Giles Road | Nebraska Senate Watch 2008

Scott Kleeb to Live Blog Tomorrow

2008-05-29T11:27:00.004-05:00

Just got this in my inbox:

EENRblog.com is a progressive blog started by a group of former Edwards supporters and dedicated to advancing a progressive agenda and "more and BETTER" Democratic candidates.

One of the ways we are working to help down-ticket candidates who share our progressive values is by offering them the opportunity to live-blog at EENRblog as a way to get their message out to more people, especially those in their own communities who might not be able to get to a meet-and-greet or afford to attend a fundraiser. So far, we've had a number of Congressional candidates live blog with us (Harry Taylor-NC, Gilda Reed-LA, Charlie Brown-CA to name a few) and Jeff Merkley who is a candidate for the US Senate in Oregon. Tomorrow, Scott Kleeb will be our second Senatorial candidate; he is scheduled to go live at 7pm Central / 6pm Mountain.

Sounds like it could be fun.

I've been fighting off a nasty case of the flu this past week, but I will recap the week today or tomorrow.

Memorial Day Weekend Round Up

2008-05-26T10:54:00.006-05:00

New poll from Research 2000 (paid for by Daily Kos) paints a very different picture of the Senate race. While last weeks Rasmussen poll showed Kleeb down by 15 points (Mike Johanns 55% - Scott Kleeb 40%), this new poll shows him trailing Johanns 58%-31%. I don't know the first thing about polls, or how to tell a good one from a bad one, but Kyle over at NNN seems to have some concerns about the Research 2000 poll.

Dolly A. Butz from the Sioux City Journal reports that Kleeb will be meeting voters at a Hy-Vee in South Sioux City.

More talk about Scott Kleeb giving the keynote address at the Democratic National Convention over at Daily Kos. That would be something.

Not too much else going on so make sure to enjoy your Memorial Day and honor those who have served and are currently serving.

Scott Kleeb Statement on New G.I. Bill

2008-05-22T20:57:00.003-05:00

With the passing of Senator Jim Webb's "New G.I. Bill for the 21st Century," Scott Kleeb was quick to release the following statement:

“When we send our soldiers into harms way, we arm them to the hilt, with the latest weaponry and technology. As these brave men and women return home we must continue our commitment to arm them – with the education and training they need to succeed in the 21st Century economy. It is estimated that the return on every dollar spent on the GI Bill after World War II was $7 back into our economy. Investing in the future of this generation of Veterans will do the same. Far more than sound economic policy though, it is our patriotic duty to honor the service of these brave Americans as they re-enter civilian life.”

The New G.I. Bill would give the same educational benefits to soldiers coming home from Iraq and Afghanistan as soldiers in World War II. The bill passed 75-22 and is expected to be vetoed by President Bush.

Loyal Bushie and current Republican Senate candidate Mike Johanns has been silent on this legislation, although I would suspect he is against it for reasons beyond any sane adult.

Thursday Afternoon Rundown

2008-05-22T16:11:00.006-05:00

Not to much going on today in the U.S. Senate Race but here's a quick rundown on this lazy Thursday afternoon:

New Nebraska has a good post up linking then Governor Mike Johanns to the underfunded and understaffed Beatrice State Development Center. Seems Johanns pushed for the closing of similar facilities in Hastings and Norfolk, all the while cutting funding for these crucial problems. It qualifies as a must read.

Cartoonist Neal Obermeyer pokes fun at Republicans Johanns and Hal Daub, who recently announced his intention to run for mayor of Omaha again. The cartoon is well drawn and speaks the truth in more ways then one.

Scott Kleeb is/was (depending on what time you read this) liveblogging at Daily Kos.

KLKN TV out of Lincoln and NET Radio picked up on the Congressional Report linking Mike Johanns to outrageous spending at the USDA during his two year tenure. A recap of that can be found here.

