Tony Raimondo kicked off his campaign to become Nebraska's next U.S. Senator Monday.

"My campaign for senate is based on a simple statement: we need a fresh approach in Washington," said Tony Raimondo, U.S. Senate Candidate.

Raimondo said he can provide that fresh approach, admitting politics is new to him, but leadership and wise decision making is not.

"My experience lies in the real world of growing business, creating jobs, competing in a global economy and getting things done. That is where I differ from my opponent," he said.

Raimondo is referring to Republican Mike Johanns, calling the former governor out on several issues from amnesty to the farm bill. He said Johanns has become a career politician.

Many have criticized Raimondo for recently switching parties, some have said he did so to avoid a primary against Johanns. Raimondo said that's not the case.

"I was ready to face Mike anytime, anywhere but the primary was shut down. I'll let you decide what that means, but the president came and people dropped out," he said.

Raimondo said he changed parties because of his disappointment with Republicans and he saw the Democratic party as the one of change and responsibility.

He even said his switch should prove he is the moderate, bipartisan candidate.

"We need less Republican Senators, we need less Democratic Senators, we need more U.S. Senators," Raimondo said.

Raimondo touched on a number of points this afternoon including his views on the Iraq war, illegal immigration, and the economy.

He said his first priority will be health care calling the current system broken.

Although his entire speech was about his plan and how he differs from Johanns, in a question and answer session he acknowledged his competition in the primary, Scott Kleeb saying he was glad Kleeb entered the race. It will give Democrats more of a choice.

He also stressed he believed Johanns was very beatable.

For more information about Tony Raimondo's bid for Senate, click here.