Hassebrook is also well-known to many Nebraskans. And he argues that he has a long history of fighting for “fairness and opportunity for ordinary people” as the longtime head of the Center for Rural Affairs, a national organization committed to helping rural and low-income Americans.

He stepped down from the organization in 2013 after he decided to run for governor. He lost a year later to Republican Gov. Pete Ricketts. “I can assure the delegates that no one will work harder with more commitment, perseverance and dedication than me,” Hassebrook said.

Hassebrook was the first person to enter the race. In fact, it looked for a long time that no one would seriously challenge his candidacy. Then, earlier this month, Kleeb announced that she had formed a “unity ticket” composed of Clinton and Sanders supporters to battle for all four of the state’s leadership positions.

The so-called unity ticket quickly ran into criticism from Hassebrook and others, who argued that delegates should not be asked to vote for a slate of candidates but should decide each race on its merits. Since then, three of the four original members of the unity ticket have dropped out, leaving Kleeb as the last candidate standing from the slate.