Newly formed America First Party announces five candidates for Nebraska elections

The America First Party, one of two new political parties created this year via petition, has announced plans to run candidates in five statewide races.

In addition to Brett Lindstrom, who announced earlier Tuesday that he would be the party’s candidate for governor, other America First candidates are:

• Former State Sen. Bob Krist, who is running for secretary of state.
• Chuck Conboy, who is running for U.S. Senate.
• Dan Hartong, who is running for the 1st District Congressional seat.
• John Knight, who is running for state auditor.

"This started with a pretty simple idea: Nebraska voters deserve another choice," America First Party Chairman John Cartier said in a news release. "Now we've got a recognized party and a serious group of candidates running for some of the biggest offices in the state. I'm proud of what we've built, and now it's time to earn people's support."

Cartier, who is the attorney general for the Omaha Tribe of Nebraska, has been criticized for being behind what Republican officials have called an effort to “trick” conservative voters. Cartier, who is a registered nonpartisan, was the campaign treasurer for Legal Marijuana Now Senate candidate Mike Marvin.

The state Republican Party sued to keep the America First Party off the ballot but lost.

Cartier said that the America First Party’s priorities include fiscal responsibility, transparency and accountability, and limited government.

"There are Republicans all across Nebraska who still believe in fiscal responsibility, limited government, accountability and putting America first," Cartier said in the release. "They shouldn't have to become Democrats just because they're disappointed with the people currently carrying the Republican label.”

Another new party, the Nebraska Working People Party, had not made any candidate announcements as of Tuesday afternoon. However, the Nebraska Examiner reported that party Chair Robin Richards will run for U.S. Senate, Macey Budke will run for the 3rd Congressional District seat and Paul Rumbaugh will be a candidate for secretary of state.