Ben Nelson: One of the Worst Members of Congress

On a recent business trip I had the opportunity to peruse a stack of periodicals that piled up during the 2010 election cycle.  One of the magazines was the November issue of Esquire, a magazine that I received as a gift.  One article sought to identify the 10 Best and Worst Members of Congress.   

And guess who appeared among the "Worst Members of Congress" right alongside Rep. Charlie Rangel? 

The Father of the Cornhusker Kickback--Senator Ben Nelson.

Here are a few excerpts from the Esquire piece:

Once the coveted "sixtieth vote," Nelson, the most obstreperous Democrat in the Senate, maneuvered for a sweet deal for his home state to have its mandated expansion of Medicaid paid for by the federal government permanently in order to get his vote for health-care reform. This is a deal no other state gets. Republicans mocked this arrangement as the "Cornhusker Kickback," and Nelson was stunned to find that every last person in his home state was horribly embarrassed by his deal; he muttered that it was all a misunderstanding, and it was really all about abortion funding anyway, which is one of his standby excuses for everything. Antiabortion groups, once stalwarts for the senator, decided that they didn't trust him, either. Now no one trusts him, and he has been tarred with a catchy new name for the stupid thing he did, which imperiled the passage of health-care reform. In the end, Harry Reid found a way to pass the House bill without Nelson's vote, and Nelson was compelled, pathetically, to plead that his sweet deal be removed from the final bill. Because that's how Ben Nelson rolls.

And the people cheered: "Twenty-Twelve. Twenty-Twelve. Twenty-Twelve."

 

Merry Christmas!

Earmark Earl

In recent weeks Sen. E. (Earl?  Earmark?) Benjamin Nelson has become quite defensive about his support for federal earmarks.  Every other member of Nebraska's congressional delegation--including his fellow Senator Mike Johanns--has announced his support for a ban on earmarks.  Sen. Johanns put it best:  the current earmark process is "simply not open, transparent or merit-based."

And where does Sen. Nelson--the architect of the Cornhusker Kickback--stand?  Firmly on the side of business-as-usual.

Nelson has attempted to portray his support for this antiquated form of political cronyism as fighting for Nebraska's share of the federal pie.  What Nelson doesn't tell us is that in order for him to get federal money for the National Wild Turkey Federation, he has to agree to support the pork submitted by other Senators, including bridges to nowhere.  And apparently he's more than happy to cut that deal. 

Let's decide the issue once and for all.  Potential Republican Senate candidate Attorney General Jon Bruning has come out firmly in opposition to earmarks, and I'm quite confident that every Republican candidate for Nebraska's Senate seat will as well.  The November 2012 election can be a referendum on the earmarks and backroom deals that have become the hallmark of Nelson's time in public office.

On November 6, 2012, Nebraska voters can decide whether they approve of the current federal earmark process and deals like the Cornhusker Kickback.  If they support business-as-usual, they should vote for Sen. Nelson.  If they oppose these practices and want more transparency and integrity in Congress, they should vote for the Republican nominee. 

The Democrats and their TSA

The Obama Administration's recent policy change in favor of full-body scans and pat-downs at the airport has appropriately drawn the ire of the vast majority of Americans who are sick and tired of the federal government expanding its reach further and further into our personal lives and pocketbooks.   It's symbolic of what today's Democrats stand for. 

As noted in a recent piece by award-winning syndicated columnist Charles Krauthammer, "Don't Touch My Junk" has become a battle cry for Americans who have grown weary over the increasingly intrusive federal government:

Don't touch my junk is the anthem of the modern man, the Tea Party patriot, the late-life libertarian, the midterm election voter. Don't touch my junk, Obamacare - get out of my doctor's examining room, I'm wearing a paper-thin gown slit down the back. Don't touch my junk, Google - Street View is cool, but get off my street. Don't touch my junk, you airport security goon - my package belongs to no one but me, and do you really think I'm a Nigerian nut job preparing for my 72-virgin orgy by blowing my johnson to kingdom come?

YouTube and other websites are already filling up with footage of these outrageous searches being conducted because the Democrats are too politically correct to admit that we've got a pretty good idea of the profile of a suspected terrorist and it's not a small child or elderly disabled woman. 

If the Obama Administration's policy remains in place, I'd suggest TSA give serious consideration to hiring Texas A&M defensive tackle Tony Jerod-Eddy once he graduates.   With the job he did on Nebraska's Ben Cotton during Saturday night's game, he appears to be well trained in the techniques the Obama TSA seeks to employ.

Nebraskans Still Don't Care for Ben Nelson and his Cornhusker Kickback

After last Tuesday's election, we knew that all attention would turn to Senator Ben Nelson and the 2012 Senate race.  Consequently, we felt it was an appropriate time to determine whether Nebraskans had forgiven Senator Nelson for his sleazy Cornhusker Kickback and to see how Senator Nelson would do if challenged by the likes of Attorney General Jon Bruning.   So, we commissioned a poll of about 500 Nebraskans last week to gauge their feelings on Ben Nelson and the 2012 Senate race. 

Today, we published the results of that statewide survey; it shows a majority of Nebraska voters still wants to give Ben Nelson the boot and choose a new United States Senator. According to the survey, only 36% of respondents said Nelson deserves reelection, while 55% said it was time to give someone else the chance to do better.

The survey found that 43% held an unfavorable opinion of Ben Nelson.  Barack Obama proved equally unpopular, with 58% of respondents holding an unfavorable opinion of the President. Meanwhile, the survey also found that Governor Dave Heineman remains one of the most popular governors in the country, with an approval rating of 69%.

Perhaps most importantly, Nelson badly trailed Attorney General Jon Bruning 50% to 35% in a head-to-head match up.
Senator Nelson's spokesman (former Omaha World-Herald reporter Jake Thompson) believes these results are good for Senator Nelson.  For that bit of nonsense, I'll give the Nelson office the Tariq Aziz Award of Political Spin.

The 2012 Senate Race and Ben Nelson's Cornhusker Kickback

From a purely political perspective, today was "Senate 2012" day in Nebraska.  Governor Dave Heineman candidly and forthrightly told Nebraskans that he loves being governor, and will not be a candidate for the United States Senate in 2012.  Tomorrow Attorney General Jon Bruning will likely announce his candidacy, and it's quite possible that other Republicans will soon follow.

