Shore appears in video endorsing Pansing Brooks

Susanne Shore, wife of Republican Gov. Pete Ricketts, appears in a newly-released video endorsing Democratic congressional candidate Patty Pansing Brooks.

This is not the first time Shore, a registered Democrat, has differed with her Republican husband politically. But her two-minute video is a high-profile move late in what looks to be a close congressional race between Pansing Brooks and Republican Congressman Mike Flood.

Flood outpolled Pansing Brooks by just under 6 points in a special election in June to fill the remaining months in the term of former Rep. Jeff Fortenberry, who resigned in March. This election is to determine who will represent the eastern Nebraska First Congressional District for the next two years.

In the video, Shore talks about her own work as an advocate for vulnerable children, linking it to Pansing Brooks’ efforts in the Legislature.

“During my time as first lady, one legislator has proven that she will always use her voice to fight for not only those kids and families, but for all Nebraskans. That’s Patty Pansing Brooks. I’m proud to endorse her campaign for Congress in Nebraska’s First Congressional District,” Shore says.

A Ricketts spokeperson said families sometimes disagree about politics and the governor’s family is no exception. And Flood's campaign said in a news release that Shore seems to be unaware of Pansing Brooks' "liberal, soft on crime record."