2012 Nebraska Senate Debates: on Principles & Values

Deb Fischer: Ran underdog primary campaign on shoestring budget

But a series of last-minute surveys shows Fischer surging despite her shoestring campaign and millions of dollars in ads that Bruning, Stenberg and their allies have aired. "Nebraska's got a pretty good record of supporting underdogs. [Sen.] Mike Johanns [R-Neb.] was an underdog," Fischer told The Hill.

The winner of Tuesday's primary will face former Sen. Bob Kerrey (Neb.), who is running unopposed in the Democratic primary.

Deb Fischer: Do Nebraskans want more career politician in Washington?

"It's going to come down to: Do Nebraskans want to send the same type of career politician back to Washington?" said Fischer. "Jon seems to be particularly establishment. I'm running a grassroots campaign."

Don Stenberg: Our country's going in the wrong direction

"Our country's going in the wrong direction," Stenberg said in his opening remarks. "We desperately need new leadership in Washington to restore America."

Don Stenberg: Most campaign funds come from South Carolina PAC

Stenberg reiterated criticisms he's aimed at Bruning throughout the campaign: That Bruning has become a multimillionaire while serving in public office and that in 2007, Bruning attempted to waive a $1 million settlement with Lincoln-based student loan company Nelnet.

In response, Bruning declared he would not "throw mud" at his opponents, then said "South Carolina has two senators ... they don't need a third," implying that Stenberg would be beholden to South Carolina's Sen. Jim DeMint, a tea party leader who has endorsed Stenberg. The bulk of Stenberg's fundraising for his Senate campaign has come from the Senate Conservatives Fund, a political action committee run by DeMint.

Jon Bruning: OpEd: Became multimillionaire while serving in public office

Stenberg reiterated criticisms he's aimed at Bruning throughout the campaign: That Bruning has become a multimillionaire while serving in public office and that in 2007, Bruning attempted to waive a $1 million settlement with Lincoln-based student loan company Nelnet after the company was accused of improper business practices. A year later, Bruning entered a time-share agreement on a nearly $700,000 vacation home with two Nelnet executives.

In response, Bruning declared he would not "throw mud" at his opponents, then said "South Carolina has two senators... they don't need a third," implying that Stenberg would be beholden to South Carolina's Sen. Jim DeMint, a tea party leader who has endorsed Stenberg.

Pat Flynn: Endorsed by Republican Liberty Caucus

Flynn has raised less money than the other candidates but has garnered national endorsements, including those from the Republican Liberty Caucus and former Rep. Tom Tancredo, R-Colo.

Pat Flynn: I'm the only candidate who is not a "career politician"

Welch, who voted for President Obama in the 2008 Democratic primary election, said he has gone to "painstaking lengths" to be clear about his political history. He renounced his support of Obama.