Love Challenges Rocketts to Debate

OMAHA, NE - At a press conference today at his North Omaha office, Preston Love challenged his opponent Pete Ricketts to accept a public debate invitation in their race for U.S. Senate. Love also detailed his strategy for victory in November. 

Love issued the following statement at the event:

“I challenge Pete Ricketts to agree to a public debate. Nebraska Public Media, in partnership with the Nebraska Examiner, Lincoln Journal Star, the Omaha World Herald, and the KRVN radio network, have organized and requested a debate before a statewide television audience. The request was put forward for Mr. Ricketts and myself to respond to this invitation by July 15, 2024. As of today, Mr. Ricketts has arrogantly ignored the request, evidently deciding not to allow the people of Nebraska to clearly hear his views. Mr. Ricketts is ignoring a critical opportunity for people to make their clear choices.

We find ourselves at the mid-way point in one of the most significant elections in modern times. This election will determine the direction of our country and state for the next generation. Nationally, we have Donald Trump versus Vice President Kamala Harris. Locally, we have Pete Ricketts versus Preston Love. We have the opportunity to elect the first Black female President in the country’s history and the first Black United States Senator in the history of Nebraska.

It’s about more than just making history. The policy differences among myself and my opponent are distinct. There is a sharp contrast in our views on a woman’s right to choose. There is also a sharp contrast in our policies on education, the banning of assault weapons, and more. The magnitude of these choices demands that in Nebraska, candidates have a responsibility to bring their views to the public in order for them to clearly understand and make their choices. I am here to get results for all Nebraskans and my opponent is seeking election to advance the goals of the wealthy few.

I recently commissioned a study from an independent organization (ENODO Global) to analyze the sentiment of Nebraska voters. Results show that there is a growing frustration and disillusion among voters with the state’s political system and Senate candidates. While I am more unknown throughout greater Nebraska than my opponent, Pete Ricketts is highly disliked among Republicans and Democrats. Most voters don’t want money to rule their politics and control elections. The study also determined that Pete Ricketts’ positive sentiment in Nebraska is 26% versus 29% for Preston Love. Pete Ricketts received 63% negative sentiment compared to just 13% for Love. Pete Ricketts also received 11% neutral sentiment versus 58% neutral sentiment for Love. 

The conclusion of the study was that Love’s campaign chances of winning the election are 32% versus 45% for Pete Ricketts. Our strategy is to bridge that gap of 13% by increasing the awareness of my positions on the issues and reach those who hold a neutral view. Pete Ricketts, however, has the hard task of reversing the extremely large negative sentiment against him, based on his performance and privileged approach to governance. The path for victory for my campaign is both feasible and doable. The Love campaign is optimistic that we will increase positive sentiment while reducing neutrality over these last 90 days.”

Love also mentioned his excitement for his strong support of Kamala Harris for President, and looks forward to participating in the upcoming Democratic National Convention as a delegate.