2012 United States Senate election in Nebraska

none March 2026 December 2017 2012 United States Senate election in Nebraska Nebraska presidential no 2006 United States Senate election in Nebraska 2006 2018 United States Senate election in Nebraska 2018 November 6, 2012 150x150px Deb Fischer, official portrait, 113th Congress.jpg Deb Fischer Republican Party (United States) 455,593 57.77% Senator Bob Kerrey.jpg Bob Kerrey Democratic Party (United States) 332,979 42.23% 300px County results |300px Congressional district results 1 300px Fischer: #e27f7f 50–60% #d75d5d 60–70% #d72f30 70–80% #c21b18 80–90%Kerrey: #7996e2 50–60% U.S. Senator Ben Nelson Democratic Party (United States) Deb Fischer Republican Party (United States) The 2012 United States Senate election in Nebraska took place on November 6, 2012, concurrently with the 2012 U.S. presidential election, other elections to the United States Senate and House of Representatives, and various state and local elections. Incumbent Democratic senator Ben Nelson chose to retire instead of seeking a third term. https://www.politico.com/story/2011/12/ben-nelson-its-time-to-move-on-070879 Ben Nelson retiring from Senate Politico December 27, 2011 Democrat Bob Kerrey, who held this seat from 1989 to 2001, and Republican state Senator Deb Fischer won their respective parties' primary elections on May 15, 2012. Fischer won the general election with 57.8% of the vote, marking the first time since 1970 that a Republican was elected to Nebraska's Class 1 Senate seat. She was the first woman to be elected in the Senate since Hazel Abel in the 1954 special election, and as well as the first woman to be elected to a full Senate term in the state's history. This was the only Republican flip of the 2012 U.S. Senate elections. Fischer was sworn in on January 3, 2013, marking the first time since Roman Hruska resigned in December 1976 that Republicans simultaneously held both of Nebraska’s U.S. Senate seats. Democratic primary Candidates Declared Bob Kerrey, former U.S. senator and former governor of Nebraskahttp://www.omaha.com/article/20120229/NEWS01/702299827 Bob Kerrey will run for U.S. Senate February 29, 2012 February 29, 2012 Omaha World-Herald March 3, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120303005538/http://www.omaha.com/article/20120229/NEWS01/702299827 dead (initially declined)Gerlock Grant Bob Kerrey will not run for U.S. Senate https://nebraskapublicmedia.org/en/news/news-articles/bob-kerrey-will-not-run-for-us-senate/ Nebraska Public Media 23 March 2025 6 February 2012 Harvest Public Media Steven Lustgarten, video production company ownerhttp://journalstar.com/news/state-and-regional/govt-and-politics/omahan-files-as-democratic-senate-candidate/article_cc4706e7-435b-5bdb-b4cd-1bf78dee4747.html Omahan files as Democratic Senate candidate January 23, 2012 February 15, 2012 Lincoln Journal Star Larry Marvin, landlord and perennial candidatehttp://www.northplattebulletin.com/index.asp?show=news&action=readStory&storyID=22966&pageID=24 Alternative candidates: Issues drew them to Senate race May 6, 2012 May 7, 2012 North Platte Bulletin Christine Scalora March 3, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160303185949/http://www.northplattebulletin.com/index.asp?show=news&action=readStory&storyID=22966&pageID=24 dead Sherman Yates Withdrew Chuck Hassebrook, regent of the University of Nebraskahttp://atr.rollcall.com/nebraska-democratic-field-clears-for-bob-kerrey/ Nebraska: Democratic Field Clears for Bob Kerrey At the Races March 8, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120311013105/http://atr.rollcall.com/nebraska-democratic-field-clears-for-bob-kerrey/ March 11, 2012 dead Declined Chris Beutler, mayor of Lincolnhttps://journalstar.com/news/state-and-regional/govt-and-politics/beutler-brushes-off-senate-speculation-nelson-staff-mulls-campaign-funds/article_14eaa094-2687-5104-8273-471bcee52815.html Beutler brushes off Senate speculation; Nelson