CNN
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Nebraska Gov. Jim Palin said Thursday he is appointing former governor Pete Ricketts to fill a Senate seat left vacant after the resignation of Republican Ben Sasse.
Ricketts, a Republican who completed his second term as governor earlier this month, will hold the seat until a special election in 2024. The seat will then be on the Nebraska ballot again in 2026 for a full six years.
Palin and Ricketts appeared together at a joint press conference at the Nebraska State Capitol in Lincoln, where Palin called Ricketts’ selection “very, very clear.”
Sassi officially resigned Sunday to become president of the University of Florida, a job he will take on next month.
Ricketts’ support in last year’s Republican gubernatorial primary helped Palin emerge at the top of a crowded GOP field. Palin took office last week.
He said Ricketts was “committed to the long haul” to try and retain the seat.
“I don’t believe in placeholders. I think every day counts,” Belin said.
This story has been updated with additional reports.
