Little ground separates Kleeb, Raimondo

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=2835&u_sid=10326302

Published Sunday | May 4, 2008
Little ground separates Kleeb, Raimondo
BY ROBYNN TYSVER
WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER

Democrats Scott Kleeb and Tony Raimondo come at key policy issues from a slightly different angle, but, at the end of the day, little light separates them on the big issues.

Instead, the U.S. Senate candidates are trying to differentiate themselves by highlighting life experiences and broad campaign themes.

Kleeb emphasizes his desire to unite people behind change, while Raimondo stresses his 40 years in business and his interest in economic development and global trade.

Kleeb, 32, is a Hastings College history instructor who ran for Nebraska's 3rd District House seat two years ago. Raimondo, 68, helped turn around Behlen Manufacturing Co. in the mid-1980s.

"It's really a matter of style. I don't think they're that far apart on the issues," says Vic Covalt, a Democratic Party official in Lancaster County who helped organize the April 26 debate between the two.

The race between Kleeb and Raimondo has generated few fireworks and has been waged in large part on the airwaves.

FULL story at link.

Raimondo gives campaign for U.S. Senate $450,000: http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=2835&u_sid=10326303

[TheFarseer]

1. I think they're worlds apart

To me, it's the difference between Hillary and Obama. Raimondo is the candidate that big business wants and the candidate that will keep with the status quo and Kleeb is the candidate that will bring people together and make tough decisions on tough issues. That's what I believe. I wish I had a better sense who is winning.

[residentfan]

2. The forgot to add...

Raimondo is a disaffected Republican who is running as a Democrat only because he knows he knows he couldn't defeat Johannes in the primary.