Nebraska Democratic Party Chair Jane Kleeb issued the following statement Tuesday after the University of Florida Board of Trustees approved Republican U.S. Sen. Ben Sasse to be the school’s next president.
Nebraska law says the governor will pick a successor if a U.S. Senator resigns or is unable to complete their term.
“Sasse has acted like an empty suit these last couple of years, and now we have an actual empty suit to fill,” Chair Kleeb said. “Our message to fellow Nebraskans is simple, if you want someone to represent our state with dignity, then vote for Carol Blood, since the next governor will appoint the replacement. If you want Pete Ricketts to be your next senator, then Jim Pillen is your guy.”
Background:
The University of Florida Board of Trustees unanimously approved Republican U.S. Sen. Ben Sasse of Nebraska as the university’s new president Tuesday in the face of faculty and student criticism over the secretive search process, his limited relevant experience and his past criticisms of same-sex marriage.
Last week, UF faculty members expressed their displeasure of Sasse being named the lone finalist for the school’s president.
The Faculty Senate approved a no-confidence vote on the selection process by a margin of 67-15, the Gainesville Sun reported.
