LINCOLN- Following the announcement that State Treasurer John Murante would be leaving his post to serve as the state's Retirement Director, an application pool was opened by Gov. Pillen's office to find potential candidates for the role. Last week, a handful of Nebraskans from a slew of different backgrounds showed interest in applying.

However, the top three potential candidates, as it stands right now, seem to be Sen. Julie Slama, Fremont Mayor Joey Spellerberg, and former treasurer candidate Taylor Royal, who are all confirmed to have applied for the post. Slama, a lawyer, was appointed to the Legislature by former Gov. Pete Ricketts in 2019, and currently chairs the Banking, Commerce and Insurance Committee. Spellerberg, whose family owns Moostash Joe Tours, is considered by many in Nebraska to be a rising Republican, and is well known for his work in economic development.

Royal, a financial adviser, ran for treasurer in 2018 and for Mayor of Omaha in 2017. Two other candidates indicated that they considered applying, but are unconfirmed as of right now. These include Sen. Ben Hansen and former Sen. Theresa Thibodeau, but both confirmed that they're leaning towards passing on the opportunity. Local political observers expect Gov. Pillen to schedule interviews and make a decision promptly, as the Treasurer oversees programs like child support payments. This appointment will be Pillen's third as an elected official.

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