# 1988 United States Senate election in Nebraska

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vte :
The 1988 United States Senate election in Nebraska was held on November 8, 1988 to select the U.S. Senator from the state. Incumbent Republican Senator David Karnes, who was appointed to the Senate in 1987 upon the death of Democratic Senator Edward Zorinsky, sought election to his first full term. After beating back a challenge from Congressman Hal Daub in the Republican primary, Karnes advanced to the general election, where he faced former Governor Bob Kerrey, the Democratic nominee. Though Vice President George H. W. Bush, the Republican nominee for President, won Nebraska in a landslide, Karnes was ultimately defeated by Kerrey by a wide margin. This is the last time a Senator from Nebraska lost re-election.

## Democratic primary
### Candidates

* Bob Kerrey, former Governor of Nebraska
* Ken L. Michaelis, disbarred attorney, 1986 Democratic candidate for Lieutenant Governor

### Results

Democratic primary results :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Bob Kerrey | 156,498 | 91.43% |
| | Democratic | Ken L. Michaelis | 14,248 | 8.32% |
| | Democratic | Write-ins | 423 | 0.25% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 171,169 | 100.00% |

## Republican primary
### Candidates

* David Karnes, incumbent Senator
* Hal Daub, U.S. Representative from Nebraska's 2nd congressional district

### Results

Republican primary results :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | David Karnes (inc.) | 117,439 | 54.82% |
| | Republican | Hal Daub | 96,436 | 45.02% |
| | Republican | Write-ins | 350 | 0.16% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 214,225 | 100.00% |

## General election

1988 United States Senate election in Nebraska :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Democratic | Bob Kerrey | 378,717 | 56.71% | −9.88% |
| | Republican | David Karnes (inc.) | 278,250 | 41.66% | +13.12% |
| | New Alliance | Ernie Chambers | 10,372 | 1.55% | — |
| | Write-in | Write-in | 521 | 0.08% | — |
| Majority | Majority | Majority | 100,467 | 15.04% | −23.00% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 667,860 | 100.00% | |
| | Democratic gain from Republican | Democratic gain from Republican | Democratic gain from Republican | Democratic gain from Republican | Democratic gain from Republican |