Panhandle democrats are hopeful that they can retain the US senate seat held by Ben Nelson.
Frontrunner Bob Kerrey announced earlier this week that he will not be seeking the open senate seat.
The former governor and presidential candidate was considered the democrats best chance to hold onto the seat.
Chairman of the Scottsbluff democratic party Mike Meister says it will take a combined effort to fill the seat with a democratic candidate.
"It's always easier when you have the top brand you just take off the shelf but the party will have to do some work," Meister said. "If we take the position that we have already lost the seat then we all stay home."
Meister says the party needs to rally behind a candidate that focuses specifically on Nebraska issues.