staff mulls campaign funds DON WALTON / Lincoln Journal Star JournalStar.com December 29, 2011 Jane Kleeb, founder and director of Bold Nebraskahttp://www.khastv.com/news/local/Jane-Kleeb-comments-on-Senator-Nelsons-retirement-136342748.html Jane Kleeb comments on Senator Nelson's retirement December 28, 2011 December 29, 2011 KHAS-TV Jordan Shefte https://web.archive.org/web/20120511220510/http://www.khastv.com/news/local/Jane-Kleeb-comments-on-Senator-Nelsons-retirement-136342748.html May 11, 2012 dead mdy-all Scott Kleeb, businessman, Democratic nominee for the 3rd congressional district in 2006 and for the U.S. Senate in 2008 Steve Lathrop, state senatorhttp://hotlineoncall.nationaljournal.com/archives/2012/02/lathrop-wont-ru.php Lathrop Won't Run for Ben Nelson's Seat February 13, 2012 February 13, 2012 National Journal Sean Sullivan https://web.archive.org/web/20121019113628/http://hotlineoncall.nationaljournal.com/archives/2012/02/lathrop-wont-ru.php October 19, 2012 dead mdy-all Ben Nelson, incumbent U.S. senatorhttps://www.politico.com/story/2011/12/sen-nelson-to-announce-retirement-070879 Ben Nelson: 'It's time to move on' John Bresnahan POLITICO December 27, 2011 Kim Robak, former lieutenant governorhttp://www.omaha.com/article/20120207/NEWS01/120209772 https://archive.today/20120905112219/http://www.omaha.com/article/20120207/NEWS01/120209772 dead September 5, 2012 Robak out of Senate race, too - Omaha.com February 1, 2023 Endorsements Bob Kerrey U.S. senators Warren Rudman, former U.S. senator from New Hampshire (Republican)https://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=496805 Our Campaigns - NE US Senate Race - Nov 06, 2012 www.ourcampaigns.com Individuals David Koechner, actorMorton Joseph https://omaha.com/blogs/washington_notebook/article_dd889bca-2063-5ae8-a458-6fd9b214e395.html Todd Packer finally picks a side in Nebraska Senate race November 2, 2012 Omaha World Herald Results Democratic primary resultsGale John A. Official Report of the State Board of Canvassers of the State of Nebraska, Primary Election, May 15, 2012 2012 https://sos.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/doc/elections/2012/canvass-report-2012-primary.pdf Bob Kerrey Democratic Party (United States) 66,586 80.98% Chuck Hassebrook Democratic Party (United States) 9,886 12.02% Steven P. Lustgarten Democratic Party (United States) 2,177 2.65% Larry Marvin Democratic Party (United States) 2,076 2.52% Sherman Yates Democratic Party (United States) 1,500 1.82% 82,225 100.00% Republican primary Candidates Jon Bruning, attorney general of Nebraskahttp://www.omaha.com/article/20110105/NEWS01/110109857 Bruning makes Senate bid official January 5, 2011 January 5, 2011 Omaha World-Herald Robynn Tysver January 13, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110113013435/http://www.omaha.com/article/20110105/NEWS01/110109857 dead Sharyn Elander Deb Fischer, state senatorhttp://www.omaha.com/article/20110628/NEWS01/706289903/1006415 Fischer kicks off U.S. Senate bid - Omaha.com February 1, 2023 August 6, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120806012720/http://www.omaha.com/article/20110628/NEWS01/706289903/1006415 dead Pat Flynn, financial adviserhttp://journalstar.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/article_e90ca94c-0483-5aef-8c42-abaa343705ac.html Pat Flynn launches GOP Senate campaign November 19, 2010 November 22, 2010 Lincoln Journal Star Don Walton Don Stenberg, treasurer of Nebraska, former attorney general of Nebraska, nominee for this seat in 2000https://www.rollcall.com/2011/02/28/nebraska-treasurer-to-enter-gop-senate-primary/ Nebraska Treasurer to Enter GOP Senate Primary February 28, 2011 Roll Call and candidate for this seat in 2006 Spencer Zimmerman, truck driver and Air Force veteranhttp://journalstar.com/news/state-and-regional/govt-and-politics/article_8add630f-680d-5f07-830a-33755ebadf58.html Republican Senate field becoming crowded June 18, 