Mike Johanns' Fuels USDA Spending Scandal

2008-05-21T20:09:00.007-05:00

A few days ago I blogged on a CBS report highlighting alarming misuse of spending at the USDA under Mike Johanns. Seems several members of the USDA were sent on expensive "fact finding missions" to exotic locations worldwide on topics which should have been studied closer to home.

One lucky USDA agent was given an all expensive paid trip to Australia to study Mississippi Crayfish. As CBS put it: "They could've been studied closer to home...but the waves aren't as good in the bayou."

Today, the Nebraska Democratic Party took Johanns to task over this report. The whole press release can be found here but Steve Achelpohl, Chairman of the NDP, had this to say:

"Taxpayers just can’t trust Mike Johanns with their money, and he clearly can’t be trusted to provide important oversight of government agencies in the Senate. We need to elect leaders who value taxpayer dollars and don’t treat them as a vacation fund. Closing important offices in our state while employees travel around the world shows a lack of judgment and an inability to set the right priorities for Nebraska.”

While the story has largely gone unreported this past week, it appears someone somewhere picked up on it because the Johanns campaign felt the need to respond which this email to supporters (courtesy of our good friend, Sarah Pompei:

"It is unfortunate Democrats would attempt to focus the debate of this campaign on old-style partisan politics. Today, they have even attempted to blame Secretary Johanns for actions that occurred 5 years before he arrived at the USDA. Their mud-slinging is unacceptable, and Nebraskans will see through their negative attacks.

When Mike Johanns arrived at the USDA on January 21, 2005, he set a clear guideline that all travel must be for legitimate government purposes. He demanded all employees follow the highest standards, and required USDA staff work with congressional oversight to see these standards were met legally and ethically."

Normally, this would be the part of the post where I would say something clever, but gosh darn it if the NDP didn't beat me to it. Take it away Eric:

At the risk of sounding redundant, in 2006 alone – when Mike Johanns was Ag Secretary and had been for almost a year – over $250,000 were spent on trips to Hawaii and over $280,000 were spent on trips to Orlando. Over 6,700 trips were taken that year. I guess the message is that Johanns lacked the leadership and judgment to ensure that his new “guidelines” were followed.

Does this mean that Mike Johanns is incapable of changing the culture in Washington? It sure seems like it.

Here’s to hoping we can elect a Senator capable of that change: Scott Kleeb.

Could not agree more.

Bush Vetoes Farm Bill; Kleeb, NDP React

2008-05-21T13:45:00.008-05:00

AP reports that President Bush has vetoed the Farm Bill and Nebraska Democrats have been quick on the draw.

Joe Zepecki from the Kleeb campaign sent this via email:

US Senate Candidate Scott Kleeb statement on Bush veto of Farm Bill:

"I urge Congress to override President Bush's veto. While this Farm Bill is not perfect, it is an important step toward the change we need in Washington.

The Farm Bill establishes a permanent disaster relief fund, increases investment in rural economic development, reforms support structures for commodities and livestock and invests in alternative energy development. As Secretary of Agriculture, Mike Johanns failed to get these changes through Congress. I applaud Senator Nelson and Representatives Fortenberry and Smith for supporting this legislation. I only wish Mr. Johanns had worked to get his close friend, President Bush, to sign the bill into law.”

The Nebraska Democratic Party was quick to react as well:

President Bush Vetoes Farm Bill
Action seals Mike Johanns’ failure as Secretary of Agriculture

WASHINGTON, DC – President Bush vetoed the Food, Conservation and Energy Act today, despite its passage with veto-proof majorities in both houses of Congress. The veto promises to delay already overdue legislation that was left in the lurch when Secretary Johanns abandoned his post in President Bush’s cabinet to seek political office.

