Thread by @asanderford

As expected, @jim_pillen today is naming Pete Ricketts the next U.S. senator from #Nebraska. Here they are walking into the press conference from the Governor’s Office now occupied by Pillen. Ricketts was one of Pillen’s top supporters in a tough GOP primary race.

Pillen: Appointments are temporary, and then the people speak as quickly as possible. There will be a statewide race in 2024. This seat runs again in 2026. “There’s never been a Nebraskan who’s had to run for statewide election in two consecutive terms.”

Pillen: “I don’t believe in placeholders.” Credits Fischer for seniority and for running again. “My job … was to find the best person to represent us, and the process for me has been really, really important.” Compared to NU finding leaders as regent.

Pillen: “We took this process incredibly seriously. The criteria for me were really really simple. The appointee needs to represent us as a people.” Has to have a servant heart and be for our kids, less government and accountability.

Pillen: Important that appointee knows what drives this state, agriculture.

Pillen: I think that I just finished describing … why it was very, very obvious, once we went through the process, (interviewed 9 candidates) … it was clear that the person for the job was Senator Designate Pete Ricketts.”

Ricketts: I was proud to support you and very grateful to have this “unexpected opportunity.” Credited Sasse for his service, including helping get conservative judges confirmed. Said he looks forward to working with and learning from Fischer.

Ricketts: Thanks his wife and family. “I often say Nebraska is what America is supposed to be, and it’s never been truer at any point in our history.” What we have done here in state government for the past eight years is make government work better for the people.

Ricketts: “In all those ways, we showed how government can work.” I want to bring that to Washington, D.C. “We need to hold Washington, D.C. accountable.” For the things we have to do, do them really, really well. Run government more like a biz. Have to have strong nat’l defense.

Ricketts: I was first gov to ban TikTok and we need to keep pushing back on the CCP. We’re going to fight for our freedoms, just like we did in Nebraska.

Ricketts: I am excited to work with my colleague Deb Fischer to add my voice to hers. “This is an unexpected opportunity. I am humbled and grateful for the opportunity that governor Pillen has given me.” Nebraskans, I won’t let you down.

Fischer: Glad to recognize and support my new colleague in the Senate. “I look forward to working with him.” To the people of Nebraska, we know that Pete knows the state of Nebraska and we know that Pete loves the state of Nebraska.

Fischer: I know he will do “a wonderful job for the people of this state. I’ve made the same adjustment you’ve had to make from state issues to federal issues. I would say just continue to listen to the people of Nebraska.

Fischer: “We all know that Pete is a quick learner. He will work hard for this state, so I look forward to partnering with him in the future … to build a stronger Nebraska and to build a stronger and more secure nation.”

Pillen: We had 9 Nebraskans who interviewed who had experience in business and/or public service. “This was a very, very hard decision.” 111 applicants. 9 interviewed. My belief in seniority and not a placeholder was a factor.

Pillen: (asked about criticisms that this looks a bit like back room dealing) Anybody that knows me knows that’s not part of my DNA. I have too much respect to the people of Nebraska that my focus was to get the best person possible.

Pillen: We were sworn in last Thursday. Did interviews after I was inaugurated. Took place over last three days.

Ricketts: (q how do you see yourself being dif from Sasse) Sen. Sasse was a very reliable conservative vote. He was concerned about the Chinese Communist Party. Can’t think of any issues where we will disagree. Think it’s important that we have those same philosophies in D.C.

Ricketts: (what was fam convo like) “I said please.”

Ricketts: (what would you say to conservatives who don’t agree with the pick) I’ve worked for 20 years to elect conservatives. I believe what they believe, fiscal conservatism. The fact we’ve got a lot of similar philosophies should not be a surprise.

Ricketts: I will work hard to earn their votes.

Ricketts: I’m committed to run in 2024 and 2026. He (Pillen) asked about that. He asked about goals. We are both conservative.

Pillen: (was he uncomfortable through process because he supported my campaign) “My answer is of course not.” We had 4.5k Nebraskans involved in my campaign. Not one person set any expectations.

Pillen: (asked about ag credentials) Governor Ricketts has learned a lot about agriculture. I think I can still beat him on shoveling. He knows what folks need. There were other candidates with ag experience.

Pillen: I did not interview any Democrats. We need to stay strong for our conservative values. Released the nine he interviewed. (Best known other than Ricketts were Lindstrom, Dinsdale, Slone.)

Ricketts: (what’s your top priority) On contentiousness, we try to work to be civil and constructive. Respect. My no. 1 priority is to make government work for the people. We should not believe the federal government is doomed to fail. Spending is affecting inflation. Needs cuts.

Ricketts: need strong national defense: ccp is one of most serious existential threats to our national security.

Fischer (any concerns about the process): “I had no concerns about the process.” He and I had a short conversation about what questions I would ask and what you look for in a senator. He has been right on point in this process. There were very, very good people who applied.

Pillen: In early February, we are going to have an announcement for Nebraska Mentoring Month. We are going to unveil some extraordinary, hairy, audacious goals to help second and third graders engage in learning reading.

They are done. Thanks for following along. Here’s our early story that will update today.

From the @NE_Examiner:

nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/01/12/pil…

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