Deb Fischer shakes Don Stenberg's hand as Gov. Heineman applauds and Jon Bruning looks on/Photo courtesy of Kevin Thomas

Nebraska Republicans sought this morning to unite behind Deb Fischer in wake of a tough primary for United States Senate.

State Republican Party Chairman Mark Fahleson told a news conference at the party headquarters in Lincoln that Republicans have been successful in Nebraska, because they reflect Nebraskan values.

“Second, the Republican Party has been more successful, because we embrace competitive primaries,” according to Fahleson who was flanked by Gov. Dave Heineman, U.S. Senate candidate Deb Fischer and her former rivals Attorney General Jon Bruning and state Treasurer Don Stenberg. “Republicans believe that competition is a good thing. It makes us all better. And, after the competition, we come together, we unite for a common goal and that’s giving a better government, a better society to all of Nebraskans and our country.”

Heineman reminded the gathering that it is only half-time and that Republican must focus on defeating Democrat Bob Kerrey in November. Heineman expressed confidence that Fischer, a state senator from Valentine, can do just that.

“I’ve worked with Sen. Fischer for the past eight years in her role in the legislature and, let me tell you, she is strong, tough and effective,” Heineman said. “She has Nebraska values, not New York values.”

Republicans struck that theme often during the news conference, indicating the strategy ahead in their battle against Kerrey, who though a former Nebraska governor and United States Senator, had lived in New York for more than a decade.

Fischer speaks with Stenberg and Speaker of the Legislature Mike Flood

Fischer said she anticipates a rugged general election campaign.

“We have as hard campaign (ahead),” Fischer said. “As the governor said, there are stark contrasts between myself and Mr. Kerrey. Nebraskans know that. We need a senator; we need a U.S. Senator, from Nebraska who’s going to represent Nebraska values, Nebraska people. That’s important and I will be that senator.”

Attorney General Bruning and Treasurer Stenberg have pledged to support the candidacy of their former Republican primary opponent.

AUDIO: Nebraska Republicans hold unity news conference. [8:40]

Deb Fischer celebrates at her victory party in Lincoln

State Sen. Deb Fischer pulled off a stunning upset in the Republican primary for United States Senate, earning the right to square off against former United States Sen. Bob Kerrey, a Democrat, in the November general election.

Fischer, long considered the third candidate in the crowded six-candidate Republican field, vaulted past Attorney General Jon Bruning and state Treasurer Don Stenberg to secure the nomination.

Fischer finished with 79,028 votes, 41% of the total cast in the race, according to the unofficial results released by the Secretary of State’s office. Fischer trailed Bruning early in the evening, taking a slim lead as about half the precincts in the state reported. It would be a lead she would never relinquish.

Bruning finished with 69,006 or a fraction under 36% of the vote. Stenberg finished with 36,043 votes, 18.75% of the total.

The turnout for the primary election was just under 26% of Nebraska’s registered voters.

AUDIO: State Sen. Deb Fischer gives victory speech. [8:30]

AUDIO: Attorney General Jon Bruning concedes in US Senate race. [3 min.]