Overview
- The recording was shared Friday by Politico reporter Daniel Lippman and captures Osborn loudly calling Sen. Deb Fischer a “b*tch” while discussing his 2024 loss to her.
- The remarks were first recorded during Osborn’s 2024 campaign by a campaign volunteer who later left the operation, and Politico says it obtained the file from a separate source.
- Osborn issued an apology to Politico, saying his language was wrong and blaming rough talk as part of his coarse manner, while acknowledging the comment was inappropriate.
- Republican Sen. Pete Ricketts condemned the language and argued Osborn is unfit to represent Nebraska, and Fischer dismissed Osborn’s bid by saying he will lose again.
- Polling and market data show a very close race and suggest the leak has put modest downward pressure on Osborn’s support, with campaign watchers watching endorsements, volunteers and next polls for further movement.