What's that all mean?  Well, Ben Nelson and his sleazy Cornhusker Kickback are back in the spotlight.

Recently, my wife watched a PBS Frontline special on ObamaCare.  Although most know that Frontline is editorially left-of-center, the ObamaCare documentary had an accurate segment on Sen. Ben Nelson and how he sold his vote for Obama Care.    If you haven't seen it, here's the relevant chapter:





Take a special look at the image at 5:35.  Rest assured that will be seen again, and again, and again . . . .

Ben Nelson embarrassed Nebraska with his Cornhusker Kickback.  He seeded a national cloud of doubt about the honesty and integrity of all Nebraskans.  In November 2012, we will elect a new Senator who will listen to Nebraskans, someone who won't engage in sleazy backroom deals like Ben Nelson's Cornhusker Kickback.

See you in 2012

Decision Day

It's Election Day.  By later tonight, we'll hopefully know whether the ship has been righted and balance has been restored in Washington, DC.  We'll know whether Nebraskans have granted our Republican House members and constitutional officers the honor of serving another term in office.  And we'll know whether Nebraskans have given Governor Heineman more Republican state senators to help him fight off attempts by the liberal Democrats to raise our taxes and expand the size, scope and cost of our state government.

A lot of work has gone into these elections.  Regardless of the outcomes, I want to express my sincere gratitude to our candidates and their families.  They have made significant sacrifices, and some have endured reprehensible personal attacks from Democrats and their liberal allies.  I want to thank our entire Nebraska Republican Party staff and the hundreds of volunteers (not just including the hundred or so members of the Gage family!) who staffed our phone banks and went door-to-door, all because they are rightly concerned about where the Obama/Pelosi Democrats are taking our great nation. 

Now, in the words of Rocky's trainer Mickey Goldmill, "What 'r we waitin' for?!"  Get out and WIN this election for Nebraska and America!

SEND A MESSAGE!  GET OUT AND VOTE! 

BREAKING NEWS: Nebraska Union Bosses Paying "Volunteers" to Support Democrats

I just received this e-mail forwarded from a citizen who was concerned that his union--the Nebraska State Education Association--was paying people $20/hour to "volunteer" to support of Democrat legislative candidates Danielle Nantkes-Conrad and Amanda McGill in Lincoln and Teresa Whitehead in Papillion.  
Here's the message:

-----Original Message-----



From: Kilgarin, Karen [NE]
Sent: Mon 11/1/2010 11:27 AM
To: Nebraska List Staff with LEA-OEA
Subject: ALERT: Walkers needed Tuesday! $20/hr


ATTENTION:


We need your help tomorrow walking targeted districts in both Lincoln & Omaha! All walkers and participants will be paid $20/hour for their time and services.


• In Lincoln, the two targeted walking districts will be LD 26, Senator Amanda McGill's legislative district, and LD 46, Senator Danielle Conrad's district.


The meeting place for Lincoln walkers will be the Lincoln Labor Temple, address below (all activities to begin at 12 noon):


Lincoln Labor Temple
4625 Y Street
Lincoln, NE 68503


• In the Papillion/La Vista/Bellevue area, the targeted walking district will be LD 14, candidate Teresa Whitehead's legislative district.


The meeting place for this district will be at candidate Whitehead's home, address below (all activities to begin at 12 noon):


The home of Teresa & Bruce Whitehead
6201 Kentucky Road
Papillion, NE 68113


Note: We will be hitting up all ID'd support households in these districts.


As you know, these are extremely important legislative races and we need all the ready, willing and able volunteers we can get.


*Please forward this email to all members, supporters and willing participants that you know in the area that are available tomorrow.


Please respond to me by email by 3 pm today and we can get you signed-up!


Thank you.


Aaron Farber


Aaron A. Farber
Senior Research Analyst
American Communications Group, Inc.
1141 H Street, Suite B
Lincoln, NE 68508
farber@acgusa.net




That's what Nebraskans are up against.  Union bosses paying "volunteers" to support Democrats. 

Can you help us combat these well-funded Union bosses today, tonight and on Election Day?  Can you give us 1 hour of your time?  If so, call Taylor Gage at 402.475.2122 or e-mail him at taylor@negop.org if you can help!

Nebraska and America need your help NOW!

24 Hours Before We Win America Back

In just a few hours Election Day will be upon us.  Both here in Nebraska as well as throughout the nation, Republicans and Independents remain excited about Tuesday's elections.  Our folks are enthusiastically manning phone banks and going door-to-door to make sure every center-right voter in America votes on Tuesday. 

The Democrats, on the other hand, are struggling to energize their liberal voters.  Reports are that President Obama is speaking to half-filled auditoriums.  In Lincoln, Democrats are also struggling with motivating their base, so today they brought out their secret weapon:

Coleen Seng, former mayor of Lincoln! 

Yes, former Mayor Seng was the big draw at the Nebraska Democrat's "rally" today in Lincoln in Havelock.  And what a rally it was.  By our spotter's count there were 28 people in attendance, most of whom were candidates, candidate representatives, or members of the loony left supporting Ivy Harper for Congress.  The "rally" waited and waited, first for Mayor Chris Beutler, and then the media, who never showed.  But one has to assume that everyone was there to hear old Mayor Seng herself.  It truly is a sign of the sad shape of the Democrat party that they have to rely upon the most unenergetic, unenthusiastic, uninspiring former elected official to "fire up" the base. 

And why did the Democrats have to schedule this last minute "rally"?  Their polling, and likely the polling of their affiliate Nebraska State Education Association (conducting sleazy political attacks under the pseudonym "Nebraskans for Responsible Government"), shows what our polling shows--incumbent Democrat Danielle Nantkes-Conrad is trailing in the polls to Republican small businessman Chad Wright, and incumbent Democrat Amanda McGill is in a dead heat with newcomer Republican Tom Dierks.  

In recent days Nantkes-Conrad, McGill and their supporters have engaged in what may turn out to be the most dishonest campaign in Nebraska history. 

