next state treasurer. In a press release announcing Murante's resignation, Governor Jim Pillen's office indicated that it would "announce an application process to find a well-qualified new treasurer." While this application process has yet to be formally enacted, several big names in the state have already shown interest in the role.

First and foremost, State Sen. Julie Slama, chair of the Banking, Commerce, and Insurance Committee flagged her interest, saying she is "interested and will be applying." Next, Sen. Theresa Thibodeau, a business owner who finished fourth in the 2022 GOP gubernatorial primary, also indicated that she would be throwing her hat into the race. "I think I could do the job well," she said. Sen. Ben Hansen, chair of the Health and Human Services Committee, also indicated his interest, but seemed reluctant. "I'm not saying yes, and I'm not saying no," Hansen said.

Taylor Royal, Murante's GOP primary election opponent in 2018 and an Omaha financial adviser thinks she's qualified for the job too, having said that she's "considering it." Finally, Fremont Mayor Joey Spellerberg, who received substantial praise for helping the city grow, said he's "heard from people" about the role, but is still mulling it over. Nebraska Democratic Party Chair Jane Kleeb announced that she does not expect any high-profile members of her party to apply "because there is "no chance Pillen would pick one."

For the full article click HERE