Nelson And Ricketts Debate

Senate candidates Ben Nelson and Pete Ricketts squared off at the Nebraska Broadcasters Association convention in Lincoln.   

Republican Ricketts is trying to keep Democrat Nelson from returning to Washington for a second six-year term.

This was the first of three scheduled debates between these two candidates for senate.

It looks like there will be plenty of fireworks in this race leading up to the November election.  

The sparks started to fly outside, before the debate even began with dueling Nelson and Ricketts supporters.  

When it got underway, the first question to the candidates was about the negative tone of their campaign ads.   

Nelson said, “Rather than just simply talk about what negative ads should be taken off, I'll make a pledge to my opponents that we take all campaign ads off until October first. I think the American public would like that and I know Nebraskans would like to have that happen.”   

Ricketts said, “I'm certainly appreciative of my opponent offering to take his commercials off the air until October first. But, of course, that's the advantage of the incumbent. His name is well-known. And my challenge is to get out to Nebraskans.”   

From there, issues like immigration, Iraq, stem cell research and agriculture were discussed.   

They were even asked when they last mowed their own lawn!   

In the end, the emphasis was on Nelson's government experience. 

As for those in attendance, opinion was divided about who won the debate.   

The controversy over the personal property tax each candidate is paying was not brought up.

Although Nelson briefly joked about it.   

The next Nelson-Ricketts debate is scheduled for September 10th in Omaha.