Flood withdraws from Governor’s race

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December 6th, 2012

Omaha, NE – Speaker of the Nebraska Legislature Mike Flood has withdrawn from the race for Governor.

Mike Flood was a favored candidate to replace Governor Dave Heineman in 2014, but at an emotional press conference in Lincoln Thursday morning, Flood announced he would no longer be running. Flood said his wife Mandi was diagnosed with breast cancer on Monday, and he wants to stay home to care for her and his two young sons.

Mike Flood has served as Speaker of the Nebraska Legislature for six years, and had declared his candidacy for Governor in 2014. (Photo courtesy Nebraska Legislature)

Flood, a Republican, was flanked by senators of both parties at the conference. Flood is widely respected in the Unicameral as an agreement broker who works with senators on both sides of the aisle. Supportive messages streamed in after his announcement.

Senator-Elect Deb Fischer, who served with Flood in the Legislature, said she and her husband Bruce are keeping their “good friends Mike and Mandi Flood in our thoughts and prayers.” In a statement, Senator Mike Johanns said he’s “made no secret” of his admiration for Flood’s leadership in the Legislature and he looks forward to seeing him in public office again after his wife has fully recovered. Gov. Dave Heineman echoed those sentiments, as did Lt. Gov. Rick Sheehy who sent his message out in a joint statement with Heineman. Sheehy said he’s always appreciated working with Flood “for the betterment of our state, and look forward to doing so again in the future.”

Sheehy also plans to run for Governor in 2014, and he is now the likely front runner for the seat. Gov. Heineman will vacate his seat due to term limits.

Nebraska Watchdog reports Flood said he has no plans for when he might return to politics, saying his political future “doesn’t really matter right now.” Flood has served in the Nebraska Legislature since 2005. He was appointed as speaker six years ago at age 31 – one of the youngest speakers in state history.

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