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PACHYDERM PRESS
THIRD DISTRICT REPUBLICAN NEWSLETTER
Go Elephants!! The countdown
continues in an exciting election cycle in the Third District.
Candidates are campaigning hard. Hotly contested races – Governor,
Congressman and U.S. Senate – are shaping up. May is much closer.
The pace will undoubtedly speed up in the next few months. Voters
will increasingly be paying attention.
Our newsletter is a forum for
Republican candidates and activists to express their views. The
newsletter is one source to help you decide which candidates you
will actively help in their campaign. And this newsletter also
helps us to synchronize our calendars. Let’s go!
Republican
Primary for United States Senator Highlighted.
We are 3 months away from the filing
deadline, but the Republican primary for United States Senate
seems to be set. Three outstanding candidates are contesting
for our party’s banner to face a hard general election race.
For the GOP activists, the primary
campaign is a time of great opportunity. Get in on the ground
floor. Study the Senate candidates, figure out who to support and
VOLUNTEER. Work hard for the GOP Senate candidate of your choice.
May the best candidate win!!
After the primary election decides
our GOP candidate for office, there are mixed feelings. Republicans
must unite to elect the Republican primary winners in the general
election with total, wholehearted support from everyone in the GOP.
Unity of Republicans is especially
needed in the United States Senate race because Democrats will
surely wage a “no holds barred” battle to retain the Senate seat for
their incumbent.
The three candidates for the GOP
nomination for United States Senator tell you below why they deserve
your support on May 9, 2006 in their own words in
alphabetical order. Thanks to the three candidates for getting us
material for this newsletter.
Former NEGOP Chairman David Kramer
Dear Fellow
Republicans,
I am proud to
be a candidate in the race for United States Senate. Since my
announcement of June 28, I have traveled to 71 counties and over 80
communities in our great state. I have met Nebraskans at county
fairs, rodeos, barbeques, tractor pulls, kiddie tractor pulls,
tractor square dancing, mud volleyball, high school football games
and at countless parades. Beth and the boys have been with me to 51
of the counties. It has been a real adventure, and I look forward
to continuing to campaign in all 93 counties.
I am running
for United States Senate to control federal spending and cut taxes,
to secure our borders, to strengthen our Country by making it more
energy self sufficient, and to safeguard our families from the
threat of terror.
The
United States Congress has lost its way on federal spending. We
kept our promise in the Contract of America for 7 years. But for
the past four years, we have lost our way. From 2001-2005, overall
spending increased at an average rate of 6.68% per year and
discretionary spending jumped from $649 billion to $963 billion, a
48% increase.
The
transportation bill was pork laden with projects like the Bridge to
Nowhere and Iowa Rain Forest. But it would me disingenuous for me
to talk about other projects without mentioning projects here at
home. There was the $15.7 million for the Creighton parking garage
and $19 million for the pedestrian bridge to Council Bluffs.
When my wife
Beth and I sit down at the table each month to pay bills, we decide
between what we want and what we need. We spend on the things that
we need and put off the things we want to another day. The federal
government must do the same thing. That is why I support
amendments to the constitution for a balanced budget, and for a
line item veto.
I am running
for Senate because securing our borders is a huge issue that
faces our country. Immigration policy in this country is backwards.
Those who follow our laws face nothing but obstacles, but those who
ignore our laws find no obstacles what so ever.
We must allow
the Border Patrol to do their job while giving them the proper
training and tools. We need to adopt an immigration policy that
encourages those who come here legally to put down roots and to
become part of our community. Learning English is a critical
component of assimilating into the great fabric of our nation.
I am running to
strengthen our Country by making it more energy self sufficient. We
must become less reliant of foreign oil. Our country needs a
forward-looking energy policy that increases our production capacity
and places an emphasis on energy technologies of the future,
including: hybrid, fuel cell, and hydrogen technologies. We can
drill in Alaska, off the coast of Florida, and off California in
an environmentally safe way. According to the Department of Energy,
the global demand for energy is growing at almost 2 percent per
year. As global demand increases, it’s critical that the United
States becomes a leader in the discovery and deployment of new
energy technologies, which increases our efficiency and still allow
our economy to grow. Ethanol continues to play an important
role in the nation’s energy mix, and biodiesel is also
becoming a popular fuel for our vehicles.