“Mike Johanns’ legacy of failure as Secretary of Agriculture is now complete,” said Matt Connealy, Executive Director of the Nebraska Democratic Party. “Not only is he responsible for shutting down ten of Nebraska’s FSA offices while increasing his own budget in DC, but he also failed to make the farm bill a priority in the Bush administration. It’s a good thing we can count on Ben Nelson and the Democratic Congress to do what President Bush and Mike Johanns have never done: stand up for Nebraska’s farmers.”

Mike Johanns was Secretary of Agriculture under President Bush from January 2005 to September 2007. He left his position before passage of a farm bill to seek Nebraska’s open Senate seat.

It is a shame that Mike Johanns didn't use his post within the Bush Administration to make Nebraska Farmers a priority. Now they are left with nothing at the hands George Bush and Mike Johanns.

Congress is expected to take up this issue later today and will most likely override the Presidents veto.

Johanns' Farm Bill failure was covered two weeks ago and can be read here.

NDP Goes After Johanns on USDA Spending

2008-05-21T13:38:00.003-05:00

The Nebraska Democratic Party is on the case:

Report Exposes Wasteful Spending at USDA
Under Mike Johanns’ Watch

LINCOLN, Neb. – According to a Congressional Report, USDA employees benefited from 90 million tax dollars that were spent between 2000 and 2006 on lavish conferences in exotic locations.

During 2006 alone – part of the two and a half years Republican Senate candidate Mike Johanns was Secretary of Agriculture – 20,959 USDA employees attended 6,719 conferences around the globe. 94 conferences in Hawaii cost $254,755 and 59 in Orlando cost $282,656. The locations of the conferences were rarely related to the subject matter; one USDA staffer went to the Surfers Paradise Resort in Australia to study Mississippi crayfish and several staffers traveled to Hawaii from DC to learn how Congress operates.

While USDA employees were traveling around the world at taxpayer expense, then-Secretary Johanns shut down ten Farm Service Agency offices in Nebraska due to budget concerns. Combined, all ten closures saved around $100,000 – significantly less than half the cost of conferences held in Hawaii in 2006 alone.

“Taxpayers just can’t trust Mike Johanns with their money, and he clearly can’t be trusted to provide important oversight of government agencies in the Senate,” said Steve Achelpohl, Chairman of the Nebraska Democratic Party. “We need to elect leaders who value taxpayer dollars and don’t treat them as a vacation fund. Closing important offices in our state while employees travel around the world shows a lack of judgment and an inability to set the right priorities for Nebraska.”

“For Mike Johanns to portray himself as a trusted steward of public money at the USDA is patently absurd,” Achelpohl added.

The frustration over the wasteful spending extends into the Republican Party. In the course of a televised interview, Republican Senator Tom Coburn said, “We need some grown-ups in Washington to start managing some of these agencies.”

Mike Johanns managed the Department of Agriculture from January 2005 to September 2007.

Monday's post on same subject can be found here.

Daily Kos to Poll Nebraska Senate Race

2008-05-20T20:03:00.003-05:00

Kudos to New Nebraska Network cause I missed this.

Kos, founder of Daily Kos, was ranking the U.S. Senate races and his #15 was Nebraska:

Mike Johanns (R) 55%
Scott Kleeb (D) 40%

I polled this race last November and Johanns, the wildly popular former governor of the state (who won his last election with 69 percent of the vote) was crushing Kleeb 59-28. This last poll shows that we may have more of a race on our hands. I've got my second Nebraska poll due out late this week, so we'll see if Rasmussen's numbers are confirmed, or if they're too optimistic.

It will be interesting to see if the Rasmussen poll holds up or if it was just a fluke. I have a feeling Kos' numbers will back up Kleeb's 16 point surge.

Johanns Wasted Tax Payer Dollars at USDA

2008-05-19T16:37:00.003-05:00

Mike Johanns and the USDA have come under investigation by CBS.

A May 16th report filed by Sharyl Attkisson unveiled alarming misuse of spending at the USDA under then Agriculture Secretary (and current U.S. Senate candidate) Mike Johanns. Here's the scoop:

Just in 2006 (according to CBS), 20,959 USDA employees attended 6,719 conferences worldwide including 94 in Las Vegas ($254,755), 59 in Orlando ($282,656), and 28 in Hawaii which came out to $2,000 person.

