Special Election To Fill Fortenberry Vacancy Set For Same Day As His Sentencing

       Nebraska Gov Pete Ricketts has set a June 28th date for a special election to fill the remaining 6 months of the term of 1st District Congressman Jeff Fortenberry, who resigned effective yesterday after being convicted of lying to federal agents. 

     By law, Fortenberry’s vacancy must be filled by a special election, but there wasn’t enough time to set that election to coincide with the May 10th primary. 

     Ironically, June 28th is also the day Fortenberry will be sentenced in California on two counts of making false statements to federal investigators and one of falsifying and concealing material faces. Each count carries up to 5 years in prison plus fines.

      The state central committee of each political party must pick one candidate each for the special election before the end of this month with State Senator Patty Pansing Brooks of Lincoln almost certain to be the choice of the Democrats.

       State Senator and media owner Mike Flood of Norfolk, who filed against Fortenberry saying he wanted to keep the seat Republican, is the likely GOP choice, but another candidate in the race, retired Lt Colonel Glen Weaver, is pushing hard for it, too.

     There’s a good chance the opponents in the special election will also square off in November, but since the special election is after the primary that may not be the case.