2011 June 18, 2011 Lincoln Journal Star Don Walton Declined Bob Bennie, businessmanhttp://www.omaha.com/article/20101215/NEWS01/101219788/296 More Republicans eyeing Senate? December 15, 2010 December 15, 2010 Omaha World-Herald Robynn Tysver April 30, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110430201827/http://www.omaha.com/article/20101215/NEWS01/101219788/296 dead Rex Fisher, businessman Mike Flood, speaker of the Nebraska Legislaturehttp://www.omaha.com/article/20101109/NEWS01/711099866/0 Senate race doesn't interest Flood November 9, 2010 November 19, 2010 Omaha World-Herald Kent Warneke November 11, 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20101111152423/http://www.omaha.com/article/20101109/NEWS01/711099866/0 dead Jeff Fortenberry, U.S. representativehttp://journalstar.com/news/state-and-regional/govt-and-politics/fortenberry-won-t-seek-senate-seat/article_74dad33f-6615-5eab-817e-e4b625067090.html Fortenberry won't seek Senate seat January 9, 2012 January 9, 2012 Lincoln Journal Star Don Walton Dave Heineman, governor of NebraskaPaul HammelWORLD-HERALD BUREAU http://www.omaha.com/article/20101104/NEWS01/101109857/942833 Heineman: No Senate bid in 2012 Omaha.com November 5, 2010 June 16, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110616044935/http://www.omaha.com/article/20101104/NEWS01/101109857/942833 dead Kay Orr, former governor of Nebraskahttp://www.rollcall.com/issues/56_146/nebraska_senate_gop_primary_gets_new_candidate-206835-1.html?pos=hln Nebraska Senate GOP Primary Gets a New Candidate : Roll Call Politics February 1, 2023 Mike Simmonds, businessmanhttp://journalstar.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/article_86327e2a-bca4-5034-8de3-df6c13809eeb.html Don Walton: Electoral vote battle looms January 3, 2011 January 3, 2011 Lincoln Journal Star Don Walton Adrian Smith, U.S. representativehttp://journalstar.com/news/state-and-regional/govt-and-politics/article_10f18206-f049-11df-abe7-001cc4c002e0.html US Senate race wide open for Neb. GOP candidates November 14, 2010 December 10, 2010 Associated Press Margery A. Beck Lee Terry, U.S. representativehttp://www.omaha.com/article/20120109/NEWS01/120109739 No Senate bid for Fortenberry - Omaha.com February 1, 2023 January 12, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120112040153/http://www.omaha.com/article/20120109/NEWS01/120109739 dead Polling Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesize Margin oferror JonBruning SharynElander DebFischer PatFlynn DonStenberg SpencerZimmerman UndecidedPublic Policy PollingPublic Policy Polling January 26–27, 2011 519 ±4.3% 47% – 6% 7% 19% – 20%Public Policy PollingPublic Policy Polling September 30 – October 2, 2011 400 ±4.9% 37% – 14% 6% 16% – 27%Public Policy PollingPublic Policy Polling March 22–25, 2012 440 ±4.7% 46% 3% 12% 4% 18% 0% 18%We Ask AmericaWe Ask America May 6, 2012 1,173 ±2.9% 42.2% 3.4% 25.9% 4% 22.5% 2% –We Ask AmericaWe Ask America May 13, 2012 1,109 ±2.95% 34% 4% 39% 3% 18% 2% –Public Policy PollingPublic Policy Polling May 14, 2012 272 ±5.9% 33% 1% 37% 2% 17% 1% 7% Endorsements 2 Jon Bruning Individuals Joe Arpaio, sheriff of Maricopa County, Arizonahttp://journalstar.com/news/state-and-regional/federal-politics/arizona-sheriff-endorses-bruning/article_9035c78c-3bda-5325-9ff0-82594caa89f5.html Arizona sheriff endorses Bruning February 20, 2012 February 24, 2012 Lincoln Journal Star Mike Flood, speaker of the Nebraska Legislaturehttp://journalstar.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/article_358eb25d-aba4-596a-a714-68365df017ae.html Mike Flood endorses Bruning Senate bid June 30, 2011 January 24, 2012 Lincoln Journal Star Don Walton Mike Huckabee, former governor of Arkansashttp://www.jonbruning.com/endorsements Jon Bruning for Senate - Endorsements May 8, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20140315050608/http://www.jonbruning.com/endorsements/ March 15, 2014 dead mdy-all http://journalstar.