And one lucky USDA employee went halfway around the world to attend a conference in Australia at the Surfers Paradise Resort. The subject matter: Mississippi crayfish. They could've been studied closer to home … but the waves aren't as good in the bayou.

CBS admits that the vast majority of these trips seem reasonable but far too many are a waste of taxpayer dollars.

Republican U.S. Senator Tom Coburn had this to say: "Would you ever spend that money on yourself, if, in fact, you had a tight budget and you were borrowing what money you didn’t have from your grandkids? Nobody in their right mind would do that."

Well that person is Mike Johanns. He allowed this to happen on his watch. Whether it was intentional (signaling corruption) or unintentional (signaling gross incompetence), this speaks volumes to the character and leadership qualities of a man running to serve Nebraska in the U.S. Senate.

Kleeb and Johanns to debate June 5th

2008-05-19T12:49:00.003-05:00

The U.S. Senate race continues to heat up as Scott Kleeb and Mike Johanns have agreed to their first debate, unfortunately it is not open to the public.

The AP reports that the debate is sponsored by the American Legion for Cornhusker Boys State and will take place June 5th. Boys State is a government leadership program for high school boys in Nebraska.

Questions will be written by the boys of Boys State and the press will have access to the debate. It is unclear if the debate will be broadcasted on radio or TV.

Draft Scott Kleeb for DNC Keynote Address?

2008-05-18T15:25:00.001-05:00

A diarist over at the Daily Kos has an interesting idea for Scott Kleeb and the DNC.

He writes: "Let's just move away from the 2008 election to focus on another big choice for Democrats. That is, who should give the keynote address at the Democratic Convention in Denver...In my opinion, Scott Kleeb should give the Keynote Address at Denver."

They then go on to list four main reasons which I will blockquote below:

He's charismatic, so he should energize the convention and captivate the T.V. audience.

Right now he's running behind in the polls. If he gives the keynote address, the free air time would give him some important momentum that could help make the Nebraska Senate race more competitive.

His humble roots and populist demeanor would help project the right message that Democrats need to win in 2008.

The political fortunes of keynote speakers receive a boost if they do a good job. From what I've seen of Scott Kleeb, I want him to go places! He represents the grassroots politics that this country needs.

Kleeb would be an interesting choice for the DNC and Sen. Obama to select. He reinforces Obama's message of change and a new style of politics. As today's poll shows you, the race for U.S Senate is tighter than most expected. National TV time would boost him in name recognition and fundraising amongst national Democratic donors.

It certainly wouldn't hurt Obama to have a young, unknown candidate give the keynote address which might launch him into a national all star. That story sounds familar...hmmm...

Rasmussen Poll: Kleeb cuts Johanns lead in half

2008-05-18T10:11:00.000-05:00

Rasmussen is out with the first post primary poll of the Nebraska Senate race which shows a huge boost to Scott Kleeb. Here are the details of the poll:

Johanns leads Kleeb 55% to 40%, a jump from the last public poll showing Kleeb trailing Johanns by 31 points. Johanns favorable rating sits at 65% compared to Kleeb's 56%, compared to their unfavorable ratings of 32% and 36%. Those with no opinion sit at 3% and 9%.

Other notable statistics include:

Only 17% of Nebraskans think the country is headed in the right direction.

40% of Nebraskans think George Bush is doing a poor job as President. The lowest it has ever polled.

Good news of the Governor, 65% of Nebraskans believe Heinamen is doing a good or an excellent job as Governor.

This poll shows excellent progess for the Kleeb campaign and begins to explain Johanns' recent actions. Feel free and leave your comments on the poll below.

