Add two more Republicans to the list of possible U.S. Senate contenders.
State Sen. Deb Fischer, 59, of Valentine says she is “thinking” about a run, but won't decide until after this year's legislative session.
And while former Nebraska Gov. Kay Orr, 72, says it is “unlikely” that she would run, she declined to completely slam the door on a campaign.
The two are the latest names to come forward and possibly run in 2012 against Democratic U.S. Sen. Ben Nelson, who has said he is leaning toward another run, although he has yet to finalize his decision.
The Republican field for the 2012 race is likely to include several contenders.
The first to get out of the gate was Nebraska Attorney General Jon Bruning, who announced the formation of an exploratory committee for the U.S. Senate the day after his November re-election.
In addition, Don Stenberg has indicated he may jump into the race. Stenberg has made three bids for the U.S. Senate, and was elected in November to his first term as State Treasurer.
People who have said they do not intend to run include Omaha businessman Rex Fisher and Lincoln businessman Bob Bennie.
Sen. Fischer says she has been approached by several people who have encouraged her to run. She says she plans to focus on the upcoming legislative session, but would give “serious” consideration to a campaign later this year.
“I'm not naive about this. People get started earlier and earlier when it comes to elections. You have to raise a lot of money,” said Fischer.
The senator, who lives on a ranch near Valentine, was re-elected to a second term in the Nebraska Legislature in 2008.
Orr seemed more interested in the idea of getting other people to run for the seat -- as opposed to launching her own campaign.
She said she hoped more than Bruning would run, particularly U.S. Rep. Jeff Fortenberry and State Auditor Mike Foley.
“I can't imagine what circumstances would persuade me to be in the race,” said Orr, who lives in Lincoln with her husband, Bill.
However, when asked if she would rule it out completely, she said “no.”
“I have an interest in who runs in the U.S. Senate race. And, I'm interested in seeing a full-fledged, hotly contested primary,” said Orr.
Orr was the first Republican woman elected governor of a U.S. state. She served from 1987 to 1991.
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402-444-1309, robynn.tysver@owh.com
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