By Mark Coddington
mark.coddington@theindependent.com

Eurek announced Tuesday that he has received Heineman's endorsement in his bid to succeed state Sen. Vickie McDonald of St. Paul, who cannot run because of the state's term-limit law.

He likened Heineman's backing to a reference on a job application.

"I'm just ecstatic that he's endorsed me on this," Eurek said. "It's that level of validation and credibility to have someone like that say, 'This guy would be good for this position.'"

Eurek said he first met Heineman a few years ago after speaking at a conference through the Nebraska Diplomats.

In conversations since Eurek has become a candidate, he and Heineman have agreed particularly strongly on the importance of bringing tech-based business to Nebraska, especially through the Nebraska Advantage Act's tax credits. They're also focused on ensuring that schools are preparing students for entrepreneurship, Eurek said.

Eurek is the founder or co-founder of four startup tech companies and serves as chairman of the most recent, Xpanxion.

In a news release, Heineman cited Eurek's experience running global technology companies as a unique qualification for the position.

"Paul Eurek has the experience to help the next generation of Nebraska workers compete in a growing global economy," Heineman said.

Heineman and Attorney General Jon Bruning, who has also endorsed Eurek, will campaign with him on Friday at a rally in Albion and a fundraiser in Ord.

Eurek opponents for the seat are Jerry Peterson of Neligh, a former road worker; Gary Rasmussen, a cattleman from Elba; Kate Sullivan, a Cedar Rapids banker; and Jerome Warner, a retired security guard from Greeley.

The primary election on May 13 will narrow those five candidates to two for the general election in November.

District 41 encompasses Antelope, Boone, Garfield, Greeley, Howard, Sherman, Valley and northern Hall counties, including Cairo.