NORFOLK – For State Senator Mike Flood, who is no newcomer to the political scene, the campaign routine is the same but the territory is bigger. While most congressional candidates, coming off of a primary election win, have until November to convince voters they’re the right person for the job – Flood has only 30-days. Because even though he won the Republican Primary on May 10th, he must now be elected in a Special Election to fill the unexpired term of Jeff Fortenberry until next January when a new congress will be sworn in.
And Mike Flood’s Twitter Page and news releases reflect an active and interested candidate working hard to touch as many First Congressional District voters as possible. From a Republican gathering in Sarpy County to a visit to Offut Air Force Base in Bellevue, the daily schedule begins early and ends late. On Thursday, the Lincoln Fire Fighters Association, IAFF Local 644, announced its endorsement of Flood.
Lincoln Fire Fighters Association President Adam Schrunk:
“Mike Flood cares deeply about the safety and well being of the first responders who serve our communities. Our members know Mike has their backs, and he’ll do a great job representing our district in Congress.”
Mike Flood:
“I’m grateful for the brave service of our firefighters and EMTs, and it’s an honor to have the endorsement of the Lincoln Fire Fighters Association. In Congress, I’ll work to ensure we always stand behind those who keep our communities safe and provide them the resources they need to get the job done.”
The Lincoln Firefighters endorsement is just the latest in a long string of backers including the current and former Nebraska governors, The Nebraska Farm Bureau and Nebraska cattlemen.
Flood, who has served a total of 10 years in the Legislature since 2005, and six of those as Speaker of the Legislature, was also a 2014 gubernatorial candidate. He is running for the open seat in Nebraska’s 1st Congressional District vacated due to the resignation of Representative Jeff Fortenberry. An attorney, Flood owns and operates 22 television and radio stations in Nebraska, doing business as News Channel Nebraska. Flood and his wife, Mandi, have two children: Brenden, 15, and Blake, 12.
The 1st District is located in eastern Nebraska surrounding the outskirts of Omaha and including population centers like Lincoln, Norfolk and Columbus. The City of Wayne is NOT in the 1st Congressional District. While district lines have changed, Republicans have represented the 1st District continuously since 1967.
Flood’s opponent is Democratic State Sen. Patty Pansing Brooks of Lincoln, who serves Nebraska District 28.
The special election is scheduled for Tuesday, June 28.