Jim Pillen in 2022 NE Governor's race


On Abortion: I am proudly pro-life, life begins at conception

I am proudly prolife. I believe life begins at conception and that Nebraska should advance a culture of life and protect the unborn. I am committed to protecting Nebraska's most vulnerable. I oppose taxpayer money funding organizations that commit abortions, and support adoption options for mothers and families in crisis.
Source: 2022 Nebraska Gubernatorial campaign website JimPillen.com May 12, 2022

On Budget & Economy: Expand broadband access to every corner of our state

Nebraska is at a growth crossroads. We have an exciting opportunity to grow our state, our tax base and the opportunities for future generations. To harness our potential, we have to invest in statewide infrastructure. That means expanding broadband access to every corner of our state and improving roads in every direction.
Source: 2022 Nebraska Gubernatorial campaign website JimPillen.com May 12, 2022

On Budget & Economy: There is no room for wasteful government spending

There is no room for wasteful government spending when I am Governor. I fundamentally believe that people should keep more of the money they earn, and that the government isn't the answer to every problem. I know how hard families, farmers and small business owners work for every dollar they earn-and the government shouldn't take a single cent more than is needed.
Source: 2022 Nebraska Gubernatorial campaign website JimPillen.com May 12, 2022

On Civil Rights: Critical race theory is anti-American ideology

As the parent of a high school junior, I join thousands of Nebraska parents in opposing the proposed State Board of Education "health standards," which sexualize students and supplant parental values with a radical view. I will continue to stand with Nebraska parents and families against attempts to inject anti-American ideology, like the "1619 project" and "critical race theory," into Nebraska classrooms.
Source: 2022 Nebraska Gubernatorial campaign website JimPillen.com May 12, 2022

On Civil Rights: Opposes protection for sexual orientation, gender identity

Milo Winslow stood at the microphone in the Lincoln City Council chambers, speaking in support of an ordinance to extend discrimination protections to include sexual orientation and gender identity. Pillen recently tweeted his opposition to the Lincoln ordinance.
Source: Lincoln Journal-Star on 2022 Nebraska Gubernatorial race Feb 27, 2022

On Crime: Calls to defund the police are reckless and dangerous

I will stand with law enforcement and safeguard our communities. Calls to defund the police are reckless and dangerous. Police officers, Sheriffs, the State Patrol, firefighters, and first responders put their lives on the line for us everyday and they deserve our respect and support.
Source: 2022 Nebraska Gubernatorial campaign website JimPillen.com May 12, 2022

On Education: Committed to K-12 education, I support options for parents

I am fully committed to K-12 education in Nebraska. Our schools must prepare our kids to compete in a global workforce. I support options for parents and making sure our students have a pathway to a great job in Nebraska's workforce upon graduation. That could mean learning a trade or getting a degree at NU or one of our great state or private colleges. Nebraska schools should continue to reflect commonsense Nebraska values.
Source: 2022 Nebraska Gubernatorial campaign website JimPillen.com May 12, 2022

On Government Reform: Stand up to radicals using fake meat to attack Nebraska

The assault on modern agriculture has never been more evident than it is now. You can be sure I will fight against overreach by the federal government, like Joe Biden's 30x30 land grab and the Waters of the U.S. rule, and I will stand up to radicals who want to use fake meat to put Nebraska agriculture out of business. In Nebraska, we feed the world-we don't need government throwing up unnecessary regulation and red tape to stunt our innovation.
Source: 2022 Nebraska Gubernatorial campaign website JimPillen.com May 12, 2022

On Gun Control: Don't allow anyone to suspend our Second Amendment rights

I support the constitutional right of every law-abiding citizen to defend themselves, and their families. Gun control measures pushed by the left falsely assume criminals will obey gun laws. The radical left will never be satisfied with an assault weapons ban, they are already advocating gun confiscation. I oppose their gun-grabbing agenda, even when it is put forward by a different name, like "red-flag law." We should never give anyone the right to suspend our Second Amendment rights.
Source: 2022 Nebraska Gubernatorial campaign website JimPillen.com May 12, 2022

On Immigration: We must demand order on the southern border

We must demand order on the southern border. We are decades into the federal government not enforcing our laws and refusing to deal with immigration reform. It is simply inexcusable. The result is state and local governments are forced to deal with the resulting issues like education, healthcare, workforce and law enforcement. More importantly, the failure to reform and enforce an immigration policy creates a national security threat at every entry point to the U.S., and exploits the vulnerable.
Source: 2022 Nebraska Gubernatorial campaign website JimPillen.com May 12, 2022

