As expected, Governor Jim Pillen has named his predecessor Pete Ricketts to fill the U-S Senate seat vacated by the resignation of Ben Sasse to become President of the University of Florida..
Ricketts, just the 5th Nebraskan appointed to the Senate by a governor, will serve 2 years. The final 2 years of Sasse’s term will be on next year’s ballot and Ricketts says he will run and, if successful, will run again for a full 6-year term in 2026.
Pillen received 111 applications for the opening and interviewed 9. The choice of Ricketts was expected – and criticized – by many since he was the largest contributor and most vocal supporter of Pillen’s run for governor, but Pillen says the only thing that mattered is that Ricketts was the most qualified candidate.
In making the announcement, Pillen ticked off a list of the abilities, qualities, and philosophies he felt the new senator should have ‘ then called Ricketts the logical choice.
Ricketts said he will continue the same conservative path he took as governor and Sasse took in the Senate.
Sasse surprised most observers when he revealed his likely appointment at Florida and Ricketts, who was term-limited as governor, said he hadn’t even considered until then going to the Senate and called it “an unexpected opportunity” that has him humbled and grateful.”
Deb Fischer of Valentine, the state’s other Senator, also took part in the news conference announcing Ricketts’ appointment, praising the selection and offering the new Senator-designate advice and encouragement.
The Senate is currently on its Martin Luther King Jr Day recess, so Ricketts is expected to be sworn-in shortly after the reconvenes on the 21st.