Republican U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts is emphasizing his record on taxes and public safety as he seeks another term, while independent challenger Dan Osborn is calling for a stronger congressional role and changes he says would lower costs for Nebraska families.
In separate interviews with KLIN News ahead of the Nov. 3 election, the candidates discussed affordability, health care, tariffs, immigration and data centers. Ricketts was interviewed Oct. 27, and Osborn spoke with KLIN News on Oct. 21.
Ricketts highlighted the federal tax package he helped pass, including deductions for eligible tips and overtime compensation. Asked how much families could save, he said the benefits depend on individual circumstances. “Everybody’s case is going to be a little bit different,” Ricketts said.
The deductions have eligibility requirements and income limits. Ricketts also said reducing regulatory requirements and streamlining federal housing programs could help lower construction costs.
Osborn, an industrial mechanic and steamfitter, said broad tariffs are increasing costs for construction and home repairs. He supports targeted tariffs to protect American industries but opposes applying them broadly. “So we know those work but blanket tariff policies don’t work,” Osborn said.
Ricketts defended President Donald Trump’s use of tariffs to negotiate access to foreign markets, while saying he has sought relief for Nebraska employers facing competitive disadvantages. “I think that we ought to be thoughtful about where we do this to make sure that we’re not going to be impacting American jobs,” he said.
On health care, Ricketts defended federal Medicaid changes as efforts to prevent fraud and preserve benefits for eligible recipients. He also supported work, education or volunteer requirements for certain adults and pointed to federal rural health funding as assistance for hospitals.
Osborn called for reversing Medicaid cuts and addressing consolidation among insurers, pharmacy benefit managers and other health care businesses. “We got to break them up to truly create a free market that favors competition,” Osborn said.
Both candidates supported border security but differed on enforcement. Ricketts emphasized detaining and deporting people in the country illegally who commit crimes. Osborn supported enforcement against gangs and trafficking but called for reducing enforcement spending and developing immigration legislation with employers, unions and advocates.
Both also said households should be protected from costs associated with data center expansion. Ricketts supported federal legislation intended to prevent consumers from footing the bill, while Osborn called for transparency about electricity and water use and community benefit agreements. “Our utility bills shouldn’t go up a single cent if a data center comes into our neighborhood,” Osborn said.
On foreign policy, Ricketts defended military action he said is necessary to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, with congressional oversight. Osborn called for Congress to assert its war powers and pursue a diplomatic resolution involving nuclear inspections.
Ricketts listed taxes, border security, law enforcement and agricultural legislation among his priorities. Osborn emphasized right-to-repair legislation, changes to ethanol tax credits and closing corporate tax loopholes. He said he does not plan to caucus with either party.
The general election is Tuesday, Nov. 3. KLIN will provide election coverage throughout the week and on election night.