State Sen. John Murante of Gretna, who represents the 49th District that encompasses rural Sarpy County, announced he’s seeking the state treasurer post in the 2018 state elections.
    Murante, 35, first won public office when he was elected to the Legislature in 2012. He won re-election to the seat in 2016.
    Murante seeks to succeed Treasurer Don Stenburg, who will reach his term-limit in 2018.
    He made a swing through parts of western Nebraska early last week with stops in Imperial, Ogallala, McCook and Holdrege.
    Murante noted he represents a district that’s primarily rural. As a result, he understands the hardships the ag sector is experiencing right now.
    Because his district is rural, he said he often works together with western Nebraska senators on the same ag and rural issues.
    To be successful, Murante said the Legislature must get by the east/west; urban/rural mentality.
    As state treasurer and steward of taxpayer money, Murante said he would work to continue the long standing tradition of a strong state treasury department.
    In addition, he would build on the program to return unclaimed funds and property to taxpayers.

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