Former Second District Representative Brad Ashford says he will not challenge Republican incumbent Senator Ben Sasse as a write-in candidate on the November ballot, citing a lack of time to organize.
Ashford also said that it would be disrespectful to Alisha Shelton, whom the Nebraska Democratic Party has designated to replace nominee Chris Janicek on the ballot after calling on him to drop out.
“When I was asked to run last weekend, I was hopeful that I could mount a campaign quickly enough to be a viable candidate. I have determined that for me I cannot do so,” Ashford said in a statement to 6 News.
Earlier this week, Ashford had mentioned the possibility of being an alternative to Janicek, an Omaha businessman and winner of the Democratic Primary, who is staying in the race following inappropriate comments about a female campaign staff member.
Janicek has apologized.
The Nebraska Democratic Party, which fully supports Alisha Shelton, wants Janicek off the ballot by September 1st so her name can go on the ballot.
(Image courtesy of Nebraska Democrats)