State Sen. White goes exploratory versus Terry

Nebraska state Sen. Tom White (D) just announced that he has launched an exploratory committee for the race against Rep. Lee Terry (R-Neb.) in 2010.

White should be the Democratic standard-bearer after Democrat Jim Esch failed in two straight cycles to take down Terry. Terry’s Omaha district has swung toward Democrats, with President Obama carrying it and it’s electoral vote in 2008, but Esch wasn’t quite seen as the strongest possible challenger to Terry.

Enter White, who is a known quantity and should give Terry a good race. He’s got a good foundation to build on, with Esch falling by just four points last year.

The big question will be how much Esch benefitted from Obama voters and whether those people will turn out for White in a midterm year.

“Our community needs an independent, effective voice in Congress – someone who puts partisanship aside to get things done,” White said. “My record in the Legislature demonstrates my ability to work with members of both parties to reduce taxes, create jobs, and make government more efficient.”