U.S. Senator Mike Johanns’ announcement that he won’t seek a second term could shake up several state and federal races in 2014.
That’s according to UNO political scientist Loree Bykerk. Johanns announced Monday he won’t run for re-election next year. Bykerk says she was surprised by that announcement, and expects it’ll lead to changes in other political offices.
"At this point, it’s not just the Senate race. It’s kind of like a waterfall of opportunities from the Senate to possibly new House races, new state-level races, because a lot of people are going to try to take this opportunity to move up."
Bykerk says while there are more potential GOP candidates for the post, it isn’t guaranteed that a Republican will retain Johanns’ seat in the Senate.
Johanns was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2008. He previously served as Mayor of Lincoln, Nebraska Governor, and U.S. Agriculture Secretary.