Senate Showdown: Scott Kleeb vs. Mike Johanns

2008-05-17T16:55:00.000-05:00

(Editors Note: Rather than cover Nebraska politics as I originally intended, Giles Road will now focus exclusively on the Senate race.)

The primary is over and the battle lines have been drawn.

Despite being outspent two to one, Scott Kleeb overwhelmed Tony Raimondo by a whooping 44% in Tuesday's Democratic primary. Kleeb extended his grasp statewide winning by huge margins in Omaha, Lincoln, and Western Nebraska.

With class, Raimondo quickly conceded the election and endorsed his rival. It is unclear if Raimondo will campaign for Kleeb, but he did attend the Douglas County Democratic Party's Unity event the following day. I commend Raimondo for a relatively clean campaign and hope he can find his home in the Democratic Party.

Kleeb took it into third gear as he gave his victory speech saying: "Tonight’s victory was about community. Politics at its finest asks each of us to involve ourselves for our own reasons. Nebraska actually won tonight.”

Parts of his speech were a little over the top but the crowd seemed fired up and ready to go. You can see his speech here courtesy of the Lincoln Journal Star.

Across the aisle, Mike Johanns won a largely uncontested primary against Pat Flynn, a candidate he outspent nearly ten to one.

Accompanied by his life partner, Johanns continued his deceptive media campaign to frame himself as the change candidate saying: "If you believe we need to fix Washington, come join our campaign." It is clear Johanns is willing to do anything or say anything to get elected -- he is a typical career politician who is interested in what is best for Mike Johanns, not the people of Nebraska.

The most interesting exchange of the night was Johanns alarming reaction to Kleeb's victory. He wasted no time attacking Kleeb on healthcare, tax cuts, and his commitment to our military. Kleeb responded quickly saying: "It’s not unremarkable to hear the same kind of campaign from someone who’s been involved for 20 years."

It is highly usual for a heavy favorite like Johanns to go on the offensive so early against an unknown like Scott Kleeb.

He clearly knows something we don't know, and it isn't good.

(...at least for him.)

2008 Primary, Day of...

2008-05-13T06:04:00.000-05:00

I'll be spending the whole day volunteering for various candidates but I wanted to post the Giles Road predictions:

U.S. Senate Race

Scott Kleeb 64%
Tony Raimondo 33%
Others 3%

U.S. Congressional Race NE-02

Jim Esch 58%
Richard 41%

Election can often be about expectations. The Kleeb campaign has done a great job at expectations, down playing there chances just in case Raimondo keeps it close. The Esch campaign has been horrible about it. They are running around as the Hillary Clinton to Richard Carter's Barack Obama -- should Carter keep it close then that makes Esch look really foolish...again.

Jim Esch: If You've Got Money, I've got Time

2008-05-10T13:30:00.000-05:00

I'm starting to think that when Richard Carter challenged Jim Esch to a drug test he was on to something. Esch has sent out an email to supporters about his endorsement of part-time Democrat Tony Raimondo.

Esch admitted that his decision was ~~idiotic~~ controversial telling his supporters, "we believe our campaign is sitting pretty well for the primary and thought it was worth the risk to expend a little political capital..."

Cocky as usual, he is throwing his opponent and his supporters aside. Now I am the first admit that Esch is going to win this primary but at what cost? He has fractured his base with the popular Scott Kleeb and created a rift among Nebraska Democrats.

Not to mention that word on the street is that the Nebraska AFL-CIO is furious and considering withdrawing their endorsement of the boy wonder.

So what does Esch get of the deal. He gives us the following reasons:

That's right folks! Money, money, and money. The same Democratic candidate who has only raised money from his mom and dad is hoping to suckle at Raimondo's checkbook. This of course goes beyond the $2,300 Raimondo could donate. He is talking about a coordinated campaign.