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/article_99d95899-6c45-5a8f-9235-7c34471ed657.html Mike Huckabee endorses Jon Bruning May 25, 2011 November 17, 2011 Lincoln Journal Star Don Walton Rick Santorum, former U.S. senator from Pennsylvania Bill Schuette, attorney general of Michiganhttps://www.ourcampaigns.com/CandidateDetail.html?CandidateID=11548 Our Campaigns - Candidate - Bill Schuette Organizations American Future Fundhttp://political.americanfuturefund.com/aff-pac-endorses-jon-bruning.html American Future Fund Political Action November 17, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110824220545/http://political.americanfuturefund.com/aff-pac-endorses-jon-bruning.html August 24, 2011 dead mdy-all Nebraska Fraternal Order of Police Nebraska Right to Life Tea Party Expresshttp://www.rollcall.com/news/Tea-Party-Express-Endorses-Jon-Bruning-205510-1.html Tea Party Express Endorses Jon Bruning in Nebraska May 11, 2011 November 17, 2011 Roll Call Shira Toeplitz United States Chamber of Commerce 2 Deb Fischer Individuals Herman Cain, former presidential candidate Jeff Fortenberry, U.S. representative for Nebraska's 1st congressional districthttp://journalstar.com/elections/fortenberry-endorsement-adds-to-fischer-surge/article_3215ef3b-65db-5467-85a2-aba306149c9e.html Fortenberry endorsement adds to Fischer surge May 10, 2012 May 11, 2012 Lincoln Journal Star Don Walton Kay Orr, former governor of Nebraska Sarah Palin, former governor of Alaska and 2008 Republican vice presidential nomineehttp://atr.rollcall.com/sarah-palin-endorses-deb-fischer-in-nebraska-senate-race/ Sarah Palin Endorses Deb Fischer in Nebraska Senate Race May 9, 2012 May 11, 2012 Roll Call Abby Livingston https://web.archive.org/web/20120512071145/http://atr.rollcall.com/sarah-palin-endorses-deb-fischer-in-nebraska-senate-race/ May 12, 2012 dead Todd Palin, Sarah Palin's husband Joe Ricketts, businessman, owner of the Chicago Cubs Organizations Nebraska Right to Lifehttp://www.debfischer2012.com/issues/protecting-life/ Protecting Life : Deb Fischer 2012 May 15, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120520044108/http://www.debfischer2012.com/issues/protecting-life/ May 20, 2012 dead mdy-all 2 Don Stenberg Individuals Ken Blackwell, former secretary of state of Ohiohttps://www.prlog.org/11682102-ken-blackwell-an-nra-club-for-growth-board-member-endorses-don-stenberg-in-nebraska.html Ken Blackwell, an NRA & Club for Growth Board Member, Endorses Don Stenberg in Nebraska Don Stenberg for U. S. Senate 2012 PRLog Jim DeMint, U.S. senator from South Carolinahttp://stenbergforsenate.com/endorsements/ Endorsements Stenberg for Senate 2012 April 19, 2012 https://archive.today/20111118002208/http://stenbergforsenate.com/endorsements/ November 18, 2011 dead mdy-all http://journalstar.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/article_267963b5-811e-5ad7-a6f9-149099669787.html DeMint endorses Stenberg, sponsors fundraising drive November 8, 2011 November 17, 2011 Lincoln Journal Star Don Walton Erick Erickson, managing editor of RedState Mike Lee, U.S. senator from Utahhttps://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/mike-lee-looks-to-carve-a-niche-on-the-campaign-trail/2011/10/17/gIQAxmJTsL_story.html Mike Lee looks to carve a niche on the campaign trail October 18, 2011 November 17, 2011 The Washington Post Ben Pershing Mark Levin, radio talk show hosthttps://www.politico.com/blogs/david-catanese/2011/07/stenberg-wins-mark-levin-primary-037921 Stenberg wins Mark Levin primary David Catanese POLITICO July 29, 2011 Edwin Meese, former U.S. attorney general Rand Paul, U.S. senator from Kentucky Organizations Club for Growth Eagle Forum Family Research Council FreedomWorkshttps://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20110928006067/en/FreedomWorks-PAC-Endorses-Don-Stenberg-in-the-Nebraska-Senate-Race FreedomWorks PAC Endorses Don Stenberg in the Nebraska Senate Race September 28, 2011 