A candidate has jumped into the race for the First District State Senate seat being vacated by Lavon Heidemann this year. 
 Jerry Joy of Stella, who ran unsuccessfully against Heidemann in 2008, says he will run for the position again this year.  Joy explains what prompted him to throw his hat into the ring this year.  (play audio  :42)
 Joy explains what his priorities would be as State Senator.  (play audio  :25)
 Joy has had some health issues recently, having recently undergone treatment for lung cancer.  But, he says doctors at the University of Nebraska Medical Center gave him a clean bill of health recently, and that helped cement his decision to run.  (play audio  :32)
 Joy is the only person to date to file to run for the First District State Senate seat.  The deadline to file to run in the May 15th primary election is February 15th for current office holders and March 1st for non-incumbents.  Current First District Senator Lavon Heidemann is coming to the end of his second four-year term, and is prohibited by term limits from seeking a third term.