You see Jim Esch is no fool. Despite his constant whining that the party didn't help him last cycle, Esch understands that he underperformed in 2006 and the only reason he got so close was because of a reasonably well run coordinated campaign led by Sen. Nelson. In the email he continues to blame Sen. Nelson and the Democratic Party for his lose. Yeah, it didn't have anything to do with the piss poor job you did fundraising, allocating resources, managing staff, managing media, or basically how you ran your campaign!

When Esch talks about change or a new kind of politics he doesn't really mean it. He is concerned about the politics of the moment. He is a blind and cynical politician who is more concerned about being elected then he is about serving.

He admits to it in the email when he cites (and I wish I was making this up) that the main reason he endorsed Raimondo was to get some free media and prove that he is a moderate Democrat. Otherwise known as pandering -- something his Republican opponent Lee Terry is well known for.

Jim Esch is a first rate joke and doesn't deserve to serve in the United States Congress. And I have a feeling he never will.

Democratic Candidates Gone Wild!

2008-05-07T23:47:00.000-05:00

In a stunning act of stupidity, Congressional candidate Jim Esch has endorsed part-time Democrat Tony Raimondo in the Senate race. According to various media sources they had a deal of some sort. (Esch's dignity for Raimondo's Yu-Gi-Oh cards.)

This is sure to create a fracture within the Nebraska Democratic Party especially if (and I'm betting when) Scott Kleeb wins the Senate primary and Jim Esch is poised for a big win in his respected primary.

For now, I'm tired and sick of party politics. You know where I stand so feel free and debate.

Raimondo: I hate the dickens out of polling...

2008-05-07T21:10:00.001-05:00

Several news stories today continued the trend of ridiculous and politically ignorant moves by the Raimondo campaign. It's almost like they want to lose.

In an AP interview today, Raimondo tries to defend his "compare and contrast" attack on Scott Kleeb who is apparently not fit to be a U.S. Senator because he is a teacher and went to a good school. (...also known as the dreaded academic.)

Raimondo told Anna Jo Bratton of the AP, "I respect the dickens out of teachers and academia..." He then went on to say, "...and I would be honored to be your next Burgomaster."

Next thing you know he will be advocating for a League of Nations and calling for the destruction of the Soviet Union. (What is it with Republicans and time lines...)

Raimondo is of course deflecting criticism of his statement because it has backfired and most people (especially in a Democratic primary) think it is appalling to call out Scott Kleeb for being a teacher.

Shame on you ~~Barack Obama~~ Tony Raimondo. Moving on...

A fresh off the pages story in the Omaha World Herald proves what we knew all along is that Raimondo is the anti-grassroots candidate who is relying on 100% TV ads to win his campaign.

First of all, the title of the article is "No polls, that's how Raimondo rolls" -- which is hilarious on it's own. Props to the Herald for making me spit my latte on my computer screen.

The article has a soft lead with Raimondo talking about the lack of polling done in the Democratic primary. He has no problem "flying blind" in the Senate race.

Sounds smart. Because if I were investing $450,000 into something I wouldn't want to know anything about the investment. Sounds like my next United States Senator.

The article ends with Raimondo admitting he doesn't have a grassroots campaign or a GOTV effort, but that if he wins he'll get around to it.

Despite hilariously weak spin by other Nebraska bloggers, it is obvious that Raimondo is not running a serious campaign and deserves to get crushed this Tuesday by Scott Kleeb.

---

Another development I wanted to touch on is the recent collapse of New Nebraska Network's credibility. With real progressive voices like Ryan Anderson and Dave Sund going (off to work for Kleeb and Esch respectively) it seems like the progressive blog is turning toward Republican-lite.

Slowly but surely I find myself checking NNN less and less as its remaining contributing editors continue defending every move by Raimondo and denigrating anyone with a dissenting opinion (i.e. Kleeb supporters). Perhaps after the primary I will find it more readable but it seems unlikely it will ever reach the same audience.

I do not have a self important blogger mentality and I know this week old blog probably doesn't get too many readers but I vow to be the real progressive alternative in this election. It took NNN years to get to where it was and it will probably take me longer.

