Contest--Guess Whose Yard This Is

 

A little pre-election contest.  The photo below was taken recently.  Guess whose yard this is, featuring the "Obama/Biden" and "Obama/Kaine" signs.

 

Special prize to the first entrant to submit the correct answer!

 

 

 

 

Bob Kerrey: New York Ethics, New York Values

Nebraska doesn't need Bob Kerrey's New York ethics.

Tonight's Debate

Join me tonight to watch the first of three presidential debates. I'll be down at the Mike and Stephanie Johanns Republican Center (NEGOP Headquarters) at 1610 N Street in Lincoln starting at 7:30.

Mitt Romney: For Such a Time as This

We've Heard it All Before

Attention Democrats: Let America Be America Again

Joint Statement on NEGOP State Convention

The following statement was jointly prepared and issued tonight by Chairman Mark Fahleson on behalf of the Nebraska Republican Party and Chair Laura Ebke on behalf of the Republican Liberty Caucus of Nebraska, a group whose membership consists of a number of individuals who have aligned themselves with the Ron Paul for President campaign:

“We are both troubled by the rhetoric and heightened tensions surrounding the upcoming NEGOP Convention this Saturday in Grand Island.

There is something called “The Nebraska Way.” It’s honesty. Being cordial and neighborly. Practicing The Golden Rule. And, when differences occur, shaking hands and agreeing to disagree in a respectful way.

It’s important to us that the NEGOP Convention be conducted “The Nebraska Way.” For that reason we met to discuss ways in which we could more accurately reflect the cordiality and cooperation that actually exists between our two groups and express our mutual desire for the NEGOP Convention be conducted in an orderly and positive fashion.

To accomplish this, we pledge the following:

• The NEGOP and RLCNE will not engage in nor encourage and will actively discourage any kind of dilatory or disruptive tactics that could interfere with the mutual goal of an orderly and efficient convention.


• Based upon assurances provided by the RLCNE, the NEGOP has reconsidered and withdrawn its plan to hire additional security officers for the NEGOP Convention.


• The RLCNE will discourage those wishing to attend the NEGOP Convention for the purpose of intimidation, agitation or monitoring from attending.


• At the conclusion of the NEGOP convention, we will work together to accomplish the overarching goal we share: defeating Barack Obama in November.”

As RLCNE’s Ebke explained further: “We are all Republicans. The RLCNE is nothing more than a subset of the Nebraska Republican Party whose focus is individual liberty and smaller government. We share the NEGOP’s interest in running a fair convention that brings us all together in the end.”

NEGOP’s Fahleson reiterated his commitment to running a fair convention, explaining “Every minute spent on parliamentary gamesmanship is a minute we’re not spending defeating Barack Obama and sending Bob Kerrey back to his wife and son in New York. The NEGOP and RLCNE have pledged to work together for the greater good, and that’s what Saturday’s convention will be all about.”

A Party United

I wanted to share this important announcement with you, and I want to thank everyone in advance of our upcoming State Convention for their undivided support for Mitt Romney for President and Deb Fischer for the U.S. Senate.

A Message to NEGOP State Convention Delegates

One of the many important tasks you’ll undertake as a delegate is vote for our next Republican National Committeeman and National Committeewoman.   Each state and U.S. territory has 3 representatives on the 168-member Republican National Committee:  State Chairman, National Committeeman and National Committeewoman.   I’ve served on the RNC since my election as NEGOP State Chairman in January 2009, and our current National Committeeman (Pete Ricketts) and National Committeewoman (De Carlson) recently announced they will not seek reelection.   After Pete’s announcement, I discussed my desire to serve as National Committeeman with my family and a number of Republican leaders, including Gov. Dave Heineman and former 20-year National Committeeman Duane Acklie, and with their encouragement and support announced my candidacy for this position.

What does a National Committeeman do?  In my opinion the National Committeeman should focus on: (1) fundraising for the NEGOP and RNC; (2) representing Nebraska’s interests on the RNC; and (3) assisting the NEGOP Chairman in outreach and other efforts.  I’ve spent the last 3 years getting to know the NEGOP’s larger donors, and it would be unfortunate to end my chairmanship in early 2013 and throw away the goodwill we’ve built up.  Also, I’ve developed a personal friendship with RNC Chairman Reince Priebus and he’s already tasked me with several important responsibilities, including serving on the RNC Committee on Contests for the 2012 National Convention.  As your National Committeeman I would hope to continue to foster those relationships for the benefit of the NEGOP.

Why should we elect Mark Fahleson?  I’ve had the pleasure of serving as your Chairman since January 2009, and my current term will end in early 2013.  If I’m not elected, Nebraska will lose all of its seniority on the RNC with the departure of De (47^th in seniority), Pete (73^rd) and myself (110^th).  Many important decisions on the RNC are based on seniority.  By continuing to serve, Nebraska will have an established member on the RNC with the seniority to be involved in the decisions that matter to the NEGOP and its candidates. 

