Let the contest begin. The Democratic race for Senate is heating up.

After months of wondering if there would even be a Democratic primary, the field is widening. Hastings College history Professor Scott Kleeb launched his bid Monday.

After filing the proper paperwork, and a quick signature, he's ready to kick off his campaign for Nebraska's open U.S. Senate seat.

"A lot of people came to me and said will you please run, we need something again like what we built last year on our campaign," said Scott Kleeb, U.S. Senate Candidate.

Kleeb ran a close race for Nebraska's third district congressional seat in 2006 against Republican Adrian Smith, but came up ten points short.

"We ran in the most Republican district in the state, and it's the fifth most Republican district in the country and came remarkably close. Again, it shows just how hungry people are for something new," he said.

Kleeb said he's confident running a similar race to 2006 will win him the Democratic nomination. Kleeb knows Republican front-runner Mike Johanns will be tough competition ahead but criticized his work as Ag Secretary.

"There are going to be questions. He's going to have to answer to closing FSA offices and the impact that has on a state like Nebraska. Walking away from the Farm Bill in a time when we still don't have a Farm Bill and as a Secretary of Agriculture, that's a very critical issue you need to address and he was unable to close," Kleeb said.

Kleeb also knows he's got a steep hill to climb to fundraise, but he said Nebraskans want their votes earned, not bought.

On a personal level, Kleeb's a newlywed and new father. He decided to run this race with their support.

"It is going to be tough, married just over a year now, new baby who I love spending time with, but politics is a calling. I'm a better man, I'm a better husband, I'm a better father, I'm a better citizen when I'm engaged politically," he said.

Kleeb said the excitement surrounding Democrats after the Nebraska caucuses influenced him to run.

He said he wants to be part of an effort to engage voters and get them to talk about politics, and Kleeb said a big focus for winning the Democratic nomination will include questioning his main opponent's Republican roots.