OWH: Terry-White race draws national attention

Robynn Tysver, Omaha World-Herald
May 12, 2010

Omaha's congressional race is on the radar in Washington, D.C.

The results of Tuesday's primary election - most notably a strong showing from a little-known challenger to Republican Lee Terry - was met with glee by national Democrats. They say it's a sign the time is right for a Democrat to unseat the six-term Republican.

National Republicans countered that Terry still drew more votes than his Democratic rival, State Sen. Tom White, and they continue to believe the political winds favor his re-election.

White and Terry both garnered their party's nominations Tuesday, setting the stage for a hard-fought battle into November's general election. White is arguably one of Terry's toughest challengers, with a proven ability to raise funds.

White ran in his primary uncontested, while Terry faced a challenge from the right wing of his party in the form of political newcomer Matt Sakalosky.

A tea party sympathizer, Sakalosky spent little money on the race, while Terry blanketed likely Republican voters with five direct-mail pieces.

In the end, Sakalosky drew 37 percent of the vote, while Terry took home 63 percent.

“Despite actively campaigning ... Terry's primary win was hardly a clearly defined victory,” said Gabby Adler, with the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.

She called it a “sign” that Terry is vulnerable.

Tom Erickson, with the National Republican Campaign Committee, disputed that contention. He noted that Terry still garnered about 6,000 more votes than White and that it's a long way to November.

In the past, both national parties have poured money into 2nd District congressional races. In the last election, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee spent $746,000 trying to help Democrat Jim Esch unseat Terry, while the National Republican Campaign Committee countered with $519,000.

The national Democrats appear poised to get involved again this year. White is one of 15 new Democratic challengers whom the party has tabbed as among its best prospects.

Republicans say it's too early to decide whether they'll get involved. Erickson said they continue to believe White will have a tough time toppling Terry when many people oppose President Barack Obama's federal health care law.

Sakalosky's strong showing appeared to echo what is happening nationally, as several incumbents Republican and Democratic face tough primary challenges.

But what does all this mean for November?

“I think it suggests there may be a weak link in Terry's armor. The question is whether there is something the Democrats can do to take advantage of it,” said Randy Adkins, a political science professor at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

Adkins predicted that few of the Republicans who voted for Sakalosky would cross party lines to vote for White. But they may stay home. And that poses a problem for Terry, who will have to motivate the Republican base, Adkins said. Sakalosky has endorsed Terry.

White and Terry made it clear Tuesday that both will play hardball this fall.

White quickly took Terry to task, calling him “ineffective” in Congress. He said Terry should be held accountable for Offutt Air Force Base in Sarpy County losing its chance last year to be the home of a new nuclear warfare command.

“That's really an indictment of his effectiveness in Washington,” said White.

Terry questioned how White could put the blame solely on his shoulders. He said he worked with a group of Nebraska leaders, including Democratic U.S. Sen. Ben Nelson and Republican Gov. Dave Heineman, to fight for the command.

“It's asinine for him to single me out,” said Terry. “If he wants to criticize, he needs to criticize all of us.”

As of March 31, White had $460,000 in the bank and Terry about $633,000.

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