OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — U.S. Senator for Nebraska Ben Sasse will participate in a debate with the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate, Chris Janicek, in September.
A press release Monday announced that Sen. Sasse has agreed to NET's invitation to take part in the debate, which will be the only general election debate between the candidates.
The debate will be held on Friday, Sept. 4 at 7:00 p.m. and will air live statewide.
Sasse assumed office as a United States senator in 2015.
The Nebraska Democratic Party has called on Janicek to step down from his nomination after word came out of inappropriate text messages he directed at a campaign staffer.
Janicek has refused to step aside. He has until Sept. 1 to do so, which would allow the Democrats to place another candidate in his place on the ballot to take on Sen. Sasse.
Our party does have a write-in candidate. We fully support Alisha Shelton if Janicek removes his name by Sept. 1 to be the nominee. And if he does not, we have always been prepared to run a write-in candidate since Alisha can not be that person per state law.
— Nebraska Democratic Party (@NebraskaDems) August 24, 2020
Alisha has my support and has had it since she took the brave decision to step in. Alisha knows this and have spoken with her about this issue. We’re in this together for the party. If the unfortunate incident occurs and she can’t be on the ballot, I’ll step in.
— Brad Ashford (@BradAshford_NE) August 24, 2020
In a shocking move for a media outlet--@NETNewsNebraska will not let the @NebraskaDems write-in candidate to be on the debate stage with @BenSasse but will let Chris Janicek who sexually harassed a staff member. Got it. 2020, what a year.
— Jane Fleming Kleeb (@janekleeb) August 24, 2020
I think Janicek should drop out and won't vote for him if he doesn't. However, let's not pretend that inviting the two candidates who won their primaries to a debate is "shocking." It's the norm. https://t.co/fnTPZuJceF
— Senator Matt Hansen (@MattHansenNE) August 24, 2020
