Republican US Rep. Don Bacon, in 'dead heat,' endorsed by widow of his Democratic predecessor

Acknowledging he's in a "dead heat" as he seeks a fifth term in the U.S. House, Republican U.S. Rep. Don Bacon on Monday welcomed the endorsement of the wife of his Democratic predecessor.

Ann Ashford was married to the late Brad Ashford, the Democrat who held the Omaha-area 2nd District seat for two years before being defeated by Bacon in 2016. Ann Ashford also unsuccessfully sought Bacon's seat in 2020, losing in the Democratic primary.

Ann Ashford cited the respectful friendship Bacon and her husband developed after their 2016 contest, Bacon's effectiveness in Washington, and his record of working across the aisle with Democrats. She criticized Democratic claims that Bacon is an extremist.

"My message is character over political party every single time, and Don is of the highest character and integrity and the ability to work with everybody," Ashford said, calling herself "a Harris-Bacon voter."

Bacon will likely need thousands of district voters to split their ballots between him and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris to be re-elected. A CNN poll last week showed Harris with a substantial lead over Donald Trump in the battle for the 2nd District's electoral vote and Bacon trailing his democratic challenger, State. Sen. Tony Vargas.

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Reporter - Metro News