Nebraska Rep. Tom Osborne said Saturday he plans to seek the Republican nomination for governor in 2006, instead of a fourth term in Congress.

The former Husker coach made the announcement in his hometown at his alma mater, Hastings College. "I've got more miles behind me than I've got in front of me," Osborne said. "When you reach that point, where you have some good years left you want to make sure you use those years wisely."

The 68-year-old Osborne had hinted about seeking the GOP gubernatorial nomination for months. He said the decision to run took him more than a year. Osborne, who had open heart surgery 20 years ago, said he had a physical and talked with his doctor before making decision, "to make sure I'd be vertical for the next five years." Retiring wasn't really an option for him, Osborne told the crowd of about 100, including family members, well-wishers, and the media. "I'm not really good at retiring. I tried that one time and Nancy ran me out of the house," said Osborne, referring to his wife.

If elected in November 2006, Osborne said he intended to serve only one term, but would not rule out a second term if he felt it were necessary. To get to the governor's mansion, Osborne will face at least two opponents in the Republican primary in May 2006, Gov. Dave Heineman and Omaha businessman David Nabity. Heineman said later Saturday he welcomes facing Osborne in the gubernatorial race. "Competition is good for the party. It's great that we have so many people willing to serve. My focus is and will continue to be on being he best governor I can be." Heineman was lieutenant governor until Republican Gov. Mike Johanns was appointed U.S. Agriculture Secretary earlier this year. "I believe ultimately, a year from now, when the decision is made, it will be about the job performance I have done as governor," said Heineman. "If I have done a good job, the people will reward that good performance."

Nabity also said Saturday he welcomes Osborne to the race. "I'm convinced that there are enough voters that want fresh, innovative ideas and an energetic leader that they're going to support me regardless of whoever I run against. If anyone has seen any of my speeches, been at any of my talks, or gone on my Web site, they'll see a number of things he talked about I've been talking about for two years. We do have to get government effect. We do have to create economic development and entrepreneurship is a big important part of it."

As for the Democrats, the state's party chairs declined to comment Saturday, saying Osborne deserves his day. While there are no announced Democratic candidates, several names have been tossed into the rumor mill, including state senators Chris Beutler of Lincoln, Matt Connealy of Decatur, Pat Bourne of Omaha, University of Nebraska Regent Chuck Hassebrook of Lyons, and Stormy Dean of Ralston, the 2002 nominee who lost to Johanns.

Osborne, who won three national titles in four years at Nebraska before retiring after the 1997 season, got 82% of the vote in his first run for Congress in 2000, 93% in his re-election bid in 2002, and 87% last year.

Sen. Chuck Hagel said he respects Osborne's decision to run for governor. "Tom Osborne will be an excellent candidate for governor. Like all Nebraskans, I have the highest regard for Tom. Primaries are good for parties. Over the next year, Nebraska Republicans will decide who they want to represent them as their nominee for governor. As I've said, I will enthusiastically support the winner of our gubernatorial primary." The Republican caused a stir in the state party ranks this month when he endorsed Heineman for governor. At the time Hagel downplayed the significance of the endorsement, saying he did so only because Heineman was an incumbent running for the office. Osborne said he was surprised at Hagel's endorsement, but respected it and holds no ill-will toward Hagel. "Everybody's entitled to their opinion," said Osborne. He had similar comments toward Heineman.

In his announcement, Osborne set out three main goals that he would try accomplish if elected, such as helping unite the state, which he said is often divided into factions such as east and west and urban and rural. He noted that he worked to unite his football teams for the common goal of winning. "That same type of thinking can certainly translate to the state of Nebraska." Other efforts would include making state government more efficient by bringing in experts from the private sector to examine and make suggestions on how the state functions. He also said he would like to work to reverse Nebraska's population loss, noting that only 19 of Nebraska's 93 counties have gained population since 1930. He said he would try to accomplish that by trying to teach entrepreneurial skills and by touting the state's ethanol and biotech research capabilities, among other things.

Mark Quandahl, chairman of the state GOP, welcomed the news. "Congressman Osborne is a great American. He's done a great job as our congressman for the 3rd District, and he's a good example of a public servant living his life and exercising his public duties in a manner that makes all Nebraskans proud. The Republican Party of Nebraska has always embraced robust primaries. It allows the candidates to sharpen their issues, their message and their vision. As a result, it makes for better candidates it makes for better public officials, and it's even better for the state of Nebraska."

As for his seat in Congress, there had been no names mentioned from either party as possible challengers, although state Sen. Adrian Smith of Gering has been rumored to be considering running for the GOP nomination if Osborne did not seek a fourth term. Smith said Saturday he would make a decision on whether he would run by the end of next week.

Omahans polled Saturday were pleased to hear that Osborne had decided to run. "Why not, he knows how to run a football team," said Neil McGreevy. "He's got a lot of name recognition because of football," said Kendall Giwoyna. "I think he'd be good." Steve Shreve thinks everyone in the state would vote for him. "Because of Osborne's reputation and character he's unbeatable unless Warren Buffett ran against him. That might be an interesting race." Matt Applegate agreed. "I think it's going to be a landslide. He's just going to take care of it," said Applegate. "He's done great in every other field he's attempted in," said Bobby Packett. "I'm sure he's got a hundred percent thought of mind so sure, let him go."

Osborne News Conference