About a month later, in December, the FBI contacted Zoeller, who told them he received nothing from the observers. He said in a phone interview with the Journal Star he appreciated federal law enforcement's vigilance.

The observers also attempted to arrange a meeting with Jane Kleeb, chair of the Nebraska Democratic Party, who rebuffed their "very aggressive" approach.

Kleeb, who also spoke with the FBI in December, said the observers contacted her directly instead of reaching out to the party to schedule a time to sit down either at the party's office or at a hotel — what she described as "a red flag."

"We meet on a regular basis with international groups, but it's done through official channels, not just a person contacting us saying 'I want to meet with you,'" Kleeb said.

Gale said none of the officials who met with the election observers reported any unusual activity to his office, nor did the FBI ask his office about the secret recording devices.

Had there been any reported oddities during the visit, such as the observers attempting to grant a favor or leave a gift with anyone they met, Gale said he would have immediately requested the State Department revoke their visas.