Mailers and telephone calls are going into these races claiming that Nantkes-Conrad and McGill are actually in line with Governor Heineman (FALSE--both have repeatedly opposed his agenda of lower taxes and less spending and Governor Heineman has endorsed Wright and Dierks).  These same dishonest propaganda pieces also distort their record on illegal immigration (both Nantkes-Conrad and McGill SUPPORT giving taxpayer-funded benefits to people who are in the United States illegally; their Republican opponents do not). 

Are you fed up with the dishonesty of the Democrats and the union bosses and other special interests that support their failed agenda?  If so, join me in:

• Phone banking at the Nebraska Republican Party at 16th & N Street on Monday (we'll order in food for lunch and will call until 9 p.m) and Tuesday (same deal--we'll call until the polling places are closed).  Can you give us at least 1 hour in the next 2 days to help us fight back the Democrats deceitful campaign????;
• Going door-to-door in targeted precincts--stop by and we'll give you a packet and instructions.  Again, we can give you a packet that will take just 1 hour; and
•  Voting Republican on Tuesday--your Republican Voter's Guide can be found here.  We need to send a message that Nebraska stands with the rest of the nation in opposing the radical Obama/Pelosi agenda and the dishonesty of today's Democrat Party and the liberal special interests that support their deceitful efforts.

REMEMBER NOVEMBER!

The Time is Now!

One of my favorite grassroots activities each election cycle is door-to-door.  Recently I had the pleasure of going door-to-door with my 3 daughters in support of John Knabe for Nebraska Legislature.  We were warmly received by voters (most of whom had no idea that they were supposedly "represented" by Democrat Norm Wallman), as was the Republican message.

We're now in the final stretch.  While it is true that most of Republican candidates face little or no opposition here in Nebraska (another reason why Nebraska is "The Good Life"), we need to let America know that we do not like the direction the Democrats are taking our country.  If we are going to send a message that will be heard across our country, NOW IS THE TIME.  It's imperative in these next few days to get Republicans and right-center Independents out to vote.  If you have even 1 hour to give to help make phone calls or go door-to-door in these last few days, please contact Taylor Gage at taylor@negop.org or call him at 402.475.2122.

Remember November and be certain to vote on November 2.

Nebraska Democrats Continue to Run Stealth Candidates

Today I received in my mail the 2010 Voter's Guide from Family First.  This factual, issue-oriented guide provides voters with important information on candidate views on issues such as illegal immigration, gambling, right-to-work, abortion, homosexuality, health care and the Commission of Industrial Relations (responsible for interpreting and enforcing the law that has resulted in significant property tax increases across our state). 

Relevant information, right?

Apparently the Democrats don't want you to know what their positions on these issues are.  Democrat candidates such as Steve Lathrop (the master liberal stealth candidate), Teresa Whitehead (who, when telling the truth, admits she supports ObamaCare and wants to boycott Arizona for opposing illegal immigration), Kent Rogert (a solid Democrat vote when they need him), Amanda McGill (who doesn't want her district to know she supports infanticide), Norm Wallman (still waiting for some Union boss to fill out the form for him) and Danielle Conrad Nantkes (perhaps the most liberal senator since Ernie Chambers). 

Nebraska voters need to hold these Democrats accountable for their failure to answer and be honest with voters as to what their positions are.   This is what Nebraska Democrats have been reduced to--deny, lie, hide and hope that you'll get elected. 

Mike Flood--A Leader for Nebraska's Future

A special congratulations goes out to Speaker Mike Flood for being recognized as one of Time Magazine's "40 Under 40." An honor well-deserved for a conservative Republican who has worked hard to represent his district and our great state. Senator Flood has a very bright future ahead, indeed.

Friday's (True) Folly

Couldn't pass up sharing this e-mail I received from a trustworthy friend yesterday:


I was leaving Montgomery, AL airport earlier this week and the TSA agent checking my ID asked-

TSA Guy: Nebraska, huh?

Me: (awaiting a Husker comment, I responded) Yes, sir.



TSA Guy: Isn't that where Ben Nelson is from?



Me: Unfortunately, why?



TSA Guy: Isn't he the one who did the Cornhusker Kickback?



Me: Unfortunately, yes.



TSA Guy: He needs to go.



Me: I couldn't agree more.

The Truth About Democrat Theresa Whitehead

Democrat legislative candidate Theresa Whitehead has taken a page out of the Nebraska Democrat playbook in her attempt to get elected.  Page One:  Don't tell anyone you are a Democrat.  Page Two:  Intentionally mislead voters to think you are actually a conservative Republican. 

Well, before the Democrat Party handlers got ahold of her, candidate Whitehead was candid with a few voters about her enthusiasm for the Obama Administration and its plan to nationalize our health care system, her support of amnesty for illegals, and her rather extreme decision to personally boycott the State of Arizona over its decision to address the issue the illegal immigration.  We felt it was important that voters knew the truth about Theresa Whitehead, so we sent out an educational piece to Sarpy County voters:

Voters have a choice.  Republican Jim Smith is a small businessman who understands the needs of the Papillion community.  He'll work hard to balance our budget without raising taxes, and he won't support giving taxpayer benefits to illegal immigrants.

Tim Gay admirably represented this district, and Jim Smith is a great replacement.  His views mirror those of the district.   Theresa Whitehead's views, when she's telling the truth, do not.

Four Weeks Until We Take Our Country Back

Another Great Week on the Road to Victory

It's now officially less than one month until Election Day when we send the message that we do not want our nation to continue down the road to socialism that the Obama/Pelosi/White Democrats are taking us.  As Election Day draws near, we continue to feel the momentum build here in Nebraska, and this past weekend was no exception.

On Friday night we held our HALapalooza fundraising roast of former Omaha Mayor/U.S. Congressman Hal Daub.  It was a great event--we actually oversold the event and had to find additional tables for the 40+ unexpected guests who showed up to honor Hal and help out the NEGOP.  The event exceeded all our goals--including the honoring Hal and his achievements and having some fun doing it. 

On Saturday we held our State Central Committee meeting at Bellevue University, where we were treated with a great speech by former Congressman Jon Christensen.  Congressman Christensen was first elected in 1994, the historic election during which the Republicans overtook control of the House of Representatives for the first time in 40 years.   Congressman Christensen told attendees that the energy level this year is even higher than in 1994, but that we must make sure that we keep the energy and momentum going thru Election Day.