I would greatly appreciate your vote at State Convention! 

State Auditor Mike Foley Endorses Mark Fahleson for National Committeeman

I'm pleased to announce that State Auditor Mike Foley has endorsed my bid to serve as Nebraska's next Republican National Committeeman.

Auditor Foley has capably served our great state, first as the State Senator representing District 29, and since 2007 as Nebraska's 24th State Auditor. As Auditor, he has worked to root out waste in government, and established many innovative programs to save taxpayer dollars.

I'm especially appreciative of Auditor Foley's support given his tireless advocacy for life and the protection of the unborn--an interest we share.

Many thanks to Auditor Foley, Senator Mike Johanns, Governor Dave Heineman and the other Republican leaders who support my election on July 14 at the NEGOP State Convention in Grand Island.

Please follow me on Twitter (@fahleson) and Facebook. If you are interested in becoming involved in my campaign or the NEGOP, let me know by e-mailing me at mfahleson@gmail.com.

Nebraska Constitutional Officers Support Fahleson for National Committeeman

This week I was fortunate to receive the endorsement of three of Nebraska's outstanding constitutional officers:  Secretary of State John Gale, Attorney General Jon Bruning and State Treasurer Don Stenberg.

I have known and worked with all three gentlemen for a long, long time, both professionally as well as in our respective political capacities.  Secretary of State Gale, a former Nebraska Republican Party Chairman himself, hails from North Platte and understands what role the National Committeeman must play in working for all Nebraskans.  Attorney General Jon Bruning is a conservative hero in Nebraska and throughout the nation for his efforts to have ObamaCare declared unconstitutional (soon we will be thanking him once again once the Court issues its decision this month).  State Treasurer Don Stenberg is a Republican stalwart, fighting for conservative principles in each and every endeavor he has undertaken. 

I am very, very grateful to have their support in my bid to become Nebraska's next Republican National Committeeman. 

National GOP Leader/Former NCM Duane Acklie Endorses Mark Fahleson

I have always had the utmost respect for Duane Acklie, an accomplished lawyer, successful businessman, and counselor to Republican presidents who honorably served as Nebraska's Republican National Committeeman.  I am especially grateful that Duane has endorsed my bid to serve in the position he held for 20 years:

"An articulate, focused, and driven National Committeeman is very important to Nebraska.  I have known Mark Fahleson since he graduated from law school.  He has the background, education, drive, and ability to serve Nebraska and our nation as Committeeman.  He is the most highly qualified and motivated person I know to be Republican National Committeeman for Nebraska. I am honored to join Senator Johanns, Governor Heineman, and others in endorsing Mark Fahleson."  The Honorable Duane Acklie 

President Romney: Day One

A Romney Presidency includes swift approval of the Keystone Pipeline blocked by Obama to curry favor with the radical environmentalists.   Our country is in need of leadership, and Obama has proven that he is, in the words of former President Clinton, an "amateur."

How to Become a Delegate to the Republican National Convention

If you live in Nebraska (i.e., not Bob Kerrey), are a Republican (i.e., not Bob Kerrey), and want to find out how to become a delegate to the Republican National Convention, read this week's edition of my Chairman's Report to find out the nitty gritty details.

The deadline for submitting the Notice of Intent is May 25.

New Chair of Nebraska College Republicans Endorses Mark Fahleson for NCM

Andrew LaGrone, the newly-elected Chair of the Nebraska College Republicans, joins Sen. Mike Johanns and Gov. Dave Heineman in endorsing Mark Fahleson to become Nebraska's next Republican National Committeeman:

"During his term as Chairman of the Nebraska Republican Party, Mark Fahleson has always made it a point to reach out and support College Republicans.  He has worked tirelessly to help CR and other youth organizations develop leaders, ensuring effective conservative leadership for our state for years to come.  Mark's vision, proven record, and commitment to conservative principles will make him a valuable asset to both Nebraska and the Republican National Committee.  I am honored to support him in his effort to become Nebraska's Republican National Committeeman."  Andrew LaGrone, Chair, Nebraska College Republicans

Governor Heineman Endorses Mark Fahleson for National Committeeman

I am pleased to announce that Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman has officially endorsed my candidacy for Republican National Committeeman:

“For over 25 years Mark Fahleson has labored on  behalf of our Republican Party, doing the “blocking and tackling” necessary to achieve victory for our candidates and conservative principles.  Mark has been an outstanding Nebraska Republican Party Chair, guiding our party through the historic 2010 elections and leading the effort to create an open U.S. Senate seat in 2012.  Mark’s service on the local, state and national level is appreciated, and he understands what it takes to be a successful member of the Republican National Committee.  I wholeheartedly support Mark Fahleson in his bid to become our Republican National Committeeman.”  Governor Dave Heineman

A New Chapter

RNC National Committeeman Pete Ricketts recently announced that he will not seek reelection.  On behalf of everyone involved in the Nebraska Republican Party, I want to thank Pete for his service and wish him continued success in his efforts to preserve and protect the principles upon which our nation was founded.

