LINCOLN- On Wednesday, Sen. Mike McDonnell, a 40-year Democrat, formally announced that he no longer feels accepted in the Nebraska Democratic Party. McDonnell said that he had asked his Democratic colleagues to respect his "religious-based, pro-life position," but that they sought instead to punish his legislative actions.

McDonnell has been publically considering running for Omaha mayor, and said Wednesday that, despite the party change, he still might run regardless of Mayor Jean Stothert's, the Republican incumbent, announcement that she would seek a fourth term. In a statement, Stothert welcomed McDonnell to the Republican Party.

"As a lifelong Republican, I have appreciated that the Republican Party continues to be a big tent that welcomes a wide array of views," she said. McDonnell's switch gives Republicans in the Nebraska Legislature a powerful 33 votes. However, when asked whether he supports the latest Republican push to make Nebraska a winner-take-all electoral state, McDonnell said "no."

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