If former Ameritrade executive Pete Ricketts becomes the GOP candidate for Senate on May 9, he will have a hill to climb in the general election—but would be better off than other Republican aspirants. Ricketts leads in the GOP Primary.

At present, incumbent Democratic Senator Ben Nelson leads by 35-40 percentage points when voters consider match-ups with either former State Attorney General Don Stenberg or former Nebraska Republican Party Chairman David Kramer.

Nelson leads by 18 points (54% to 36%) when Ricketts is cast as his opponent (see crosstabs).

In the primary battle, Ricketts proved he could hammer out a lead against a putative favorite by smartly deploying his personal wealth, and he has just added $2 million of that wealth to his campaign coffers. As nominee, he would be campaigning in a heavily Republican state against a first-term Senator who only narrowly defeated Don Sternberg in 2000.

But Nelson is well-liked, is also well-financed and an effective campaigner. He can't easily be lumped with more liberal Democrats and has even been endorsed by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Nelson is viewed favorably by 81% of likely voters, unfavorably by only 16%. Ricketts is viewed favorably by 57%, unfavorably by 31%.

Those on opposite sides of immigration questions support Nelson or Ricketts by much the same proportion voters as a whole do. But, despite Nelson's claims to fiscal conservatism, those who believe tax cuts help the economy are more likely to support Ricketts. Among such voters, the candidates are tied. Those who believe tax cuts hurt are more likely to support Nelson.

Sixty-one percent (61%) of all Nebraska voters say tax cuts help the economy; 14% say they hurt the economy.

Most Nebraska voters, 61%, say immigration policy goals should welcome all immigrants except criminals, security threats, and those who would live off welfare. A larger majority, 74%, say controlling the borders and enforcing existing law should precede other immigration reform.

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