LINCOLN, Neb. — Three prominent Nebraska Republicans have withdrawn their endorsements of legislative candidate Tim Anderson following his support for Initiatives 440 and 441, measures that would expand online sports betting in the state.
State Auditor Mike Foley, State Treasurer Joey Spellerberg, and U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts said in a joint statement they could no longer support Anderson, arguing the initiatives would increase risks for student-athletes, expose young people to misleading advertising, and provide little meaningful property tax relief for Nebraska taxpayers. They also criticized Anderson for accepting $750,000 from a political action committee funded by gambling interests.
The elected officials further contended that Initiatives 440 and 441 are backed by out-of-state gaming corporations, including FanDuel and DraftKings, which they said stand to profit from gambling losses by Nebraskans. Their statement cited a study commissioned by Tax Relief Nebraska projecting the initiatives would generate $166 million for the state’s Property Tax Credit Cash Fund over a decade, which they argued would amount to minimal savings for most homeowners. The group also accused Anderson of using gambling-funded contributions to support television advertisements promoting the measures.
In response, Tim Anderson said he has sought input from constituents on both sides of the issue and noted that voters frequently raise concerns about taxes, health care costs, and rural health care while campaigning door-to-door. Anderson said many residents told him they believed the gambling initiatives could help lower costs and taxes.
Meanwhile, legislative candidate Janell Anderson-Ehrke criticized Anderson’s acceptance of the donation, saying it demonstrated a lack of judgment, prudence, and independence. She said her focus remains on supporting economic opportunities and rural communities across Legislative District 38.