I am running
as a strong supporter of the Global War on terror. We
must be steadfast in our resolve. We should bring our troops home as
soon as they have completed the mission of empowering the Afghans
and Iraqis to govern and defend themselves. We must constantly
reevaluate our strategies and tactics to ensure that our men and
women in uniform get home safer and faster. We are far better off
fighting the terrorists in Baghdad and Kandahar than Boston or
Kansas City.
I believe
this race is at its heart one about leadership. Leadership is not
about keeping all of your options open until the very last minute,
checking to see who is going to win, jumping on board and calling it
a victory. Leadership is not about waiting until both sides have
put forth their last, best and final offer, dividing them in two and
calling it a compromise. Leadership is not just about being at the
table when the debate is finished, it’s about being at the table
when the ideas are being formulated and the direction is being
charted. Leadership is not about putting off the tough decisions
for another day, it’s about tackling them when you don’t have to.
Leadership is not about knowing where you stand with one foot on
either side of the fence; it’s about knowing what you stand for.
Nebraskans will always know what I stand for. You can rest assured
that you will never have to make a deal with me to do what’s best
for Nebraska and America.
I hope that if
you hear some things that you like in the coming months that I can
earn your vote. For more information on my campaign, please look
at my website at
www.kramerforseante.com or call my office at (402) 333-2006.
Businessman Pete Ricketts
Dear
Nebraskans,
I’ve spent the
past few months traveling around Nebraska, especially the 3rd
District. I’ve listened as you told me about your families, your
communities, and your state. I know you value Nebraska and the way
of life we have here.
I, too, value
Nebraska. I am a fourth-generation Nebraskan. My parents are both
from the Nebraska City area. They taught me the values of faith,
family, responsibility, hard work, and determination. Those are the
values they grew up with, the values I am teaching my children now,
and the values that guide the decisions of Nebraskans every day.
These Nebraska Values are needed in Washington to help the 21st
Century be an even greater American Century.
Nebraskans
believe in financial responsibility. We’re worried about how the
Federal Government is spending our money. That’s why my first
priority is to get spending under control. During my time at
Ameritrade, I learned how to prioritize and spend wisely. At
Ameritrade, we always had more good ideas than we had money to
fund. It forced us into a financial discipline, and in the bad
times we had to make tough decisions to keep the company in
business. The Federal Government needs to learn the difference
between a “nice to have” and a “gotta have”. With a war in Iraq,
and more than $200 billion pledged for Hurricane Katrina rebuilding,
it’s important that we take a look at what is necessary and
prioritize our spending.
We must
strengthen America’s economic engine by creating and maintaining an
environment where entrepreneurs and small businesses can succeed.
Tax cuts create growth; they spur the economy and create jobs. I
will work to make the tax cuts permanent, repeal the death tax, and
eliminate regulatory barriers.
Nebraskans
know that agriculture is the backbone of the state and its economy.
We value a more market-oriented farm policy that opens up free and
fair trade opportunities with less government interference.
Increased ethanol production would also improve Nebraska’s farm
economy, help protect our environment, and decrease our dependence
on foreign oil.
We absolutely
must win the war on terror. That means a steadfast resolve to
finish the mission in Iraq and Afghanistan and bring our troops home
when the Iraqis and Afghans can defend themselves. Winning the war
on terror also means securing our borders. We need to prevent
terrorists, drug smugglers, and illegal immigrants from entering our
country.
Nebraskans
also value a culture of civility and respect. That means respecting
and protecting life, especially the unborn and the aged. It also
means respecting each other, treating one another civilly.
These are the
values I live by. I learned at a young age that you have to work
hard to get what you want. I had a paper route as a junior high
student, and a job at Burger King as a teenager. When I decided to
return to the family business twelve years ago, I started at the
bottom and worked my way up. My determination and hard-work led me
to be Chief Operating Officer at Ameritrade. I helped lead the
company through the dot-com bust of 2000/2001. As a businessman and
problem-solver, I made difficult budget decisions that helped the
company survive and continue to grow. I believe the Senate needs
more people who can make those difficult decisions and fewer career
politicians and lawyers.