On Saturday afternoon literally hundreds of volunteers went door-to-door in Sarpy County, Omaha and Lincoln for our candidates.  Some of us like me who were physically limited in their ability to go door-to-door chose to help at our phone banks, like the one at the Douglas County Republican Party at 125th & Center.  The phone system we are using is very slick and efficient.  The response I received was overwhelmingly positive.  My favorite was the voter who responded "Obama is taking our country down the toilet" to every question I posed.   Candid, succinct, and accurate. 

On Sunday I attended the 5-county GOP BBQ in Johnson, Nebraska, where we heard from Senator Johanns. Governor Heineman, Congressman Fortenberry, Attorney General Bruning, Secretary of State Gale, State Treasurer candidate Don Stenberg, and a host of other candidates and elected officials.  Southeast Nebraska is bedrock Republican territory--thanks to all who organized this great bi-annual event. 

If you can help with our phone banks this week, we'd love to have your help.  Contact the NEGOP at 402.475.2122 for more information. 

Help Us on Oct. 2! Let's Fire Pelosi!

A Republican Weekend

It was a busy weekend for the Nebraska Republican Party and our candidates. 

On Friday I had the pleasure of serving as the official greeter at an event sponsored by the York County Republican Party.  The event featured Sen. Mike Johanns and his wife Stephanie, as well as Secretary of State John Gale.  It was great to see so many longtime Republican supporters and the exciting leadership that York County GOP is showing.   A very bright future lies ahead for the York County Republicans.

On Saturday, the NEGOP hosted a fundraiser featuring U.S. Senator John Thune and Nebraska Attorney General Jon Bruning.  Sen. Thune has great ties to Nebraska and is rumored to be considering a presidential bid.  He was every bit presidential during our event, which was held at the wonderful downtown Lincoln loft owned by Clay and Beth Smith (thanks Smiths for ONCE AGAIN helping Republicans out--we are indebted to you!).

On Sunday I attended an Old Time Republican Barbecue hosted by the Adams, Clay and Webster County Republican Parties in Hastings.   This group is fired up and wanting to become even more active in fighting to return our country to the principles upon which it was founded.   Congressman Adrian Smith (above), Attorney General Jon Bruning, State Treasurer candidate Don Stenberg, State Senator Dennis Utter were all warmly received.  For me, the most important thing was seeing the strong contingent of Hastings College Republicans.

These young men and women, led by Jocelyn McMurtry, represent the future of our party, our state and our country.  The more young people we can get involved in the Republican Party, the better off our country will be.  Keep it up Hastings College Republicans!

This week will be equally busy.  On Tuesday I'll be debating Democrat National Committeeman Vince Powers at UNO.  I personally like Vince--it's just that we don't agree on a single issue--a point highlighted once again during a joint appearance we had last week at Lincoln Lutheran High School. 

On Wednesday it looks like I'll have the opportunity to join RNC Chairman Michael Steele on his "Fire Pelosi" bus tour in Iowa and into Omaha; more on that as the details become known.  Then Democrat congressional candidate Tom White--despite his claims of "independence," is having Vice President Joe Biden into Nebraska on Thursday.  Given Biden's liberalism and long history of opposing those issues most Nebraskans hold near and dear, it should be a fun day.  (Side note on White--if you weren't aware of his history of violence and insolent behavior, the Omaha World-Herald reported it today.  Even his fellow Democrats in the Legislature think he's an arrogant SOB). 

On Friday evening, the NEGOP is having its HALapolooza event--a fundraising roast of former congressmand and Omaha Mayor Hal Daub (if you want to attend contact Rebecca at rebecca@negop.org for more info).  On Saturday morning the NEGOP is holding its State Central Committee Meeting at Bellevue University, and beginning at noon we'll have having the largest grassroots political event in Nebraska political history.  Literally hundreds of Republicans from Nebraska and Iowa we'll be going door-to-door and phone banking in the 2nd district, with a barbecue at the Douglas County Republican Party headquarters following.  If you can join us, e-mail taylor@negop.org for more info.

Why so much activity?  Because early voting starts TOMORROW and the Democrats are determined to move our country towards European socialism and away from the principles upon which our nation--the greatest nation in the history of mankind--was founded.  Will you stand with us?  If so, go to http://www.negop.org/ and find out how you can help.

Friday Folly

Sadly, ObamaCare is not a joke.  Its horrendous effects are starting to be revealed.  One example is the new Form 1099 requirement that Senator Mike Johanns fought so hard to repeal. 

Any claim by the Democrats that they give a hoot about small businesses or job creation is laughable. 

45 Days Until We Take Our Country Back!

Friday's Folly--Norm Wallman

A New Tradition

With the Obama Democrats running our country into the ground, poltics could use a little levity.  To help in this regard, as a regular Friday feature I'm going to share with you one of the (many) political jokes I have received in recent days.  I you have ones that are clean and worthy of consideration, send them my way.

Today's fable:

I recently asked my friends' little girl what she wanted to be when she grows up... She said she wanted to be President some day. Both of her parents, liberal Democrats, were standing there, so I asked her, 'If you were President what would be the first thing you would do? '


She replied, 'I'd give food and houses to all the homeless people.'

Her parents beamed with pride.

'Wow...what a worthy goal.' I told her, 'But you don't have to wait until you're President to do that. You can come over to my house and mow the lawn, pull weeds, and sweep my yard, and I'll pay you $50... Then I'll take you over to the grocery store where the homeless guy hangs out, and you can give him the $50 to use toward food and a new house. '

She thought that over for a few seconds, then she looked me straight in the eye and asked, ' Why doesn't the homeless guy come over and do the work, and you can just pay him the $50? '

I said, 'Welcome to the Republican Party.'

Her parents still aren't speaking to me.

Recovery Summer? The Party of Tom White, Jim Suttle, Ben Nelson and Nancy Pelosi

The Countdown has begun--Let's Send a Message!

Nancy Pelosi & Tom White: BFF

Democrat congressional candidate State Senator Tom White has produced his first television commercial of the election cycle.  Because he doesn't have enough money to put it on the air with any meaningful frequency, I'm not going to do his job for him and link it here.  Needless to say it's disingenuous.  

