Nebraska Sen. Johanns says he won't seek 2nd term

By GRANT SCHULTE

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — U.S. Sen. Mike Johanns of Nebraska announced Monday that he will not seek re-election in 2014, explaining he wants a "quieter time" to focus on his family following a busy political career that included a stint as governor and President George W. Bush's agriculture secretary.

The Nebraska Republican announced in a statement that he was retiring from the Senate after one term. He said he and his wife, Stephanie, had decided that the time has come "to close this chapter of our lives."

"During these many years, we have cherished our time together," the couple said in an email statement. "So as we think about the next stage of our lives, we want a quieter time with our focus on each other, our family and our faith. We are also confident that there will be many more opportunities to serve our state and our nation."

Johanns, 62, joined the U.S. Senate in 2009. He served as agriculture secretary under Bush and was Nebraska's governor from 1999 to 2005.

"Mike Johanns epitomized principled leadership during his near three decades of public service, always putting the needs of Nebraskans first," said U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran of Kansas, the chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee. "I thank him for his service and wish (him) and his family the very best in their next chapter. The Cornhusker state will look to continue its strong conservative tradition by electing an equally dedicated Republican leader in 2014."

Johanns' departure opens a new 2014 race in Nebraska, a solidly red state with all congressional seats held by Republicans. U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer became the newest member in January, after defeating two better-known Republican candidates in the 2012 primary and beating former Democratic U.S. Sen. Bob Kerrey.

In a separate statement, Gov. Dave Heineman called Johanns "a remarkably outstanding public official."

"We are forever thankful for his commitment to serving our citizens, in particular, our farmers and ranchers, and our veterans," Heineman said.

2013-02-18 17:42:12 GMT