Sen. Bob Krist Officially Announces Switch to Democratic Party in Run for Governor

LINCOLN - Nebraska State Senator Bob Krist announced in a news conference today that he will officially be challenging Governor Pete Ricketts as a member of the Nebraska Democratic Party. [audio mp3="http://media3.floodradio.com/columbus/2018/02/Krist-01-state-of-Nebraska-26-sec.mp3"][/audio] "We've said from the beginning that we will look for the most effective and efficient way to get on the ballot. So let me define the pathway to success. Yesterday, I officially became a proud Democrat," stated Krist. "I will soon file for the office of Governor with the Secretary of State's office as a proud member of the Democratic Party. And should our party choose to do so, I would be honored to accept the nomination of the party as a candidate to become the next Governor of the State of Nebraska." Krist said his decision to run for Governor as a Democrat came after months of exploring other options to gain access to the ballot, such as forming a third party or running as an independent. [audio mp3="http://media3.floodradio.com/columbus/2018/02/Krist-02-is-struck-down-21-sec.mp3"][/audio] "Two weeks ago I filed a lawsuit in Federal Court asking that Governor Ricketts' law, that changed the system to block independent candidates access to the ballot be declared unconstitutional," explained Krist. "For the sake of future candidates, we are hopeful the most restrictive law of its kind in the United States will be struck down." Joining and speaking in support of Krist at the news conference was Lincoln Mayor Chris Beutler. Beutler is not only a current three-term mayor, but is also a former state senator. Beutler says that Krist would be the kind of Governor who stands up for every citizen, no matter who they are. [audio mp3="http://media3.floodradio.com/columbus/2018/02/Beutler-the-good-life-21-sec.mp3"][/audio] "Bob Krist will be the Governor who stands up for common sense and against partisanship from either side," said Beutler. "He will be a man who will look at Nebraskans in all walks of life and ask how can we help this woman or this man achieve the promise of the Good Life." Krist stated that he didn't agree with everything in the Republican Platform and expects the same will be true for the Democratic Platform. But he states voters are tired of partisan politics dividing the Unicameral. [audio mp3="http://media3.floodradio.com/columbus/2018/02/Krist-03-the-right-way-21-sec.mp3"][/audio] "Voters are fed up with partisan politics that divide us rather than united us. Partisan bickering in Washington D.C. has spread to our nonpartisan Nebraska Legislature," said Krist. "And our current Governor has worsened the situation by personally bankrolling challengers to senators who do not vote the right way, or what he would consider to be the right way." Krist says he will continue to focus on unity and problem-solving rather than partisan governance. He adds he will work hard in the 90 days before the May 15th Primary Election to gain the trust of Nebraskans registered in the Democratic Party.