Oh, so much to say and so little space.   Here are a few points:

• White decries the debt we keep piling on our kids as "just plain wrong."  We agree.  So why did White wholeheartledly support Nancy Pelosi's health care bill that contains the "public option" and would increase taxes and cost taxpayers over $1 trillion?  Why did Tom White say he would have voted in favor of Nancy Pelosi's "stimulus" bill that will cost taxpayers nearly $1 trillion?   Why does White's party continue to spend with reckless abandon without any concern for the federal deficit or national debt?
• The voiceover tells us that White personally "cut millions in state government waste to balance the budget without raising taxes."  Tom White did?  By himself?  Really?  This is the same Tom White who voted to override seven of Governor Dave Heineman's vetoes of spending increases in the Nebraska Legislature (LB 321)?  The same Tom White who opposed the major budget balancing bill during the 2009 special session (LB 5)?
• The ad claims White is "Nebraska Independence for Congress."  Why is Tom White embarrassed to say he's a Democrat?  If elected, and if Democrats maintain control of the House, White's first vote will be to elect Rep. Nancy Pelosi as Speaker of the House.  She supports Tom White--ideologically and financially.  They give new meaning to the phrase "BFF--Best Friends Forever."

Nebraska doesn't need partisan, arrogant Democrat Tom White.  It needs to reelect Congressman Lee Terry to serve as a check-and-balance on Nancy Pelosi and the Democrat Party's radical agenda. 

November 2: Job Creators v. Job Killers

Lately, I have found reading and listening to the news to be a depressing exercise.  Record high national unemployment.  Astronomic federal budget deficits.  Unsustainable national debt.  National sales of new homes falling to the lowest level in 47 years.  Socialized medicine, i.e., ObamaCare.  Intolerant radical Muslims pushing forward with plans to build a mosque adjacent to Ground Zero.  Citizen referendums barring state-sanctioned homosexual "marriage" erased by unelected, unrepresentative judges.  Continued demands by liberals that we must look the other way and not enforce our laws against illegals.  The Obamas' perpetual, taxpayer-funded vacation.  More and higher taxes in Omaha thanks to the Democrat Mayor and City Council. 

America is reaching a boiling point, yet the liberal elites in the Obama Administration and Congress just don't get it.

Soon they will.

The liberal Democrats will soon hear from the majority of Americans who oppose their radical ideology.  Here in Nebraska, we'll send that message by re-electing solid, common-sense conservatives like Congressman Lee Terry, and rejecting arrogant partisan Democrats like Tom White. 

Nationally, November 2 boils down to a battle between Job Creators and Job Killers.  As eloquently explained in a fantastic, must see recent speech by former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, America's future depends upon electing a Congress that is a check-and-balance on the Obama/Reid/Pelosi radical agenda.

The time has come for Americans to rise up and draw a line in the sand.  No more.

After watching Gingrich's speech, I challenge you to tell me one thing that he's wrong about.  He nailed our current condition--and the solution--on the head.

Remember November!


12 Weeks from Republican Governors Association on Vimeo.

Omaha--The Difference Between Democrats and Republicans

In politics as well as in life, one must seize upon "teachable moments" when the present themselves.   In recent days we had just such a moment with respect to the push by Omaha Democrats to increase the tax burden in the Omaha area.

Too many people today say there is little difference between the political parties.  Nothing could be further from the truth, and the City of Omaha's recent budget debate presented us with that teachable moment. 

Democrats like to raise taxes.  They apparently can't help themselves--it's instinctive.   Republicans, on the other the hand, look first at making the tough decisions that are necessary to cut spending and reduce the size and scope of government. 

One need look no further than our state government as proof.  Republicans, led by Governor Dave Heineman and 32 Republican state senators, have balanced our state's budget in recent years without resorting to tax increases. 

By contrast, the Democrats in Omaha have proposed instituting new taxes, increasing existing taxes, adding additional administrative positions, and giving pay increases to top administration officials.  The Omaha Democrats have signed off on costly, ill-advised union contracts as political quid-pro-quo for the political support they received from the Union bosses. 

Indeed, there is a difference between the two political parties. 

Today we called a press conference in Omaha to illustrate this point.  I, along with other Republican party officials and Omaha-area State Senators Bob Krist, Beau McCoy, John Nelson and Rich Pahls, explained the difference between the Democrats' approach of "higher taxes first" and the Republicans' approach of "cut government first." 

This coming November, voters in Omaha will have a chance to cast their vote in favor of which ideology they prefer. 

Republican Congressman Lee Terry has established a steady track-record of supporting reductions in government spending rather than increasing the tax burden on Nebraska families and job creators. 

Democrat Tom White?  Well, he's a Democrat who, like Democrat Mayor Jim Suttle, instinctively believes that increasing taxes is the solution.  His public support for the Pelosi-version of health care legislation (which included the "public option") speaks volumes of his liberal ideological bent. 

So, voters of Nebraska's Second Congressional District--which political philosophy do you choose?  Let your voices be heard on November 2nd.

Democrats Are Just Plain Wrong on Immigration

One of the benefits of attending Republican National Committee meetings is the opportunity to meet with RNC members from other states and to get a flavor for the kinds of issues their states and candidates face.  One of the subgroups of the RNC that I (as well as National Committeeman Pete Ricketts and National Committeewoman De Carlson) belong to is the Conservative Caucus.  As part of that caucus I've had the pleasure of getting to know the representatives of Arizona, including Arizona State GOP Chair (and RNC Treasurer) Randy Pullen and Arizona National Committeeman Bruce Ash.

From those discussions, as well as recent work-related visits to Arizona, I've concluded that those of us outside of Arizona simply don't understand Arizona's plight when it comes to immigration.  Their state is literally being overrun by illegals, and their state and local budgets are being overwhelmed as a result.  Arizona citizens are being kidnapped, and Mexican drug lords are entering our country at will. 

And what to the Democrats propose to do?  The Obama administration decided to post some signs warning American citizens to not travel into the area due to "active drug and human smuggling."   Initially, I thought the signs were at or near the U.S./Mexico border.  It wasn't until a conversation with Pullen and Ash at the recent RNC meeting that I realized the signs are posted 80 miles north of the border!   Essentially the Democrats have ceded 80 miles of U.S. territory to the Mexican government. 