On Principles & Values: Involved in Ignite the Faith, Youth for Christ Mission

Source: 2022 Nebraska Gubernatorial campaign website JimPillen.com May 12, 2022

On Principles & Values: America is the best country in the world

Source: 2022 Nebraska Gubernatorial campaign website JimPillen.com May 12, 2022

On Principles & Values: I believe in American exceptionalism

I will fight the socialist agenda at every turn. I believe in American exceptionalism, innovation and a good old-fashioned work ethic. I will oppose anything that will put government bureaucrats between patients and doctors and any policy that penalizes hard-work or incentivizes government dependency. We will stop efforts to implement massive new regulations that will kill jobs and harm our economy.
Source: 2022 Nebraska Gubernatorial campaign website JimPillen.com May 12, 2022

On Tax Reform: Limit the growth in spending by local taxing entities

We have to fix our broken property tax system. Governor Ricketts has made good on his promise to address property taxes every year he has been in office, putting hundreds of millions of dollars into the Property Tax Credit Relief Fund. And yet property taxes are still too high and remain a top concern for families and ag producers everywhere. We need to limit the growth in spending by local taxing entities and modernize our tax structure to address property taxes once and for all.
Source: 2022 Nebraska Gubernatorial campaign website JimPillen.com May 12, 2022

On Budget & Economy: Say "no" to excessive government spending

An issue at the forefront of Nebraskans' minds is that of exorbitant property taxes that are burdening voters. Sen. Blood has said that she believes the solution to this problem is actually pretty simple. "We have to do two things; first, we have to fully fund our public schools, and second, we have to stop unfunded and underfunded mandates that are a burden on our local governments."

Pillen's views on the property tax solution oppose those of Sen. Blood, with Pillen saying that the new governor would have be willing to say "no" to excessive government spending. "I'm a believer that we can all be inspired, so that as Nebraskans we need to do a better job of inspiring each other and making sure that school boards, county governments and city governments; that we all look in the mirror and say that we can all make a difference on our tax problems."

Source: KPVI TV-6 (NBC) on 2022 Nebraska Gubernatorial race Oct 17, 2022

On Principles & Values: No reporter-led debates; they're political theater

If Jim Pillen wins the governor's race, he could become Nebraska's first governor since at least the 1970s to be elected without facing his opponents on a debate stage.

Pillen declined another debate last week, one offered by NTV News of Axtell, Nebraska. His decision followed confirmation that the Nebraska State Fair would not be hosting its traditional governor's debate this year.

This week, Pillen's campaign told the Nebraska Examiner that the Republican nominee will not participate in any debates. Pillen participated in candidate forums during the primary season, but he refused to debate his opponents during reporter-led debates then, as well.

"Our proven strategy remains the same: meeting Nebraskans face to face, one handshake at a time," said Pillen's campaign manager. "Jim is a livestock producer, not a politician, and he doesn't do political theater."

State Sen. Carol Blood, the Democrat facing Pillen in November, said she would agree to several debates.

Source: Nebraska Examiner on 2022 Nebraska Gubernatorial race Aug 17, 2022

On Principles & Values: Appointed predecessor Gov. Pete Rickets to U.S.Senate

Nebraska Gov Jim Pillen made the expected choice, appointing his predecessor and political benefactor, Pete Ricketts, to the U.S. Senate. Ricketts, who finished his second term as governor last week, fills the seat that Sen. Ben Sasse, R-Neb., vacated to lead the University of Florida.

Ricketts thanked Pillen and said he was grateful for the "unexpected opportunity. … I am humbled and grateful for the opportunity that Governor Pillen has given me."

Source: Nebraska Examiner on 2022 Nebraska Gubernatorial race Jan 12, 2023

On Principles & Values: We need to put God back into our schools

Gov. Pete Ricketts voiced support for allowing more faith-based practices in Nebraska schools during an event celebrating Religious Freedom Week. Ricketts' comments came in response to a question regarding a tweet by Republican gubernatorial candidate Jim Pillen. Ricketts, who cannot run for reelection because of term limits, has strongly supported Pillen's campaign for governor.

"We need to put God back into our schools," Pillen tweeted. "I strongly support efforts to put prayer back into our K-12 schools. We should be teaching the next generation to love God and our great country."

The tweet referenced the U.S. Supreme Court decision that determined a Washington high school football coach was within his rights to pray at midfield following football games.

Source: Omaha World-Herald: Twitter post:2022 Nebraska Governor race Jun 29, 2022

The above quotations are from 2022 Nebraska Gubernatorial race: debates and news coverage.
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Page last updated: Jun 28, 2023