www.businesswire.com Gun Owners of America Nebraska Right to Life Nebraskans United for Life Republican National Coalition for Life Results thumb|300px|Results by county: Fischer #ffc8cd 30–40% #ffb2b2 40–50% #e27f7f 50–60% #d75d5d 60–70% #d72f30 70–80% Bruning #aae5aa 30–40% #87de87 40–50% #41b742 60–70% Flynn #ffeeaa 30–40% Republican primary results Deb Fischer Republican Party (United States) 79,941 40.99% Jon Bruning Republican Party (United States) 70,067 35.92% Don Stenberg Republican Party (United States) 36,727 18.83% Pat Flynn Republican Party (United States) 5,413 2.78% Spencer Zimmerman Republican Party (United States) 1,601 0.82% Sharyn Elander Republican Party (United States) 1,294 0.66% 195,043 100.00% General election Candidates Deb Fischer (Republican), state senator Bob Kerrey (Democrat), former U.S. senator and former governor of Nebraska Debates The first debate took place at the Heartland Events Center during the Nebraska State Fair at 4 p.m. Saturday, August 25, 2012. Kerrey and Fischer participated. The second debate took place on September 28, 2012, KETV-TV, Chamber of Commerce of Greater Omaha. Kerrey and Fischer participated. The third debate took place on October 1, 2012, NET-TV. Kerrey and Fischer participated. Topics included agriculture policy, the economy, taxes and education. External links Complete video at Grand Island Independent, first debate, August 25, 2012 Complete video of debate, September 28, 2012 - C-SPAN Complete video of debate, October 1, 2012 - C-SPAN Fundraising Candidate (party) Receipts Disbursements Cash on hand Debt Bob Kerrey (D) $4,877,704 $4,582,224 $295,480 $0 Deb Fischer (R) $4,536,837 $3,472,721 $1,458,122 $65,000 Source: Federal Election Commissionhttp://query.nictusa.com/cgi-bin/cancomsrs/?_12+S8NE00067 J. Robert Kerrey Federal Election Commission January 27, 2023 December 16, 2012 https://archive.today/20121216091243/http://query.nictusa.com/cgi-bin/cancomsrs/?_12+S8NE00067 bot: unknown http://query.nictusa.com/cgi-bin/cancomsrs/?_12+S2NE00094 Debra S. Fischer Federal Election Commission January 27, 2023 December 10, 2012 https://archive.today/20121210070400/http://query.nictusa.com/cgi-bin/cancomsrs/?_12+S2NE00094 bot: unknown http://query.nictusa.com/cgi-bin/cancomsrs/?_12+S2NE00086 Paul Russell Anderson Federal Election Commission January 27, 2023 December 16, 2012 https://archive.today/20121216092254/http://query.nictusa.com/cgi-bin/cancomsrs/?_12+S2NE00086 bot: unknown Top contributors Kansas District 04 2012 RaceOpenSecrets Bob Kerrey Contribution Deb Fischer Contribution Rural Media Group $62,500 Elliott Management Corporation $29,413 MacAndrews & Forbes $51,000 Hawkins Construction $20,000 Tenet Healthcare $25,650 Kelly PAC $20,000 Nix, Patterson & Roach $25,000 Tenaska Energy $17,500 Allen & Company $22,500 Werner Enterprises $15,250 Kirkland & Ellis $21,500 T&L Irrigation $13,200 Level 3 Communications $17,000 Union Pacific $11,500 Genworth Financial $16,000 Pinnacle Financial Partners $10,500 Williams Kherkher $16,000 21st Century Majority Fund $10,000 Bank of America $15,250 AG Processing $10,000 Top industries https://www.opensecrets.org/races/industries?cycle=2012&id=NES1%7CTop Kansas District 04 2012 Race OpenSecrets Bob Kerrey Contribution Deb Fischer Contribution Lawyers/law firms $293,434 Leadership PACs $165,500 Retired $219,224 Retired $124,546 Leadership PACs $203,500 Agribusiness $105,052 Financial institutions $182,150 Commercial banks $54,990 Entertainment industry $119,000 Financial institutions $54,416 Lobbyists $104,400 General contractors $54,300 Real estate $87,675 Real estate $38,000 Manufacturing & distributing $61,700 Insurance $36,000 Education $53,000 Health professionals $31,850 Insurance $51,500 Electric utilities $29,900 Predictions Source Ranking As of The Cook Political Report2012 Senate Race Ratings for November 1, 2012 https://www.cookpolitical.com/ratings/senate-race-ratings/139117 The Cook Political Report September 20, 