LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A central Nebraska cattle rancher and restaurant owner says he has gathered enough signatures to qualify for this year's U.S. Senate race.
Jim Jenkins, an independent, submitted nearly 6,000 signatures Wednesday to the Nebraska secretary of state's office. Jenkins is running for the seat being vacated by Republican Sen. Mike Johanns, who is not seeking a second term.
Nebraska law requires independent candidates to gather 4,000 signatures from register voters by Sept. 1 to qualify for the ballot.
Jenkins is competing against Republican Ben Sasse and Democrat Dave Domina.
Jenkins was previously a Democrat but changed parties two years ago. The U.S. Senate currently has two independents: Angus King of Maine and Bernie Sanders of Vermont.
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