We'll see. We'll see.

[Update 11:15 P.M.]

Raimondo has a new ad now:

What do you think? My commentary tomorrow morning.

Not to hate on Tony Raimondo, but...

2008-05-05T08:49:00.000-05:00

Tony Raimondo is in the news again today.

Not because he dumped more money into his Senate campaign or attacked his Democratic rival for being a teacher. Not because of another obscene ad buy or pathetic press release.

No, while Raimondo is busy spending hundreds of thousands of his own dollars on a Senate race he isn't going to win -- his company, Behlan, is "slowing down" so to speak. Raimondo is actually admitting that he will have to lay people off!

Raimondo, who has made Behlan's "success" the centerpiece of his campaign, was quoted as saying that nearly 50 workers are vulnerable and that: "The odds are against us that we will get through the summer without layoffs."

This is a serious blow to the premise of Raimondo's campaign. He is hoping that Nebraskans will support him based on his ability to create jobs at Behlen.

That argument should no longer exist.

Separated at Birth (Giles Road Style!)

2008-05-04T19:26:00.000-05:00

Don't expect this to become a habit. This is Leavenworth Street's thing, but a reader submitted this one of self funding Democratic Senate candidate Tony Raimondo and Evil Millionaire Montgomery Burns from "The Simpsons."

Now some words of wisdom from Montgomery Burns:

"Look at them, Smithers. Goldbrickers.... Layabouts.... Slug-a-beds! Little do they realise their days of suckling at my teat are numbered."

"This anonymous clan of slack-jawed troglodytes has cost me the election, and yet if I were to have them killed, I would be the one to go to jail. That's democracy for you."

Perhaps that comparison was too spot on...

Tony Raimondo Goes All In for U.S. Senate

2008-05-03T20:47:00.001-05:00

Omaha World Herald is reporting this morning that Tony Raimondo has triggered the millionaire's amendment now that he has dumped over $450,000 of his own dollars into the campaign.

This, of course, means that his chief Democratic rival Scott Kleeb can raise $6,900 from individual contributors or three times the federal max.

Overall, Raimondo has raised $552,000 leaving only $102,000 coming from individual donors. This means, as reported by the OWH, that 82% of Raimondo's campaign is coming from his checkbook. (The Federal Election Commission website reports that the $102,000 is coming from just 90 contributors.)

Raimondo is either a terrible fundraiser or really, really lazy.

Kleeb, by contrast, has raised $364,000 from over 1,500 individual contributors -- of which over 90% can donate again. They were quoted as saying: "I think this shows there is a very, very stark contrast between a guy who's giving $450,000 to himself and a guy who has 1,500 people willing to contribute."

---

Normally, comparing Tony Raimondo to Pat Flynn would be unfair. (...instead of hilarious.) But the FEC reports that Pat Flynn has raised $117,190 -- or $15,000 more than Tony Raimondo.

Honestly, would he even be a serious candidate if he wasn't trying to buy the Senate primary.

Johanns' Leadership Doomed Current Farm Bill

2008-05-02T21:15:00.000-05:00

An editorial from the High Plains Journal touches on Washington's continued failure to pass a comprehensive Farm Bill. (It's been delayed another two weeks.)

The author, Holly Martin, expresses the frustration of many Nebraska farmers: "...I'm tired of it. It was a long, long time ago when then-U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns kicked off his farm bill listening tour, to much fanfare. He's no longer even in Washington." She goes on to add: "...I'm tired--tired of the bickering; tired of the veto threats; tired of the political posturing."

And no politician is more guilty of political posturing then Mike Johanns -- the perennial quitter and Iowa Farm-boy turned Nebraska Senate candidate.

His so-called listening tour was nothing more than a way to promote his own blind ambition while propping up the Bush Administration. As several members of Congress will tell you, Mike Johanns passed all the "behind the scenes" responsibility to his cohorts while sucking up the good media for himself (ala the listening tour).