And where do Nebraska Democrats stand on this important issue.  Their leaders believe that illegal immigration is "much ado about nothing."

Democrats Mike Meister, Tom White, Steve Lathrop, Danielle Nantkes Conrad, Amanda McGill, Kent Rogert and Norm Wallman apparently all agree.  I guess we'll see if Nebraskans accept their dangerous position come November. 

RNC Meeting and 2012 Presidential Primaries

I'm reporting live from the summer meeting of the Republican National Committee in Kansas City.  The meeting is relatively noncontroversial, especially considering the tremendous successes Republicans have achieved in federal, state and local elections since Americans woke up from the nightmares known as the Obama Administration and Democrat Congress.  The RNC is united behind one goal--restoring our federal government to the conservative principles on which it was founded.  For that to happen, Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid must be dethroned. 

The only item generating much discussion is the report of the "Temporary Delegate Selection Committee," on which our National Committeeman Pete Ricketts was an active member.  This Committee was created at the 2008 Republican National Convention to address issues that arose as a result of some states accelerating their primary schedules.   The report proposes, among other things:

• No primary, caucus or convention to elect presidential delegates shall occur before the first Tuesday in March in the year in which a national convention is held.
• Primaries, caucuses, or conventions occurring between the first Tuesday in March and April 1 must provide for the allocation of delegates on a proportional basis.  "Proportional allocation basis" is to be left to the discretion of each state, but an example would be basing the allocation on the number of statewide votes cast in proportion to the number of statewide votes received by each candidate.
• Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina and Nevada are exempt from the foregoing requirements, but cannot hold their primaries, caucuses or conventions until after February 1 in the year in which a national convention is held. 
• All of this is contingent upon the Democratic National Committee adopting the same schedule.

The goal of the proposal is to bring some order and uniformity to the presidential primaries without allowing the process to be front loaded by a large state such as California.  All in all, a good proposal.

So long as it's not associated with Nancy Pelosi, it stands a good chance of passing . . . .

We just finished a lunch with Republican Senate candidate Rep. Roy Blunt, who gave an outstanding speech about what is at stake this November and President Obama's campaigning for his opponent because he needs her vote in the Senate. 

What better reason to support Roy Blunt?

Republicans: Join us this weekend in Fremont!

A "Fun" Weekend of Tom White, George McGovern, Union Bosses and their Fellow Democrats

This weekend the Nebraska Democrat Party will hold its state convention in Columbus.  According to the Lincoln Journal-Star's Don Walton, their keynote speaker will be former Sen. George McGovern, the 1972 Democrat nominee for President. 

1972?  Really?  That's the best you can do?

I concede there are some things to admire about McGovern.  First, he served our country admirably in World War II as a decorated B-24 pilot. 

Second, once he left office and became a businessman by purchasing and operating a small Connecticut hotel, McGovern learned firsthand how government regulations can strangle business owners and kill job growth.  One example of McGovern's new found reasonableness is his opposition to one of the Democrats' priorities--Union card check.   This legislation--which would eviscerate the requirement for secret ballot elections for employees to decide whether they wish to be unionized--is a quid-pro-quo for Union boss campaign support.  Another is McGovern's support for tort reform. 

Here in Nebraska, partisan Democrat congressional candidate Tom White has taken positions counter to those advocated by McGovern.  White has joined Nancy Pelosi in SUPPORTING Union card check legislation and OPPOSING tort reform. 

One has to wonder if White will be joining McGovern on stage at this weekend's convention. 

Just a name on the ballot

It appears that Nebraska Democrats have found a living, breathing Democrat to put his name on the ballot as the sacrificial lamb for this fall's gubernatorial election.   

It's Scottsbluff attorney Mike Meister.   Nebraska politicos will recall that Meister was soundly trounced in 2002 in his bid for Nebraska Attorney General, and once again defeated in 2006 in his bid for Scotts Bluff County Attorney.  Can't win a race for AG or even Scotts Bluff County Attorney?  Oh, what the heck, run for Governor against one of the most popular governor's in the nation!

Meister is not a legitimate candidate.  Meister is the Democrats' sacrificial lamb and, while he's at it, political smearer.  They know he can't win, so his job is to take every opportunity to maliciously attack Governor Heineman and the excellent job he has done for Nebraska.  

If Meister felt so strongly about Governor Heineman and the job he's doing, why didn't Meister become a candidate the legitimate way and enter last May's primary? 

Happy Independence Day

"My God! How little do my countrymen know what precious blessings they are in possession of, and which no other people on earth enjoy!"

Thomas Jefferson

As goes Mark Lakers, so go Nebraska Democrats

From today's Omaha World-Herald: 

Mark Lakers, the Democratic candidate for Nebraska governor, has amended his campaign finance report to the state, removing $157,000 in pledges from 12 individuals and 10 companies or organizations. In all, he removed about one-third of the individual pledges his campaign had earlier reported to the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission.

As news reporting has shown, there's no question that in some cases Lakers listed people as pledging donations when in fact they had not done so. Some of those individuals have publicly expressed surprise at being listed as contributors.

As we've noted before, gubernatorial contests are important for a state. They give the opposition party the chance to set out an alternate policy vision. And they provide an all-important occasion for voters to weigh the pros and cons of an incumbent administration.

Lakers' handling of his campaign reporting, then, has undermined not only his own candidacy but also his own party's ability to make its case effectively for itself and against Gov. Dave Heineman.

Duane Acklie--An American Story

One week ago some 400 Nebraskans gathered at the Embassy Suites in LaVista to honor Duane Acklie.  Duane is a man of tremendous character, integrity and humility, and for this reason the Nebraska Republican Party saluted him.  The event was a tremendous success and may have set a new fundraising record for the NEGOP.

For those who don't know Duane, he was one of Nebraska's finest attorneys when he founded Crete Carrier Corporation and soon thereafter began serving as its President/CEO.  Duane and his lovely wife Phyl subsequently built Crete Carrier into one of the nation's largest trucking companies.  Duane has served our nation as President of the USO, Chairman of Sallie Mae, U.S. Senior Advisor to the United Nations. and as our National Committeeman to the Republican National Committee.   

I want to personally thank Duane and Phyl for all they have done for our state and our nation.  Duane has been a personal mentor of mine, and for that I am personally grateful.

