Jenny Nowatzke

OMAHA (KPTM)- For three years, state senator Tom White called Nebraska's State Capitol his "home away from home."  Now, the democrat is looking for something a bit bigger - Capitol Hill.

"I am here to announce, I am running for congress," said White to a crowd full of supporters on Wednesday morning.

It's a decision White says he's struggled with since July, as he spoke to constituents in district two.

"The people I talk to from Bennington, to Bellevue, North Omaha to Papillion, have told me they no longer feel they have someone who will fight for them in Washington," said White.

That "someone" White is referring to, is Congressman Lee Terry.

"Lee Terry and too many other politicians in Washington spend too much time trying to score cheap shots," said White.

If elected, White says, he'll do something he believes Terry hasn't done effectively - work across party lines.

"I think it's interesting he said that, because the democratic members of congress were just polled, and they said Lee Terry was one of the easiest republicans to work with," said Richard Carter, a senior advisor for Terry's campaign, who welcomes White to the race, and is already preparing for another tight election.

Last November, Terry only beat Jim Esch by four percent.  Some credit his "Obama-Terry Voter" slogan for that win.

It's a slogan Carter believes, Terry will use again.

"We still want to reach out to everyone - not just republicans. This district has become a nonpartisan district," said Carter.

Something Tom White hopes will work in his favor.

"I think with the changes in the district, and my record, they will support me," said White.

So far, White is the only democrat running for congress.  Meanwhile, in the republican pool, Terry is joined by Omaha businessman Matt Sakalosky, who released a statement on White's decision to run.

He says, "I welcome Tom White to the race, and look forward to debating him. But, as a state senator, he has practiced poor judgment with some of his legislation, especially with the Safe Haven law. He brings more of the same to the table, and I don't believe people are looking for that type of leadership."