Former Republican Governor Dave Heineman is pushing back his ‘run for governor’ timetable.

In an exclusive interview with News Channel Nebraska, Heineman says his go-or-no-go decision will now come just after the first of the year.

At the same time Heineman says as he crisscrosses the state Nebraskans are giving him the green light to seek an unprecedented third term.

He also discussed the fall-out from former President Trump’s endorsement of Charles Herbster:

NCN’S Joe Jordan: Governor, earlier this year you told me your timetable for thinking about running for governor was sometime this fall. Where do you stand right now?

Dave Heineman: It's probably been moved back just a little bit. As I talk to Nebraskans across the state they're not just focused on the governor's race yet. It's probably early January.

NCN’s Joe Jordan: While you wait, aren't other candidates getting endorsements, donations coming to their campaigns? Aren’t you losing ground by waiting?

Dave Heineman: I don't think so. Based on what I'm hearing from Nebraskans they want the candidates to focus on the issues they care about. They're not quite seeing that yet. And the issues they care about are the economy, education and taxes.

NCN’s Joe Jordan: What do you make of the endorsement for Mr. Herbster by former President Trump? Doesn't that put you somewhat behind the 8-ball?

Dave Heineman: No, I don't think so. Number one, that was fully expected. So there's no surprise there. It does put Jim Pillen behind the 8-ball because he did not support President Trump in the primary in two thousand-16. That’s in sharp contrast to where Charles Herbster and I were. I was Trump's 2016 state chair here in Nebraska.

NCN‘s Joe Jordan: So why didn't you get the Trump endorsement?

Dave Heineman: Basically because the only two announced candidates right now are Charles Herbster and Jim Pillen, and I guess a couple others. But Charles has a relationship going back with Trump.

NCN’s Joe Jordan: If you had to guess today are you running or not running?

Dave Heineman: I don't try to guess. I don't try to speculate. I want to make sure that Nebraskans are comfortable if I were to run again. Certainly that's the message I'm receiving.

[You can hear the full interview above]