Helping us honor Duane was Karl Rove, who did a great job expanding on the themes in his new book "Courage and Consequence."  Few Nebraskans realize that Rove ran Mrs. Haven Smith's successful initial bid for Congress (that's Congresswoman Virginia Smith for those not familiar with history).  He did an excellent job defining the differences between today's Democrats and Republicans and why the 2010 elections are so important. 

A great event for a great man.  Thanks Duane for allowing us to honor you and your service!

EPILOGUE:  On Saturday after the Salute to Duane Acklie I had the pleasure of taking Karl Rove to the Millard Airport.  When we arrived, an airplane crew stepped through the door and we asked, "Are you here for us?"  They kindly replied, "No, we're here for Senator Nelson."  Rove, being the consummate prankster, decided we need to make signs to hold up for Senator Ben Nelson's arrival.  So Rove grabbed a Sharpie and a couple of pieces of paper, writing "WELCOME BENATOR" on one (Sen. Nelson's moniker courtesy of President Bush) and "Have a Great CORNHUSKER day" on the other--a clear and intentional reference to Nelson's Cornhusker Kickback.  All good-natured ribbing by Rove.  By the time Rove's plane arrived and I left Senator Nelson had not yet arrived, but I'm confident he received these notes.  Sadly for him, these are not the only communications he will receive from me and those we work with over the next couple of years as we fight to return this Senate seat to hands of Nebraska voters.

Elections Matter

President Obama has nominated Elena Kagan to fill the Supreme Court vacancy soon to be created by the retirement of Justice John Paul Stevens.   Little is known about Kagan, except her leftist decision at Harvard to bar military recruiters from using campus facilities--a decision that has caught the attention of Senator Mike Johanns.  (Sen. Ben Nelson said he was "unfamiliar" with the details of the incident, just like he is unfamiliar about how an ATM works, unfamiliar as to how the Cornhusker Kickback made its way into the health care legislation, . . .  We digress). 

Rest assured that Kagan, like countless other Obama nominees, is a judicial activist.  One need look no further than nominees Robert Chatigny (2nd Circuit), Goodwin Liu (9th Circuit), Louis Butler (who actually got voted off the Wisconsin Supreme Court) and David Hamilton (7th Circuit).  These radical appointments have even led to the creation of a new website--ObamaVConstitution.com

If the Republicans dig deep into these nominees' backgrounds and stall the nominations, Ben Nelson and his fellow Democrats have only themselves to blame.  After all, it was the party of Ted Kennedy that shamelessly lied about Judge Robert Bork to kill his nomination to the U.S. Supreme Court.  The end justifies the means, right?   

More than anything, these judicial nominations serve as a reminder that elections matter.  A vote for the Democrats is a vote in favor of elitist, activist judges who will rewrite the Constitution and legislate from the bench.  A vote for the Republicans is a vote in favor of judicial restraint and judges like Justice Clarence Thomas--a man of tremendous character who is, as one of my Democrat attorney friends remarked today, "probably the most genuine, representative justice on the entire Court."

Justice Thomas was in Lincoln today to talk about leadership as part of the Leadership 101 seminar at UNL.   In addition to talking about character ("Without character, one cannot and should not lead."), Justice Thomas talked Nebraska football.

As for me, I would much rather have a federal judge who won't try to rewrite the Constitution, believes that character matters, drives an RV and follows the Huskers than a liberal elitist activist who, like Liu, hold such radical beliefs as a constitutional "right" to welfare benefits.

Ben Nelson and the Union Bosses

FedEx and UPS. Two of the most well known delivery companies in America. These two delivery rivals seem like quite similar companies, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.

FedEx delivers 85% of it parcels by air; UPS delivers 85% of its parcels by truck. This vast difference in delivery methods is creating quite a battle in the United States Senate with FedEx on one side of the battle and UPS and the Washington Union Bosses on the other.  UPS is unionized by the Teamsters.  FedEx employees have thus far been able to avoid the reach and corruption of the Washington Union Bosses.

For more than a year now Congress has been dealing with the issue of the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act. The legislation is being delayed thanks to language slipped into the Act that would make it easier for the Teamsters to unionize FedEx.

Each and every time the Teamsters seek a vote of the FedEx employees to bring their jobs under union control the employees vote no. The Teamsters know that they can’t get a majority of FedEx employees as a whole to vote to join the union but they know they have a chance if they can get their proposed language adopted and start picking off FedEx employees one by one.  More members means more union dues money.  More money from union members means more money the Teamsters can spend to fight the Republican agenda of a smaller, more efficient and responsible federal government, and more money they can spend to force Card Check to passage.

And where does Sen. Ben Nelson stand?  The Nebraska Narcissist has been playing coy, pocketing Union Boss money while promising Nebraska businesses he'll do what's best for Nebraska.  We've heard that before haven't we?  Simply put, he can't be trusted.  That is why it is important that Nebraskans make their voices heard by contacting Sen. Nelson’s offices to let him know that he needs to oppose this legislation.

And now we know

For those who doubt what truly motivates Sen. Ben Nelson, his recent actions relating to his party's attempt at financial regulatory reform should clear things up.

Ben Nelson "surprised" his fellow Democrats this week when he voted against cloture, i.e., Nelson voted against stopping debate and proceeding to a vote on the bill. After all, Nelson had supported that bill in committee. What was different? A provision benefiting Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway had been removed.

Nelson's special affinity for Buffett--currently the world's third richest person--is well known. Nebraska political observers have reported that Nelson identified Buffett to the Obama White House as the one guy who could get his "no" vote on Obamacare to "yes," which would presumably give Nelson some cover in Nebraska. So much for that. (Note: Nelson is not the first Nebraska Democrat to have attempted to use Buffett unsuccessfully. In a 1994 debate, then-Rep. Peter Hoagland tried to deflect criticism of his vote in favor of the Clinton tax increases by saying Buffett told him to do it. Challenger (and Hoagland's vanquisher) Rep. Jon Christensen responded, "Maybe Warren Buffett can afford those tax increases. The rest of us Nebraskans can't.")

Well, with Ben it never quite ends there. Gotta follow the money. Thanks to the New York Times, we now know that our Senator Nelson apparently owns somewhere between $1.5 million and $6 million in Berkshire Hathaway stock. So he cast a vote on legislation that directly affected his personal investment in Buffett's company?

