NRCC MEMO: NEBRASKA PRIMARY RESULTS
TO: INTERESTED PARTIES
FROM: NRCC POLITICAL and NRCC COMMUNICATIONS
DATE: MAY 11, 2016
SUBJECT: NEBRASKA PRIMARY RESULTS
Oh, to be a fly on the wall at the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) today. In an unprecedented move, the DCCC invested an enormous buy of $430,000 on television ads in Omaha in an attempt to influence the Republican primary election during the final stretch of the campaign. They failed. Now despite their best efforts, Democrats must face the candidate they fear most: Brigadier General Don Bacon, who draws a stark contrast to career politician Brad Ashford.
NE-02: Don Bacon, R vs. Brad Ashford, D
Democrats invested unprecedented resources to ensure Don Bacon did not emerge from the Republican Primary, but Bacon proved to be a resilient candidate and won despite the barrage of negative ads. Democrats are right to fear Bacon’s impressive military background, as his nearly 30 years of service in the Air Force presents a compelling message in what could be a national security focused election. Additionally, Bacon’s career in the military, including a command stint at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska, provides a stark contrast to Democrat Brad Ashford’s career as a professional politician. Bacon’s biography and pragmatic message are sure to appeal to voters in this Republican leaning district that Gov. Mitt Romney won by more than 7 points in 2012.
Brad Ashford is one of the most vulnerable incumbents in the country, as highlighted by the DCCC’s desperate attempts to meddle in the GOP primary. Nebraska’s 2nd District fundamentally favors Republicans and Ashford has set himself up to be tied to some of the most unpopular members of his party. Ashford has voted for Nancy Pelosi for speaker not once, but twice, endorsed Hillary Clinton, and maintained a public presence with President Obama during his visit to Omaha. Ashford will be swimming against the tide this fall and faces a dynamic challenger in Don Bacon who is ultimately a far better fit for this GOP-leaning district.
Geography: PVI: R+4; Romney 52.85%; the Cook Political Report rates this race as “Lean Democrat” and the Rothenberg Political Report rates this race as “Toss Up/Tilt Democrat.”
STATEWIDE ROUNDUP
The following are the unofficial results from Tuesday’s primary election in Nebraska.
*Indicates Winner determined by AP
NE-02 – GOP Primary
263 of 263 Precincts Reporting (100%)
Don Bacon* 66%
Chip Maxwell 34%
NE-02 – DEM Primary
263 of 263 Precincts Reporting (100%)
Brad Ashford* Uncontested