Congressman Lee Terry expressed surprise and relief at the announcement by independent candidate Chip Maxwell that he would drop out of the race and not challenge Terry this fall.
Maxwell, a supporter of the Tea Party, collected the needed signatures to get his name on the November ballot, but decided to exit the race instead. Maxwell says he became concerned that if his name appeared on the ballot, it would divide the Republican vote leaving Democrat Brad Ashford with the advantage in the race.
Congressman Terry reacted with overall relief at Maxwell’s announcement, “I’ve always considered Chip as a friend so it is an emotional release for me not to have Chip in the race.”
Before the primary election, Maxwell stated he would not endorse Terry and backed his opponent, Dan Frei.
Terry says while he wasn’t exactly pleased with those comments, he chalked them up to politics and insists he didn’t take them personally. He says he hopes to work with Maxwell in the future on important issues that impact Nebraskans.
Terry says he is also pleased it will be more of a traditional election in November. He believes that voters will judge both candidates on their track record.