Kleeb wins primary, will face Johanns for Senate seat

Former congressional candidate Scott Kleeb won the Democratic Senate primary in Nebraska on Tuesday, setting up an uphill battle with former U.S. Agriculture Secretary and former Gov. Mike Johanns (R) for the state’s open Senate seat.

{mosads}Kleeb led businessman Tony Raimondo 68-25 with 57 percent of precincts in, according to unofficial results from the Nebraska Secretary of State, and local TV station KETV reported that Raimondo conceded. The younger rancher will try to build on his strong 2006 showing in the state’s conservative 3rd district, where he took 45 percent in an open-seat race against now-Rep. Adrian Smith (R).

Johanns cruised, as expected, in his primary, taking about three-quarters of the vote against businessman Pat Flynn.

The seat became vacant this year when Sen. Chuck Hagel (R) announced he would retire at the end of his term.

Johanns left his cabinet position to run for the seat and is the consensus favorite.