Campaigning for the First Congressional District seat has been the most amazing experience of my life. You have graciously opened your homes and hearts to me and I am so grateful for the experiences and stories that you have shared along the way. In return, through this blog, I would like to periodically share my own personal experiences and thoughts on this campaign.
May 13, 2010: Primaries
I've had some time to reflect upon the results of Tuesday's primaries, and I just want to say thank you to all of you who supported this campaign. I am grateful and honored to have the privilege to continue this campaign. I want to show District 1 voters that they made the right decision in the primaries, and I would greatly appreciate your continued support in this marathon. Please, if you haven't already, join us in this effort to show Washington that we in Nebraska are interested in solutions, not the partisanship and backbiting that has gotten the country into this mess. The people of Nebraska are tired of elected officials voting strictly on party lines, but I am not now and never will be beholden to any interests but those of the people of Nebraska and the people of District 1. I'm ready and I'm eager to do what the people of Nebraska need, but I need your help!
Thank you!
June 19, 2010: Juneteenth
What a wonderful day today at Lincoln's Juneteenth Celebration! The rains held off and I was able to meet hundreds of amazing families and individuals and to chat about some of the issues that are so important to me and people across Nebraska's First District! Today reminded me yet again what a vibrant and diverse group of residents live in the First District! I can't wait to continue to meet more of you as the campaign gears up over the summer and fall months!
June 20, 2010: Fremont Election
Tomorrow is an important day for at least one community in the First District - as Fremont voters go to the polls to decide on the immigration issue.
Towns like Fremont and states like Arizona reflect the country's deep frustration with tough decisions being put off year-after-year by Washington lawmakers.
Let's be clear that this is a complicated, controversial and emotional issue that will continue to divide communities until Congress, as the country's caretakers, step forward.
June 21, 2010: The Environment and Ethanol
In my meetings with First District residents this weekend, person after person expressed their concerns about the Gulf Coast oil spill and extended their sympathy to the families that have been so affected by this tragedy.
I fail to understand Congressman Fortenberry's failure, as a native of Louisiana, to forcefully speak out on this issue or to take a stand on big oil and gas that aligns with the interests of most Nebraskans (and First District residents)!
Over the last several days, Nebraskans on both sides of the aisle (including, Sen. Nelson, Sen. Johanns and Rep. Smith) have spoken out on the Federal EPA's decision to postpone a decision to increase ethanol blend limits to 15 percent. Yet again, Congressman Fortenberry has remained largely silent!
Congressman Fortenberry where is your leadership on environmental issues that matter to First District residents?
June 25th, 2010: Cornhusker State Games
I had the pleasure of visiting the opening night of the Cornhusker State Games! I was so impressed with the commitment of the athletes and their families, as well as with the overwhelming sense of community!
Good luck to everyone who is participating in the Games!
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June 26th, 2010: The Budget
This week "The Fort Report" criticized Congress for not taking up the annual budget. One thought: members of Congress who voted against Wall Street reform and reining in excessive CEO salaries - and who themselves live in glass forts - should not throw stones.
July 1st, 2010: Jobs Bill
While an overwhelming majority of US Representatives (62%) voted the correct way on restoring emergency unemployment compensation today, Nebraska's Republican delegation voted en masse against the resolution! I challenge these Repsentatives when they are home for the 4th of July recess to look at the shuttered shops and struggling family farms and realize that people across the great state of Nebraska still need assistance recovering from the economic downturn.
July 3rd, 2010: Residents of the First District
I spent today going door-to-door, meeting and talking to wonderful First District residents in North Lincoln. And voter frustration was palpable. I heard at home after home that our economy is broken, our borders are broken and that Washington, D.C. and the status quo in politics is fundamentally broken. And I completely agree with the families that I spoke to!
Now is truly the time to set aside petty party bickering, to reach across traditional divides and to build common ground!
As I have told residents across the First District, the most effective way to change Washington is to change the people who we send to Washington!
July 4th, 2010: Independence Day
I would like to wish all Nebraskans a happy Fourth of July - filled with families, picnics, fireworks and parades that reflect Nebraskans belief in honoring those who have secured our freedom!
Marching in the Seward Parade today reminded me again of the selfless sacrifices of generations of Nebraskans working for the common good. And it filled me with a renewed sense of optimism for our future - a future that can be achieved by breaking down traditional divisions and establishing a goal of working to achieve the common good. At heart, we are all Nebraskans.
