Backing shut door on Raimondo

COLUMBUS -- Tony Raimondo of Columbus realized the well of possible campaign contributions would dry up for him when former Gov. Mike Johanns joined the fray with the backing of his successor, Gov. Dave Heineman.

But the 68-year-old Behlen Mfg. Co. executive hopes the field of contenders for the Republican nomination to fill the seat of retiring two-term incumbent Sen. Chuck Hagel will give voice to his message of the vital need to keep American workers and businesses competitive.

“When the governor (Heineman) endorsed Mike Johanns, the Republican Senate race closed for me as I would not be able to raise the money to compete,’’ Raimondo said in informing Behlen employees he had shelved any plans to mount a campaign during next spring’s primary race.

Meanwhile, Raimondo hopes Johanns and others in the Republican field spotlight with voters on the campaign trail the need to keep American businesses and workers globally competitive.

“Our congressional leaders need to move this to the top of their priorities,’’ Raimondo said. “We need to reach out to young adults, parents and educators to understand education paths that provide employable skills and good career opportunities to favorably impact our quality of life.”

Today, American workers are burdened with higher costs for health care, regulation, taxes and energy, and are at a severe disadvantage with the nation’s global competitors, he said.

The Republican field for the GOP nomination now includes Johanns, who resigned last month as U.S. agriculture secretary, state Attorney General Jon Bruning and Schuyler businessman Pat Flynn.

Former governor and U.S. senator Bob Kerrey announced Wednesday he would not be entering the Democratic primary race. Kerrey is currently the president of New School University in New York City.

Raimondo said America is still the global leader in manufacturing output, but state and national politicians must realize that leadership position is in jeopardy if the issues of competitiveness are not addressed.

A dedication to continuous technological and management innovations and worker education and training is the challenge America faces in winning the global competition for growth and good jobs, Raimondo said.

Now that he’ll be on the sidelines for next spring’s primary race, Raimondo will continue to rivet his attention on Behlen business and continuing his role to win over young people to the career opportunities in advanced manufacturing.

This fall the Behlen chairman has been promoting the Nebraska Dream Team, which recognizes young adults pursuing promising careers in advanced manufacturing. The Dream Team is a part of “Dream It. Do It,” which the Raimondo helped launch in the state nearly a year go.

“I can’t tell you how excited I am about it,’’ Raimondo said.

“Dream It, Do It” reaches out to high school and community college students in Columbus, Lincoln and Omaha. The manufacturing coalition, partnering with manufacturers and community colleges, has rolled the program out across the state since last fall.

“We’re reaching out to young adults,’’ Raimondo said. “We’ve gotten a delightful response.”