Peter Ricketts on Principles & Values

Republican Senate Challenger

Family founded Ameritrade and has net worth of $4.5 billion

Ricketts is one of four children of J. Joe and Marlene Ricketts. His father is the founder of Ameritrade. The family had a net worth of $1.5 billion in 2004, according to Forbes magazine in its annual ranking of the wealthiest families.

Ricketts emphasized, however, the family's humble Nebraska origins. He noted that he is a fourth-generation Nebraskan whose maternal grandfather was a farmer and whose paternal grandfather was a carpenter.

Source: Press release, "Ricketts confirms GOP Senate bid" Aug 12, 2005

Native Nebraskan and "typical Midwestern"

Ricketts said his childhood was a typical Midwestern experience. He was born in Nebraska City and graduated from Westside High School in 1982. He holds a bachelor's degree in biology and a master's degree in marketing and finance from the University of Chicago. Ricketts said his family did not live extravagantly when he was a boy [despite a net worth of $4.5 billion]. "I can remember when there were lots of meals when we ate macaroni and cheese and pancakes for dinner," said Ricketts. Source: Press release, "Ricketts confirms GOP Senate bid" Aug 12, 2005

Parents donated to Nelson; and will now vote for Ricketts

Interestingly enough, Ricketts' parents supported [Rickett's Democratic opponent, incumbent Senator Ben] Nelson in 2000. In fact, the couple gave $4,200 to Nelson's campaign in March. Asked about his parent's support of Nelson, Ricketts said: "I would encourage any voter who is supporting Ben Nelson, once they find out I'm in the race, to vote for me (like my parents)." Source: Press release, "Ricketts confirms GOP Senate bid" Aug 12, 2005

Wife is a registered Democrat and national party donor

Ricketts' wife, Susanne Shore, is a Democrat who has given $500 to the Democratic National Committee in the past year. He said she supports his campaign or he would not be running. "We have very lively conversations when it comes to politics," Ricketts said. Will he get his wife's vote? "She says there are some household duties I need to do before I get that vote, but I'm confident I will be able to fulfill those," he said, laughing. Source: Press release, "Ricketts confirms GOP Senate bid" Aug 12, 2005

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