In Nebraska’s race for governor, Keystone XL will be hot issue

In Nebraska, the Keystone XL pipeline will be a key and divisive issue in the gubernatorial race between Republican Pete Ricketts and Democrat Chuck Hassebrook. Hassebrook, against the pipeline, believes that Nebraska should focus on alternative energy development, such as wind and biofuels, as a response to global warming. Ricketts, a supporter of the pipeline, is a “skeptic” of climate change, claiming that he believes “it is far from clear — despite what the other side is saying — it is far from clear what is going on with our climate.” Hassebrook is currently polling eight points behind Ricketts, who is the favorite for the win in November.