It is my intention to seek the vacant National Committeeman position at the NEGOP State Convention on July 14 in Grand Island. 

I am grateful to have been encouraged to seek the National Committeeman position by so many Republican officials, pro-family organizations and business and community leaders.  I am especially grateful to have the support of Senator Johanns, Governor Heineman, former National Committeeman Duane Acklie and countless others.  I thank you for your consideration, and hope I can earn your support. 

As you may know, I previously served as Vice-Chairman of the Sarpy County Republican Party, Chairman of the Lancaster County Republican Party, NEGOP General Counsel and am now in my second two-year term as Chairman of the NEGOP.   As your Chair, I have had the pleasure of serving as one of Nebraska’s three Republican National Committee members since January 2009, and have steadily moved up 58 slots on the RNC seniority list—something that will benefit our great state if I am allowed to continue to serve on the RNC. 
 
When I ran for re-election as NEGOP State Chair, I made it clear that this term—which will end in early 2013--would be my last as State Chair.  If I am elected as your National Committeeman in July, we will promptly hold an election in conjunction with our State Convention for a new State Chair to complete my term.  Regardless of what happens, you may rest assured that I am committed to working with our Party’s leaders to ensure that Nebraska remains “Forever Red.”

I would sincerely appreciate your support for my bid for National Committeeman.  If you support my candidacy and wish to be listed with Senator Johanns, Governor Heineman, Duane Acklie and the others who have endorsed me, please e-mail me at mfahleson@gmail.com.

Harry Reid Owns Bob Kerrey

Today, Sen. Harry Reid said he made no promises to Bob Kerrey.  Bob Kerrey, on the other hand, said Reid made several promises in order to get him to run. 

Who is telling the truth? 

As I've explained in earlier posts, it's clear that Harry Reid is running the show in Bob Kerrey's Senate campaign and the Nebraska Democratic Party.  He'll do anything--even lie--in order to stay in power. 

Start Spreading the News . . .

It became apparent this week just who controls the Nebraska Democratic Party.

Harry Reid.

First, Bob Kerrey acknowledged that he made a secret deal with Reid if he changed his mind and decided to fly back to Nebraska and file to run for U.S. Senate. In Kerrey's own words, Reid made "important" promises to Kerrey. Kerrey, in turn, made promises to Reid. In Latin that's quid pro quo. Secret backroom promises. Kerrey claimed that these secret promises are in the best interest of Nebraska, just like Ben Nelson said his Cornhusker Kickback was good for Nebraska. Ben Nelson's secret backroom deal forever embarrassed our great state. How much damage will Big Apple Bob's Bargain do?

Next, Reid and his henchman cleared the way for Kerrey in the Democrat primary by getting Chuck Hassebrook to withdraw from the race and endorse Kerrey, mere days after Hassebrook called Kerrey's integrity into question. The Kerrey candidacy is so shaky that Reid took out a guy of modest means whose statewide name identification hovers in the single digits

Soon, Reid and his liberal allies will be running ads in Kerrey's favor, and attacking our Republican Senate candidates.

It's clear that, despite Reid's efforts to control Nebraska politics, Nebraskans like our Republican Senate candidates a heckuva lot more than Big Apple Bob. Two polls released this week, including one by the respected Rasmussen Reports, confirm that Kerrey is trailing Attorney General Jon Bruning, State Senator Deb Fischer and State Treasurer Don Stenberg.

I predict Nebraska Democrats will regret standing idly by while Harry Reid cut another secret backroom deal and orchestrated the demise of their party. Bob Kerrey is the past, not the future. And given Kerrey's mercurial nature, there's a decent chance Kerrey could quit the race in July to go hike the Appalachian Trail á la Mark Sanford, or simply decide that his "little town blues" are "melting away" and that his "vagabond shoes" are "longing to stray" and run right back home to New York, New York. And if that doesn't happen, rest assured that Nebraska Republicans, Tea Party members, conservatives, independents and moderate Democrats will cast their vote in November for the Republican Senate nominee and a Republican-controlled U.S. Senate.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again: pick a Republican U.S. Senate candidate and get to work on their behalf. We'll come out united behind our nominee after the May 15 primary to finally send Sen. Mike Johanns a Nebraska ally in the U.S. Senate.

The rest of my weekly Chairman's Report can be accessed here.