OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen selected former Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts as his appointee to the U.S. Senate on Thursday in Lincoln.
The vacancy was created after U.S. Senator Ben Sasse departed the position after being selected as the next president of the University of Florida.
The appointment becomes effective on Thursday. Nine candidates were interviewed for the position out of 111 applicants.
Pillen said he was confident the person for the job was Ricketts.
“You've had all of a week off to relax,” joked Pillen to the former governor.
Pillen said one of the reasons he chose Ricketts is because of his commitment to the position.
Sen. Ricketts thanked his family and the people of Nebraska.
“I’m very grateful for this unexpected opportunity to be able to continue to serve the people of Nebraska,” Sen. Ricketts said.
Sen. Ricketts added that "we need to hold Washington D.C. accountable for making sure they’re providing the same level of high service that we do here at state government."
Sen. Deb Fischer also made remarks at the press conference.
“It’s a big responsibility that he’s undertaking right now and I think he’s going to have a very quick learning ability here as he moves from state issues to federal issues,” said Sen. Fischer. “One thing I’d suggest to my new colleague is to continue to listen to the people of the state."
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