2018 August 29, 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20180829035855/https://www.cookpolitical.com/ratings/senate-race-ratings/139117 dead Lean R Flip November 1, 2012 Sabato's Crystal Ball2012 Senate http://www.centerforpolitics.org/crystalball/2012-senate/ Sabato's Crystal Ball September 20, 2018 Likely R Flip November 5, 2012 Rothenberg Political Report2012 Senate Ratings http://www.insideelections.com/ratings/senate/2012-senate-ratings-november-2-2012 Senate Ratings The Rothenberg Political Report September 20, 2018 Likely R Flip November 2, 2012 Real Clear Politics2012 Elections Map - Battle for the Senate 2012 https://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2012/senate/2012_elections_senate_map.html Real Clear Politics September 20, 2018 Lean R Flip November 5, 2012 Polling Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesize Margin oferror BobKerrey (D) DebFischer (R) Other UndecidedRasmussen ReportsRasmussen Reports March 5, 2012 500 ±4.5% 34% 46% 10% 10%Public Policy Polling March 22–25, 2012 1,028 ±3.1% 38% 48% — 14%Rasmussen ReportsRasmussen Reports May 16, 2012 500 ±4.5% 38% 56% 2% 3%WeAskAmericaWeAskAmerica August 14, 2012 1,273 ±2.8% 34% 55% — 11%Omaha World-HeraldOmaha World-Herald September 17–20, 2012 800 ±3.5% 42% 52% — 6%Pharos ResearchPharos Research October 19–21, 2012 783 ±3.5% 46% 48% — 6%Omaha World-HeraldOmaha World-Herald https://web.archive.org/web/20121030210316/http://www.omaha.com/article/20121028/NEWS/710289927/1707 October 30, 2012 October 23–25, 2012 800 ±3.5% 45% 48% — 7%We Ask AmericaWe Ask America November 1, 2012 1,178 ±3.0% 41% 54% — 5% background:#cff Hypothetical polling border:solid 1px silver; padding:8px; background:var(--background-color-base); color:var(--color-base); With Kerrey Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesize Margin oferror BobKerrey (D) JonBruning (R) Other UndecidedMagellan StrategiesMagellan Strategies January 10–11, 2012 675 ±3.77% 40% 51% – 9%Rasmussen Reports March 5, 2012 500 ±4.5% 33% 55% 4% 7%Public Policy Polling March 22–25, 2012 1,028 ±3.1% 37% 54% – 9% Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesize Margin oferror BobKerrey (D) DonStenberg (R) Other UndecidedMagellan Strategies January 10–11, 2012 675 ±3.77% 39% 47% – 14%Rasmussen Reports March 5, 2012 500 ±4.5% 34% 52% 5% 9%Public Policy Polling March 22–25, 2012 1,028 ±3.1% 38% 52% – 10% With Lathrop Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesize Margin oferror SteveLathrop (D) JonBruning (R) Other UndecidedMagellan Strategies January 10–11, 2012 675 ±3.77% 29% 52% – 19% Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesize Margin oferror SteveLathrop (D) DonStenberg (R) Other UndecidedMagellan Strategies January 10–11, 2012 675 ±3.77% 27% 52% – 21% With Nelson Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesize Margin oferror BenNelson (D) JonBruning (R) Other UndecidedMagellan StrategiesMagellan Strategies December 15, 2010 1,789 ±2.3% 38% 52% –– 10%Public Policy PollingPublic Policy Polling January 26–27, 2011 977 ±3.1% 39% 50% –– 11%Public Policy PollingPublic Policy Polling September 30 – October 2, 2011 739 ±3.6% 42% 46% –– 12%Magellan StrategiesMagellan Strategies November 20–21, 2011 645 ±3.9% 39% 45% –– 16% Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesize Margin oferror BenNelson (D) DebFischer (R) Other UndecidedPublic Policy Polling January 26–27, 2011 977 ±3.1% 42% 35% –– 22%Public Policy Polling September 30 – October 2, 2011 739 ±3.6% 41% 39% –– 20%Magellan Strategies November 20–21, 2011 645 ±3.9% 41% 35% –– 24% Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesize Margin oferror BenNelson (D) PatFlynn (R) Other UndecidedPublic Policy Polling January 26–27, 2011 977 ±3.1% 42% 33% –– 24%Public Policy Polling September 30 – October 2, 2011 739 ±3.6% 43% 36% –– 21% Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesize Margin oferror BenNelson (D) DaveHeineman (R) Other UndecidedMagellan