Herbster TV Ad: “Just like the establishment attacked President Trump, now they’re lying about me.” 

                                                                                           [See our complete video report above]

While Charles Herbster denies any, and all, accusations that he sexually assaulted seven women including State Sen. Julie Slama, the accusations have taken a possible Herbster win to another level.

Starting with several fellow Republican legislators, all women—Lou Ann Linehan, Suzanne Geist, Rita Sanders and Joni Albrecht—all who support NU Regent Jim Pillen for governor, wondering how they could work with Herbster come 2023.

State Sen. Suzanne Geist: “Whoever wins the election needs to build a relationship of trust with the Legislature. I would say, speaking for myself, that has been severely tested.”

At the same time Herbster is backed by at least four GOP legislators, all men.

But well before legislators would have to work with Herbster the Governor, as we first reported, has a key decision to make.

NCN’s Joe Jordan: If Charles Herbster wins the primary can you support him?

Gov. Ricketts: Well, we'll see what he does about these allegations of sexual misconduct.

Gov. Ricketts: I also think he needs to drop out the race and seek treatment.

NCN’s Joe Jordan: So, if he wins the primary do you still want him to drop out of the race?

Gov. Ricketts: I’ve made very clear what I said here, Joe. I think that he should seek treatment, he should apologize, he should drop out of the race, and these are all things that have to do with his allegations of sexual misconduct.

Recent polls have found Herbster, Pillen who is backed by Ricketts, and State Sen. Brett Lindstrom in a too-close-to-call three-way race.