I can see the 2012 television commercial already. The sad thing is the ad is already "in the can" since history is replete with examples of public officials using their official positions to benefit themselves and those around them.

November 6, 2012 cannot arrive soon enough. On that day Nebraskans will Give Ben the Boot!

2012

Last week, I had the opportunity to spend a few days in Washington, D.C. raising money for the NEGOP and visiting with national political press about the 2012 Senate race (FYI--they don't care about the 2010 CD2 House race as they correctly view it as a nonrace--sorry Tom White--wrong year to be a big government Democrat who supports PelosiCare).

A few observations:

• Senator Nelson was on my flight to DC (quite common given the convenience of Midwest Express/Midwest Airlines/Republic Airlines/Frontier). He looks tired, old and rather pissed off at the world. If I had to read his mail and listen to his voicemail messages I probably would look that way too.
• At Ronald Reagan National Airport (best name of an airport EVER) some patrons wanted to get their photo taken with Sen. Nelson and he kindly obliged. What he didn't understand is that it was a joke, as they walked off laughing about it and muttering "Cornhusker Kickback." The photo is now probably on Facebook somewhere under the heading "Kickin' It with the Cornhusker Kickback."
• Washington Post, Cook Political Report, Roll Call, National Journal, Stuart Rothenberg and others we visited with clearly understand that Nelson's in deep, deep trouble. Veteran Nebraska Republican politicians say that in all their years in politics they have never seen so much ire and vitriol directed at one public official--EBN. And it's because of his official actions while in office. After all, he cast the deciding vote on ObamaCare. From this he simply cannot recover. Remember, EBN is a guy who got thrashed by Chuck Hagel in 1996 by a margin of 56 to 42, and who narrowly defeated Don Stenberg in 2000 by less than 12,000 votes. There's no way in Hades he recovers from this.
• The Washington political press (now, with a little help) understands that Nelson's duplicity on the health care legislation is just the latest in a long-line of incidents demonstrating a serious character flaw. We haven't forgotten that Nebraska taxpayers had to pay over $145 million to settle the lawsuit created by Nelson's political shenanigans over the Boyd County low-level nuclear waste dump. Or his career as an insurance attorney (more on that in the future).
• One political reporter said he hasn't seen Nelson in such a funk since he got his hiney kicked by Hagel. His sleazy backroom deal for the Cornhusker Kickback and mistaken belief that he could convince Nebraskans he did them a favor will go down as the greatest miscalculation in Nebraska political history.
• Another nail in EBN's coffin is the fact that the NEGOP has an abundance of qualified candidates waiting in the wings to possibly challenge him, including the likes of Governor Dave Heineman and Attorney General Jon Bruning. Further adding to EBN's misery is the fact that Governor Heineman has only token opposition this year (a "cupcake" is how one elected official describes Dem Mark Lakers) and Attorney General Bruning is running unopposed.

2011 and 2012 will be a blast. I look forward to travelling the state with the likes of former NEGOP Chair/Omaha City Councilman Chuck Sigerson (who is itching to get his ability to speak back and would love nothing more than to reprise his 1996 efforts that led to Nelson's defeat) and maybe even Arnold Schwarzenegger. After all, it was Gov. Schwarzenegger who accused Ben Nelson of illegally selling his vote in exchange for the Cornhusker Kickback.

Who better than The Terminator to help terminate Ben Nelson's political career?

AG Bruning: Standing Up for Nebraska and Future Generations

Nebraskans can be proud of our attorney general, Jon Bruning, for his swift and decisive action in joining other state attorneys general in filing suit to stop the health care monstrosity signed into law yesterday by President Obama.

The lawsuit, which can be found here, rightly challenges this abuse of the U.S. Constitution and the legislative trashing of freedoms our forefathers fought for.

And we aren't the only ones appreciative of Attorney General Bruning's leadership. As demonstrated by his recent appearances on national news programs, he continues to gain national attention as a recognized leader among the nation's AGs, and a constitutional conservative destined for greater things.

Ben Nelson and Tom White--You Shall be Held Accountable

Sen. Nelson:

You are complicit in this health care vote. You had a chance to kill it. Instead, you cut a sleazy backroom deal that gave America the Cornhusker Kickback, a moniker that will go down in American political history right alongside Watergate and the Teapot Dome Scandal. Stick a fork in your political career, it's done.

Tom White, your decision to support the initial House version of the health care legislation (including the "public option") and the Senate version dooms your infant candidacy. You would be well advised to refocus on your career as a plaintiff's trial lawyer and revisit your candidacy in 2012. Keep running and you make Jim Esch look like a quality candidate.

Numero Uno Issue for 2010 Elections: Illegal Immigration?

This week, the Nebraska Democratic Party announced that it enthusiastically supports giving Nebraska taxpayer-funded benefits to illegal immigrants. This announcement falls on the heels of an announcement that the Congressional Hispanic Caucus will support the Democrat's health care legislation after receiving promises from the Obama Administration that it will pursue "comprehensive" immigration reform this year.

Simply put: Democrats have unilaterally decided to make illegal immigration a focal point in the 2010 elections.

Illegal immigration is a significant issue in Nebraska and represents a significant issue in health care reform. To quote a rural Nebraska physician who contacted me today, "I have personally surveyed many [of my Nebraska physician colleagues who] abhor the $40,000 SUVs that unload and come to our front desks and then sign in as Medicaid patients. They tell us they quit their jobs to get the "cheap insurance" (i.e., Medicaid, paid for by you and me) which has no copays."

So, Nebraska Democrats, it looks like there are some things we CAN agree upon.


1. There is an interrelationship between health care reform and illegal immigration.


2. Illegal immigration is an issue in the 2010 elections.


Since we are in agreement that illegal immigration is a legitimate issue, now is the time for your candidates to stand up and tell Nebraskans where they stand.



Democrat State Sen. Tom White, would you vote in favor or against LB 1110 in the Nebraska Legislature?

Democrat State Sen. Steve Lathrop, yea or nay?

Democrat State Sen. Annette Dubas? Democrat State Sen. Norm Wallman?

Time to stand up and be counted.