Past laid the path for Ricketts (Senate race Ne.) [View All]

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_pg=1673&u_sid=2252819

Published Sunday
October 1, 2006

Past laid the path for Ricketts

BY HENRY J. CORDES


WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER

As he bids to become Nebraska's next U.S. senator, Pete Ricketts' days at TD Ameritrade stand as the centerpiece of his campaign.

He's touted his work to help grow a hugely successful Nebraska company. He's highlighted his experience as a corporate cost-cutter, saying it proves he can make tough choices to curb federal spending.

At the same time, the wealth he accumulated during his 12-year Ameritrade career has been pivotal to funding his Senate drive. The Republican would never have become the familiar face he is today without the nearly $10 million of his own he has put into his campaign.

"I'm a conservative businessman who's made tough choices," Ricketts says in one of his many TV ads. "That's what we need in Washington."


In campaign appearances, such as this one in Hebron, Neb., before the May primary, and in his TV ads, Pete Ricketts, center, has touted his experience as a corporate cost-cutter from his days at Ameritrade.

Sen. Ben Nelson, the Democratic incumbent, and others have said Ricketts' Ameritrade record raises questions about his qualifications.

The political newcomer has been dogged by public perceptions that he got where he is largely because he's the son of Joe Ricketts, Ameritrade's billionaire founder.

Nelson's campaign has run ads pointing out that Ricketts collected bonuses even as Ameritrade laid off front-line workers. Nelson has questioned whether that reflects the "Nebraska values" Ricketts touts.

Did Ricketts earn his stripes at Ameritrade? It depends a little on your perspective.

FULL story reg req at link above.