Raimondo is well regarded for his business acumen, political contacts and international trade experience. He is seeking to fill the seat being given up by Sen. Chuck Hagel who is leaving the Senate after this year.

This is Raimondo's first foray in politics after a career at Behlen Manufacturing. With the company on the brink of failure two decades ago, he transformed the Columbus company into a metal manufacturing giant with over 1,000 employees. Behlen now markets its buildings and storage facilities globally.

In his announcement, Raimondo said that he was not a career politician. Many in Nebraska will find that appealing. As a senator, he said he would "fight against career politicians who unwittingly stifle innovation, economic development and development."

Larry Marvin of Fremont is already in the Democratic primary, but party officials were looking for a much stronger candidate. If he survives the primary as most expect, Raimondo will place all of his energy on defeating his old friend Mike Johanns, the former Nebraska governor and most recently the secretary of agriculture in the Bush administration, who will likely advance on the Republican ballot this spring.

It proves to be a lively campaign and will present Nebraskans with two good candidates to select from in November. Competition tests the candidates' mettle and makes for a more vigorous race. Nebraskans deserve the best from both parties in filling this seat and Raimondo's candidacy will make for an interesting fall election season.

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Dems show Nebraska some love before the caucuses

Timing is everything.

Ask Nebraska Democrats as they prepare for Saturday's first-ever caucus in the state. With the presidential race blasting through Super Tuesday without a clear front-runner on the Democratic side, suddenly Nebraska's caucuses take on a much higher profile.

Thursday found Barack Obama addressing supporters in Omaha and Chelsea Clinton touring the state, including an evening stop in Grand Island, on her mother's behalf. Today, Michelle Obama will be in Lincoln to deliver her husband's message.

It has been a long time since candidates courted Nebraska voters because the usual May primary dates saw most races wrapped up by then. With Obama and Clinton virtually in a dead heat, their campaigns have ratcheted up their campaign machines to include Nebraska on their jam-packed itineraries. Regardless of party affiliation, it is fun to watch the candidates show Nebraska some campaign love in the final hours before the caucuses.

Meanwhile, the state's Republicans watched Mitt Romney halt his presidential bid Thursday and can only watch the Democrats' campaign energy capture the attention of the state. With their presidential primary in May, the GOP contest may not have the glitz-factor being enjoyed by the Democrats this week.