Election workers across Nebraska Monday were preparing polling places for Tuesday's primary election while candidates continued with their campaigning.

Polls are open from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m.

Besides local races, several statewide races are expected to draw attention. That includes those to select the Democratic and Republican nominees for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Republican Chuck Hagel.

Democrats Scott Kleeb and Tony Raimondo want to be the challenger against the Republicans. Kleeb ran for Congress in 2006, losing by a narrow margin. "This moment in our nation's history is so critical and so important and that it's incumbent upon each of us to become part of this process," says Kleeb.

The history professor from Hastings spent his final days on the campaign trail touting his work as a ranch hand, trying to show he knows the value of hard work in this tough economy.

Raimondo says he's the better candidate. During a campaign stop, Raimondo says he's a moderate, not a career politician.

“I don't believe there should be political brand names with education or economic development, so people have gotten to know that." The Republican turned Democrat is making his first major run at politics. Raimondo is selling his work ethic as a businessman to voters, saying he spent years creating jobs and balancing budgets.

On the ballot for Republicans is former Governor Mike Johanns and Pat Flynn, an investment advisor from Schuyler. Flynn could not be reached on Monday.

Johanns visited with the Omaha media Monday afternoon, making a final push for votes. He served as the secretary of agriculture under the Bush administration for three years. He shared his thoughts about the economy and the housing market, saying he would not support legislation bailing out homeowners who could not make payments.

“That doesn't make sense to have taxpayers bail out people who have been speculators and gone into that marketplace with that intention.”

Senate candidates aren't the only politicians on the ballot. U.S. House races, MUD candidates and school board members hope voters will show up at the polls as well.

The primary will have little effect on the presidential race. That's because for the first time in the state's history, Nebraska registered Democrats held a caucus in February to determine voters' presidential preferences.

Tuesday's primary will allocate delegates only for the Republican presidential contest.