LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska state Sen. Tom Carlson has announced his candidacy for governor.
Carlson, of Holdrege, pledged Friday to campaign "not as a politician, but as a statesman," as he kicked off his 2014 election bid. The 71-year-old pointed to his experience in the Legislature, with committee leadership positions focused on agriculture and the state's natural resources.
Carlson, a Republican, says he plans to focus on public safety, education and developing roads and bridges. He also says he would work to ensure services for residents who can't take care of themselves, while pushing for policies that encourage able-bodied people to work.
Carlson says he plans to visit all 93 counties before the year ends. Another Republican, state Sen. Charlie Janssen, is also competing in the gubernatorial primary.
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