GOP candidate for Governor Pete Ricketts has about $477,000 more campaign cash on hand than his Democratic opponent, Chuck Hassebrook.
That’s according to the most recent campaign filings with the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission. Businessman Ricketts and former Nebraska Regent Hassebrook talked education, workforce, and government accountability issues during a recent NET and Nebraska Broadcasters Association debate in Lincoln.
Both candidates called for increased accountability in Nebraska’s Department of Corrections. Ricketts says a culture change and new leadership are needed. Hassebrook says accountability is needed at all levels of leadership, including in the Governor’s office.
Ricketts and Hassebrook want Nebraska’s Good Time law changed, so it’s more difficult for repeat violent offenders to earn the time. Both also support the use of alternative courts such as drug courts for nonviolent offenders.
Recent polling data shows GOP Ricketts leads Hassebrook by 20 points. The October 10th poll was conducted by CBS News, the New York Times, and YouGov. Hassebrook's campaign says the poll isn't scientific and questions its accuracy, as well as the methods used to collect the data. A spokeswoman for the Hassebrook campaign says their internal polling data shows the race is within a single-digit margin.
At the debate, both candidates also talked about education funding. Hassebrook wants additional investment in special education and early childhood education programs.
Ricketts says he doesn’t support putting a portion of sales tax money toward education funding. He says decisions about how Nebraska’s schools are funded should be made by working with the Legislature.
Libertarian Mark Elworth, Jr. is also running for Governor. You can hear the debate between Chuck Hassebrook and Pete Ricketts next Friday on KIOS.