Former University of Nebraska head football coach Tom Osborne has entered a new arena as he tosses his hat into the political race for the U.S. Congressional seat from Nebraska's 3rd District.

Osborne, a republican, announced his campaign at a Thursday press conference held at Hastings College, his alma mater.

"We really feel we can make a difference for the third district." Osborne said. The third district includes the city of Hastings where Osborne grew up. "This is where my roots are. I think we can generally raise awareness of what is going on around here."

Osborne said the focus of his campaign will be on agricultural issues, helping small businesses and the area's youth.

"I got some calls from calls from consultants who said 'We'll make some calls for you, find out what people want to hear and then we'll tell you what to say.'" Osborne said. "I always thought you told people what you thought you wanted to do and if they liked it they voted for you and if they don't, they don't vote for you."

Osborne retired from college football following the 1997 season citing health concerns. Osborne says his doctors have given him the okay to enter the political field. He says he feels his experience as a head football coach should help him in the world of politics.

"Obviously, dealing with eleven football players is a lot different than this large area out here." Osborne said. "But actually, if you think about it, the whole state of 1.6 million people was (the football team's) constituency. And the job was not just to get the football team going in the right direction..it was essentially a statewide effort. I think I have some idea about attracting good people and putting them in place and having a good organization that's effective. As a coach I knew I was a very small part of whatever got done. I knew I had good people around me and I knew I could get them to go in the same direction."

Osborne had been rumored to be considering a run for the senate seat vacated by Bob Kerry, but Osborne said that the smaller geographical district and two year terms of the House appealed to him more.

"I just didn't have any great passion for the Senate. And...I didn't feel I could commit (wife) Nancy to six years of commuting." Osborne said. But he also said he plans to stay in the world of politics as long as his health, family and constituents hold up. "I'm not running right now with the intent of bailing out in two years or four years or six."

Osborne indicated he has no plans to seek other higher offices in the future.

Osborne's candidacy means the end of John Hanson's two-week old bid for the seat. Hanson has bowed out of the race and will become Osborne's top agricultural advisor. Hanson spoke with Osborne earlier in the month and offered his support should the coach decide to run. "To me that was the defining moment. That was when I decided that this is what I would try to do." Osborne said. Three other candidates currently remain in the race. North Platte attorney John Gale, Scottsbluff businessman Dave Hergert and State Board of Education member Kathy Wilmot of Beaver City have announced their candidacy to fill the seat vacated when five-term U.S. Rep. Bill Barrett decided not to seek re-election.