Strategies November 20–21, 2011 645 ±3.9% 33% 51% –– 16% Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesize Margin oferror BenNelson (D) DonStenberg (R) Other UndecidedMagellan Strategies December 15, 2010 1,789 ±2.3% 40% 46% –– 14%Public Policy Polling January 26–27, 2011 977 ±3.1% 41% 45% –– 14%Public Policy Polling September 30 – October 2, 2011 739 ±3.6% 41% 44% –– 15%Magellan Strategies November 20–21, 2011 645 ±3.9% 40% 41% –– 19% With Robak Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesize Margin oferror KimRobak (D) JonBruning (R) Other UndecidedMagellan Strategies January 10–11, 2012 675 ±3.77% 34% 51% – 15% Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesize Margin oferror KimRobak (D) DonStenberg (R) Other UndecidedMagellan Strategies January 10–11, 2012 675 ±3.77% 32% 50% – 18% Results 2012 United States Senate election in NebraskaGale John A. Official Report of the Board of State Canvassers of the State of Nebraska, General Election, November 6, 2012 2012 https://sos.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/doc/elections/2012/2012-general-canvass.pdf Republican Party (United States) Deb Fischer 455,593 57.77% +21.65% Democratic Party (United States) Bob Kerrey 332,979 42.23% -21.65% 122,614 15.54% -12.22% 788,572 100.00% Republican Party (United States) Democratic Party (United States) By county From Secretary of State of Nebraska"Official Results of Nebraska General Election - November 6, 2012". Nebraska Secretary of State. p. 12. Retrieved January 2, 2013. CountyDeb Fischer RepublicanBob Kerrey DemocraticTotalvotes %# %#Adams64.65%8,17035.35%4,46812,638Antelope81.32%2,62518.68%6033,228Arthur86.74%22913.26%35264Banner84.91%34915.09%62411Blaine89.23%26510.77%32297Boone76.31%2,13923.69%6642,803Box Butte60.41%2,83839.59%1,8604,698Boyd80.36%85119.64%2081,059Brown86.80%1,34213.20%2041,546Buffalo70.01%13,49129.99%5,77919,270Burt59.55%1,97740.45%1,3433,320Butler68.86%2,64231.14%1,1953,837Cass59.25%7,15340.75%4,91912,072Cedar70.31%3,04129.69%1,2844,325Chase83.57%1,54616.43%3041,850Cherry77.91%2,32822.09%6602,988Cheyenne72.54%3,34427.46%1,2664,610Clay74.52%2,19425.48%7502,944Colfax65.23%1,99234.77%1,0623,054Cuming73.00%2,89327.00%1,0703,963Custer80.78%4,43919.22%1,0565,495Dakota45.63%2,77054.37%3,3006,070Dawes64.86%2,40535.14%1,3033,708Dawson69.54%5,42230.46%2,3757,797Deuel75.00%76225.00%2541,016Dixon60.22%1,61839.78%1,0692,687Dodge59.30%8,82340.70%6,05614,879Douglas48.25%106,95151.75%114,700221,651Dundy78.35%76721.65%212979Fillmore67.18%1,91832.82%9372,855Franklin72.59%1,10727.41%4181,525Frontier77.12%1,00822.88%2991,307Furnas77.43%1,72922.57%5042,233Gage53.74%5,17246.26%4,4529,624Garden75.76%81924.24%2621,081Garfield81.99%77418.01%170944Gosper75.31%73824.69%242980Grant83.52%29916.48%59358Greeley69.61%82730.39%3611,188Hall61.32%12,35038.68%7,79020,140Hamilton72.27%3,49827.73%1,3424,840Harlan75.64%132924.36%4281,757Hayes83.49%44516.51%88533Hitchcock74.98%1,11225.02%3711,483Holt79.17%3,89620.83%1,0254,921Hooker82.84%33317.16%69402Howard67.69%1,94032.31%9262,866Jefferson60.04%2,05239.96%1,3663,418Johnson55.76%1,14744.24%9102,057Kearney74.08%2,34325.92%8203,163Keith73.76%2,98826.24%1,0634,051Keya Paha84.62%40715.38%74481Kimball73.39%1,23326.61%4471,680Knox71.52%2,88028.48%1,1474,027Lancaster46.15%58,30653.85%68,046126,352Lincoln66.00%10,28534.00%5,29815,583Logan82.45%35717.55%76433Loup78.71%28121.29%76357Madison72.92%10,08927.08%3,74613,835McPherson86.35%25313.65%40293Merrick71.44%2,49128.56%9963,487Morrill76.24%1,67523.76%5222,197Nance66.42%1,06833.58%5401,608Nemaha59.09%1,90140.91%1,3163,217Nuckolls70.21%1,53229.79%6502,182Otoe58.58%4,06741.42%2,8766,943Pawnee64.11%86135.89%4821,343Perkins78.60%1,09121.40%2971,388Phelps77.00%3,36823.00%1,0064,374Pierce79.55%2,71620.45%6983,414Platte73.13%9,80126.87%3,60113,402Polk74.65%1,82025.35%6182,438Red Willow75.25%3,69224.75%1,2144,906Richardson62.08%2,31237.92%1,4123,724Rock86.90%68313.10%103786Saline48.30%2,38751.70%2,5554,942Sarpy57.56%40,68242.44%29,99670,678Saunders63.72%6,54736.28%3,72810,275Scotts