By Steve White swhite@nebraska.tv
Who's the true Tea Party conservative running for U.S. Senate? Self-proclaimed conservative activists say it's not Jon Bruning, who's been endorsed by a national group called Tea Party Express.
Bryan Van Deun of Lincoln said, "I was very disappointed when I saw the Tea Party group gave him their endorsement... he is tough to get a hold of and I don't think he well represents what has been called the Tea Party movement."
The citizens are not part of an organized group, and say they're not formally connected to any candidate but do support Don Stenberg.
Glen Flint of Springfield visited Grand Island to show his support for Stenberg over Bruning. He said, "I'm looking for a conservative senator that will represent my values in the U.S. Senate and not be seduced by the dark side of the force."
Grand Island conservative Mark McCaffery said, "I came out today to support Don Stenberg for U.S. Senate. I just believe Don, of the candidates I've looked at, has both the foundational principals deeply ingrained and government experience we need."
They handed out materials stamped as being paid for by Stenberg's campaign.
Jon Bruning's campaign manager Trent Fellers responded, saying, "Don Stenberg is throwing mud because he's desperate. Nebraskans have 5 times rejected his gutter politics and they will again. Jon Bruning is focused on issues important to Nebraska families."
While Stenberg and Bruning supporters jab at each other, State Sen. Deb Fischer makes her
case, as she officially files for office.
Fischer said, "I'm not a career politician. I haven't been running for senate forever. I'm a part-time citizen-legislator in the Nebraska legislature for eight years and I've shown I'm effective and get things done."
Fischer said she's not focused on politics.
"We're in crisis and we need to have a serious discussion on what the issues are, what solutions are out there," she said.
A fourth candidate, Pat Flynn announced he will file for office on Thursday.