Most
importantly, the values of faith and family guide my life every
day. I met my wife, Susanne, when she was in nursing school at
Creighton University. We now have three children, 6-year-old twins
Roscoe and Margot, and 4-year-old Eleanor. I want my children and
other people’s children and grandchildren to have the same wonderful
opportunities this state and this country gave to me. That’s why I
am working to become your next United States Senator.
I know other
issues are important to you, too. I’ve addressed some of them on my
website,
www.petericketts.com. You can also call my campaign office at
(866) 597-PETE. I ask for your vote, I welcome your support, and I
know Nebraska values make a difference.
Thank you,
Pete Ricketts
Former Attorney General Don Stenberg
Dear Third
District GOP Leaders,
As
Sue and I traveled the state these past months one question we heard
is “who is the most electable U.S. Senate candidate?”
I have always thought that the best way to determine whether someone
is electable is to look at whether he or she has been elected.
I
have been the Republican nominee for statewide office four times.
Three of the four times I won the general election--twice leading
the Republican ticket with 68% of the vote.
The fourth time, I started more than 30 points behind a former
Governor, was given no chance to win by most “experts,” was outspent
by $1,000,000 and, despite all that, turned it into the closest U.S.
Senate race in Nebraska’s history.
Some will say that because I lost that close race for the Senate
that I can’t win this time. Funny thing, when John Thune lost to
Senator Johnson, there were those who said, “John if you couldn’t
beat that no-name Johnson, you can’t possibly defeat the well-known,
personable, powerful, minority leader Tom Daschle.” Today we call
John, Senator Thune.
John Ensign lost a race for the US Senate in Nevada. Jim Talent
lost a race for Governor of Missouri. Arlen Spector lost races for
district attorney, Governor and U.S. Senate. Today they all serve in
the United States Senate. In each of these cases, previous
losses were stepping stones to future victories. That history will
repeat itself in Nebraska next year.
As
a Republican leader there are other things you may want to consider.
In the 1970’s, 80’s and as recently as 1990, we lost a number of
elections because our party was divided. Party unity is more or
less taken as a given today, in large part because I acted to
unify the Nebraska Republican Party in 1996 to help elect Chuck
Hagel to the United States Senate. In recognition of this
important contribution to the Party I was awarded the first ever Ron
Staskawicz Unity Award by the Nebraska Republican Party.
Business experience is a factor. As you may know, I have a
Masters Degree in Business Administration from Harvard Business
School. Since I left the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office,
several of our nation’s largest corporations have sought my advice.
All of the Republican Senate candidates identify themselves as
pro-life. But, I am the only candidate who has a proven record
of leadership on the issue.
Second amendment rights--I have received an A+ rating from the
National Rifle Association in past campaigns.
Reducing costs in government. I successfully ran the Nebraska
Attorney General’s office on the third smallest budget in the
nation. As the Director of the Nebraska Department of Administrative
Services I saved Nebraska taxpayers over $1 million in one
year by reducing the size of the state
car fleet, renegotiating computer leases and through other cost
saving actions.
Many challenges face our nation in the years ahead. High energy
costs, the War on Terror, protecting our borders, reducing taxes,
limiting federal spending, appointing judges who will not impose a
liberal ideology on our nation and, very importantly, national
policies that will result in a strong agricultural economy.
Nebraskans will, just as they have for more than 50 years, choose a
proven leader to represent them in the U.S. Senate in 2006. If we
want that to be a Republican, we will need to nominate a candidate
with experience-- a Proven Conservative Nebraskans Know and Trust.
Whether the issue is party unity, saving the taxpayers’ money,
pro-life, law enforcement, the Second Amendment, or being a proven
vote-getter, my record speaks for itself.
This record of leadership, accomplishment and unity makes a powerful
case for your unqualified, vigorous support for my nomination in May
and for my election in November 2006. And as we have in the past,
Sue and I ask that you give me your support.
Thank you for your prayerful consideration.
Yours truly,
Don Stenberg
NEGOP Gears
Up Victory 2006 Campaign.
With an open 3rd District
U.S. Congressional seat, a chance to take back a seat in the United
States Senate, a contested gubernatorial race, 4 statewide
Constitutional Offices up for election, and 20 open State
Legislative seats the Nebraska Republican Party has launched
Victory 2006, a grassroots lead effort to ensure Republican
victory and build stronger local Republican Parties.