Bluff64.96%9,29935.04%5,01714,316Seward63.18%4,76436.82%2,7767,540Sheridan80.24%1,98619.76%4892,475Sherman63.20%96036.80%5591,519Sioux82.76%60517.24%126731Stanton74.99%1,97925.01%6602,639Thayer65.79%1,74234.21%9062,648Thomas85.23%35214.77%61413Thurston40.38%90059.62%1,3292,229Valley72.91%1,59927.09%5942,193Washington65.52%6,66034.48%3,50510,165Wayne67.56%2,48432.44%1,1933,677Webster69.66%1,20330.34%5241,727Wheeler79.78%35920.22%91450York74.78%4,72625.22%1,5946,320 Counties that flipped from Democratic to Republican 25em Burt (largest village: Tekamah) Adams (largest city: Hastings) Antelope (largest city: Neligh) Box Butte (largest city: Alliance) Boyd (largest city: Spencer) Brown (largest city: Ainsworth) Buffalo (largest city: Kearney) Butler (largest city: David City) Cass (largest city: Plattsmouth) Cherry (largest city: Valentine) Clay (largest city: Sutton) Colfax (largest city: Schuyler) Cuming (largest city: West Point) Cedar (largest city: Hartington) Custer (largest city: Broken Bow) Dixon (largest city: Wakefield) Dawes (largest city: Chadron) Dawson (largest city: Lexington) Dodge (largest city: Fremont) Dundy (largest city: Benkelman) Frontier (largest city: Curtis) Furnas (largest city: Cambridge) Garfield (largest city: Burwell) Gosper (largest city: Elwood) Grant (largest city: Hyannis) Hall (largest city: Grand Island) Hamilton (largest city: Aurora) Harlan (largest city: Alma) Hayes (largest city: Palisade) Hitchcock (largest city: Culbertson) Holt (largest city: O'Neill) Hooker (largest city: Mullen) Kearney (largest city: Minden) Keya Paha (largest city: Springview) Knox (largest city: Creighton) Lincoln (largest city: North Platte) Logan (largest city: Stapleton) Loup (largest city: Taylor) Madison (largest city: Norfolk) Merrick (largest city: Central City) Nemaha (largest city: Auburn) Otoe (largest city: Nebraska City) Nance (largest city: Fullerton) Boone (largest city: Albion) Greeley (largest city: Spalding) Howard (largest city: St. Paul) Sherman (largest city: Loup City) Fillmore (largest city: Geneva) Gage (largest city: Beatrice) Jefferson (largest city: Fairbury) Johnson (largest city: Tecumseh) Pawnee (largest city: Pawnee City) Perkins (largest city: Grant) Phelps (largest city: Holdrege) Pierce (largest city: Pierce) Platte (largest city: Columbus) Polk (largest city: Stromsburg) Red Willow (largest city: McCook) Richardson (largest city: Falls City) Rock (largest city: Bassett) Sarpy (largest city: Bellevue) Saunders (largest city: Wahoo) Scotts Bluff (largest city: Scottsbluff) Seward (largest city: Seward) Stanton (largest city: Stanton) Thayer (largest city: Hebron) Thomas (largest city: Thedford) Valley (largest city: Ord) Washington (largest city: Blair) Wayne (largest city: Wayne) Webster (largest city: Red Cloud) Nuckolls (largest city: Superior) Franklin (largest city: Franklin) Wheeler (largest city: Bartlett) York (largest city: York) By congressional district Fischer won all three congressional districts.Nebraska 2012 sen-by-cd https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1odDqvZkVBmd6LgZP__AuvqnB-72FeWMZjliKEqwo4WY/edit?gid=0#gid=0 District Fischer Kerrey RepresentativeNebraska 1 1st 55.01% 44.99%Jeff FortenberryNebraska 2 2nd 50.06% 49.94%Lee TerryNebraska 3 3rd 68.48% 31.52%Adrian Smith See also 2012 United States Senate elections 2012 United States House of Representatives elections in Nebraska References External links Elections from the Nebraska Secretary of State Campaign contributions at OpenSecrets.org Outside spending at Sunlight Foundation Candidate issue positions at On the Issues https://archive.today/20130130174533/http://www.omaha.com/section/news80?profile=1701 Election news coverage el at the Omaha World-Herald Official campaign websites Russell Anderson for U.S. Senate Deb Fischer for U.S. Senate Bob Kerrey for U.S. Senate Category:2012 Nebraska elections Nebraska 2012