With a void in leadership already set in place in the Department of Agriculture, Mike Johanns then resigned his post to run for Senate. A story predicted by the man's own history.

He is now running on that record.

No issue is more important to Nebraska farmers. A strong Farm Bill can literally make or break Nebraskan's economy which has tremendous implications not only for those that farm, but for all Nebraskans.

Mike Johanns had a rare oppurtunity to be a strong voice for Nebraskans in the Bush cabinent. Sadly, he used his position as a stepping stone for higher office.

Mike Johanns: Candidate of Change?

2008-05-02T08:47:00.000-05:00

Politicians sure love that word "change". Forget the Democrats for a second, let's take a look at Mike Johanns recent ad:

That's right ladies and gentleman, Mike Johanns is the real change candidate in this race.

Seriously, does Johanns think we are stupid or what?

This is the same guy who has quit every office he has held, sold out Nebraska farmers by supporting a pro-big business Farm Bill, supports making Bush's tax cuts for the 1% permanent, and (just in case you forgot...) just got back from Washington as part of the Bush Administration.

But is anyone really surprised about this turn of events. Johanns recently hired former Mitt Romney staffer Sarah Pompei to be his communications director. If that name doesn't sound familir she is the same person who tryed to frame Mitt Romney as the change candidate after his embarrassing loss at the Iowa Caucus. (Change Begins with Us...or something like that...) It didn't work then and it won't work now.

Take for example Johanns recent endorsement by the Chamber of Commerce. The same anti-tax, anti-regulation folks who brought us poisoned pet food, the mortgage meltdown, job loss, declining wages, high gas prices, etc... Is that really change we can believe in? I think not.

Johanns is no more the change candidate than Tony Raimondo, John McCain, or George Bush himself. They all support the same failed policies that have landed our country and this state in the mess we are in today.

Don't get me wrong, Scott Kleeb has a lot to prove to win over this bloggers vote. But he is ten times better then these folks. (Heck, I'd even take Pat Flynn at this point...)

Senate Race: All Eyes Look East (Ad Wars)

2008-04-30T20:53:00.000-05:00

With the Nebraska Primary (May 13th -- get out and vote!) a mere 14 days away, all eyes turn east to see which Democrat can win over Douglas and Lancaster Counties. (i.e. Omaha and Lincoln)

Both have taken to the air with new ads this week.

Tony Raimondo decided to throw a jab at his Democratic opponent:

While Scott Kleeb choose to respond more positivly:

Both are far better ads then there original ones. It is good to see one of them taking on Johanns as the Washington politician he has become. However, while Raimondo is busy attacking Kleeb for being an "academic," Kleeb is outlining his plans as U.S. Senator; making his ad that much more effective. (Mentioning the date of the primary is a boost for him as well...)

The larger question might be, what does "academic" mean? Is he referencing Kleeb's post at Hastings College, or his extensive (and quite frankly impressive) educational resume. If it's the first then he is degrading teachers, if it's the latter then he is attacking colleges and universities.

So which is it Mr. Raimondo?

Without any real polling out, I would say the odds on favorite to win this race is Scott Kleeb. With what is sure to be a depressed Democratic Primary due to the February Presidential Caucuses, Kleeb has the clear edge with party elites and activists who will make up a large chunk of voters and volunteers.

Raimondo is playing a bad game of craps right now. Television advertisement is essential for his victory but there is no real way to target those ads at Democratic voters. He has also pulled out of the North Omaha debate giving Kleeb another positive interaction with Democratic voters.

Kleeb is opening offices in both Lincoln and Omaha with no sign of the Raimondo campaign doing the same leaving them behind in the field department as well.

Like I said, no public polling available -- but if the election were tomorrow:

Kleeb: 63%
Raimondo: 35%

Giles Road

2008-04-27T12:26:00.000-05:00

This blog will discuss Nebraska politics.

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