Currently,
volunteers and County Party officials are organizing to form Victory
Teams consisting of every day folks who are willing to make phone
calls, knock on doors, and ID voters on issues. The Nebraska
Republican Party is dedicated to training these new volunteers in
the newest and most effective grassroots strategies.
Throughout the
coming months Victory Teams will focus on 2 goals: registering new
Republican voters, and contacting existing voters to determine which
issues are important to Nebraskans. As the 2006 Election
approaches, the Victory Teams will be the local leaders who help
execute a strong GOP ground game that will help elect Republican
leaders locally, countywide, and statewide.
The
Republican Party needs your help!
A strong, grassroots army can not be built without volunteers who
are willing to step forward and join the effort. And there has
never been a more exciting or more urgent time to get involved.
Contact Tiffiny Carlton at the Nebraska Republican Party: (402)
475-2122 or via email
tiffiny@negop.org to be a part of this grassroots movement!
What’s
Important.
What do you consider to be important? Inevitably others impose
their view of what is important on you in simple matters such as
empty garbage cans to great matters of war and peace. Iraq is a
verbal battleground of what is important, and unfortunately, what is
politically popular but totally irrelevant. As the old saw goes,
“If you don’t know where you are going, any road will get you
there.” To me, three important objectives in Iraq are: 1) a
democratic government; 2) security of the people and country; and 3)
a growing economy. The following article from the LA Times provides
some less well known information about the current situation.
In Case You Missed It: Iraq's A Lost Cause? Ask The Real Experts
When it comes to the future of Iraq, there is a deep disconnect
between those who have firsthand knowledge of the situation - Iraqis
and U.S. soldiers serving in Iraq - and those whose impressions are
shaped by doomsday press coverage and the imperatives of domestic
politics.
A large majority of the American public is convinced that the
liberation of Iraq was a mistake, ... such as John Kerry, Harry
Reid, John Edwards, John Murtha and Bill Clinton -- who supported
the invasion.
Yet in a survey last month from the U.S.-based International
Republican Institute, 47% of Iraqis polled said their country was
headed in the right direction, as opposed to 37% who said they
thought that it was going in the wrong direction. And 56% thought
things would be better in six months. ...
American soldiers are also much more optimistic than American
civilians. The Pew Research Center and the Council on Foreign
Relations just released a survey of American elites that found that
64% of military officers are confident that we will succeed in
establishing a stable democracy in Iraq. ...
FOR STARTERS, one can point to two successful elections this year,
on Jan. 30 and Oct. 15, in which the majority of Iraqis braved
insurgent threats to vote. ...
There are also positive economic indicators that receive little or
no coverage in the Western media. For all the insurgents' attempts
to sabotage the Iraqi economy, the Brookings Institution reports
that per capita income has doubled since 2003 and is now 30% higher
than it was before the war. ...
The growth of the independent media -- a prerequisite of liberal
democracy -- is even more inspiring. Before 2003 there was not a
single independent media outlet in Iraq. Today, Brookings reports,
there are 44 commercial TV stations, 72 radio stations and more than
100 newspapers. ...
Since the Jan. 30 election, not a single Iraqi unit has crumbled in
battle, according to Army Lt. Gen. David H. Petraeus, who until
September was in charge of their training. Iraqi soldiers are
showing impressive determination in fighting the terrorists, ...
Max Boot, Los Angeles Times 11/25/05 (NRC Summary)
THIRD DISTRICT OFFICERS -- DEDICATED TO SERVING YOU
Elroy Bartels, Chairman 402-243-2283
John Hanson, Vice Chairman
308-390-0449
Herb Knudsen, Member-at-Large
308-284-8403
Kathy Wilmont, County Chair
Representative
308-268-6235
KEEP UP TO DATE! SEE OUR THIRD
DISTRICT WEB SITE!
www.megavision.com/gop
Our Thanks to Linda Aerni for
Hosting this Site
QUICK
DATES
2005
December 2 NEGOP Christmas Party, Kearney
2006
January 14 SCC Meeting, Nebraska City
February 15 Deadline for filing for
Incumbents
March 1 Deadline for filing
for Non-incumbents
May 9 Primary Election
November 7 General Election
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