Sen. Ricketts and Osborn Clash in Nebraska Debate

Senator Pete Ricketts, a Republican from Nebraska, took a strong stance against his independent rival Dan Osborn during a debate on Tuesday. Throughout the discussion, Ricketts repeatedly referred to Osborn as ‘Democrat Dan’, aligning him with democratic socialists.

This debate marks the beginning of numerous upcoming debates across the nation as Democrats and Republicans vie for control of the Senate. While Nebraska usually isn’t the focal point for high-profile campaigns, the race between Ricketts and Osborn is shaping up to be more competitive than usual for the state.

The debate occurred at the Nebraska State Fair and is likely to be the only face-to-face debate between the candidates before the election in nine weeks. Osborn largely distanced himself from the two major parties, emphasizing his independence, though he avoided severing ties entirely.

Earlier this summer, Cindy Burbank, the Democratic Senate nominee, withdrew from the race. The state Democratic Party chair announced support for Osborn. In 2024, Osborn ran against GOP Senator Deb Fischer and was defeated by less than seven points, despite Trump winning Nebraska by 20 points.

“I don’t need to caucus with either party,” Osborn remarked. “Nobody’s got a monopoly on a good idea. I will work with Republicans to get things passed, but it’s about delivering for Nebraska. That’s what I intend to do, work for the people, not a party boss.”

Ricketts highlighted differences between himself and his opponent, particularly criticizing Osborn’s support for ‘Medicare for all’. He claimed that Osborn wouldn’t have backed tax cuts and other measures in President Donald Trump’s legislation.

“Yes, I would have voted against the current form of the Big Beautiful Bill Act,” Osborn stated. “If I had beaten Deb Fischer and served as an independent in Washington, D.C., that would have been leverage for Nebraska.”

Both candidates discussed the significant role of PAC spending and ‘dark money’ in their campaigns. Ricketts accused Osborn of being funded by major donors from Democratic strongholds like New York and California. He suggested top Democrats, including Senator Elizabeth Warren, provided financial support to Osborn.

“Democrat Dan keeps suggesting I’m part of some billionaires club,” Ricketts said. “I can’t be bought, but he already has, funded by liberal out-of-state interests supporting his campaign.”

Osborn acknowledged the issue of ‘dark money’, recognizing that secret donors have supported him through outside groups.

“I don’t know who these people are raising money in my name. Those are the ones that run ads,” Osborn admitted. “If it doesn’t say, ‘I’m Dan Osborn’ or ‘I’m Pete Ricketts, I approve this message,’ it’s dark money.”

The debate was divided into three sections focusing on tariffs and the cost of living, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the war in Iran, along with campaign financing and artificial intelligence.