State of Nebraska Archives: on Principles & Values


Jim Pillen: Involved in Ignite the Faith, Youth for Christ Mission

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

Jim Pillen: America is the best country in the world

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

Jim Pillen: 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

Jim Pillen: Protect those with Biblical views of life, gender, marriage

The freedom to worship God and follow one's conscience is our most fundamental right as Americans. I'll oppose any effort to limit freedom of conscience or persecute Nebraskans for their beliefs. That includes so-called "Fairness Ordinances," the "Equality Act," and other efforts to limit the freedoms of those with Biblical views of life, gender, and marriage. These awful proposals have no place in our state.
Source: 2022 Nebraska website JimPillen.com "The Pillen Playbook" May 12, 2022

Jim Pillen: Strongly support efforts to put prayer back into schools

Put God Back Into Our Schools. 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.
Source: 2022 Nebraska website JimPillen.com "The Pillen Playbook" May 12, 2022

Theresa Thibodeau: Stand for American Way of Life and take our country back

I believe that hard work, character and commitment to our American Way of Life are the concepts that made us great--that made us exceptional as a nation. But political corruption has forced open our borders to create cheap labor that directly undermines good wages. Our mainstream media cannot be trusted to tell the simple truth, and policy decisions are being made to benefit everyone in the world but the United States. It's time to stand for the American Way of Life and take our country back.
Source: 2022 Nebraska Gubernatorial website TheresaForGovernor.com Feb 27, 2022

Theresa Thibodeau: Government there to serve citizens, not tell them what to do

[On role of state government]: "Government is there to serve under the watchful eye of the citizen and to serve the citizens--not to tell the citizens what to do," she said. "And I acknowledge that and will never forget my roots. I have been brought up to know what got me to where I am now. It's hard work. It's dedication. It's teamwork. I will never think anybody ever owes me anything."
Source: Norfolk Daily News on 2022 Nebraska Gubernatorial race Feb 10, 2022

Peter Ricketts: Remember: Nebraska is what America is supposed to be

Thank you for your service to the people of Nebraska. Our work in the coming days will require a spirit of collaboration and cooperation and for each of us to do our part to keep Nebraska strong. I look forward to the challenge, opportunity, and honor of working with you. Remember: Nebraska is what America is supposed to be. God bless you all, and God bless the great State of Nebraska!
Source: 2022 State of the State Address to the Nebraska legislature Jan 13, 2022

Chuck Herbster: Raised on land his family homesteaded in the 1800s

On the Richardson County land, his family homesteaded in the 1800s, 11-year-old Charles began his journey toward success every day at 5AM. The Angus cattle purchased by his grandmother required full-time care and attention. Those animals fueled his passion for agriculture and taught him the rewards of hard work.
Source: 2021 NE Governor campaign website HerbsterForNebraska.com Nov 17, 2021

Chuck Herbster: God protects us because we protect Israel

This is Herbster's first shot at politics. "I'm running for governor because I'm worried about America," he said, noting that he became a born-again

Christian almost 30 years ago in Denver. "America is in trouble because we have lost our way. God protects us because we protect Israel."

Source: Kearney Hub on 2022 Nebraska Gubernatorial race Nov 2, 2021

Carol Blood: Serve the people, not special interest groups or parties

?I would be honored to serve as your next Governor and will make sure your voices are heard. Together we can continue to make our Nebraska communities great places to live and raise our families. Let's not participate in the partisan politics we see at all levels of government across our great country. In Nebraska, we can keep our eye on what is important--people. Those seeking to serve in public office should not serve special interest groups or political parties, they should serve you.
Source: 2021 Nebraska Governor campaign website ElectCarolBlood.com Oct 19, 2021

Carol Blood: Stop using political labels instead of friends and neighbors

Let's stop using words like conservative, progressive, liberal, far right, and other terms that label Nebraskans. Political operatives from all parties love to use these labels to try and influence your vote and instill fear with half-truths and lies about good people. None of us are blind to how polarizing those words can be. Today, I say, let's get back to our roots and use words like Nebraskans...friends...neighbors.
Source: Nebraska Democrats on 2022 Nebraska Gubernatorial race Sep 23, 2021

Carol Blood: I see myself as a Nebraskan running for office in Nebraska

[On political philosophy]: "I don't see myself as a Democratic woman running in a Republican State," Blood said. "I see myself as a Nebraskan running for public office in Nebraska. That is my mindset." Blood said she doesn't waste any energy on attack ads--she will win her race by knocking on doors and making personal calls. "We have more in common than we do differences," she said.
Source: The Gateway (UNO) on 2022 Nebraska Gubernatorial race Sep 23, 2021

Chuck Herbster: Carry on President Trump's America First policies

Nebraska is home to the greatest farms, small businesses and people in the world. To keep the good life great, we must come together and tackle some of the most difficult issues of our time: Carry on President Trump's America First policies to keep our businesses open and thriving.
Source: 2021 Governor campaign website HerbsterForNebraska.com Jun 7, 2021

Chuck Herbster: Tending family cattle taught him rewards of hard work

On the Richardson county land, his family homesteaded in the 1800s, 11-year-old Charles began his journey toward success every day at 5AM. The Angus cattle purchased by his grandmother required full-time care and attention. Those animals fueled his passion for agriculture and taught him the rewards of hard work.
Source: 2021 Governor campaign website HerbsterForNebraska.com Jun 7, 2021

Chuck Herbster: Radical left promotes abolition of God in our country

[Press release]: Herbster calls on President Joe Biden to put God first instead of appeasing a radical left-wing agenda, promoting the abolition of God in our country. On this National Day of Prayer, he was shocked to see a sitting President of the United States defy faith. "God was with us today even though President Biden doesn't think so. His omission of our Lord and Savior from the Presidential Prayer Proclamation is shameful on a day where so many Americans turn to Him."
Source: 2021 Governor campaign website HerbsterForNebraska.com May 6, 2021

Chuck Herbster: Would never back away from support, loyalty for Trump

For Herbster, closeness with the former president is more than political posturing. Herbster said he and Trump have a friendship spanning 16 years. Herbster said he admires Trump's accomplishments, even if doing so alienates some voters. "I can assure you that, my loyalty to what he achieved, what he did, his willingness to put up with all the crap. I would never, in any way, back away from my support and loyalty for the president," Herbster said, referring to Trump.
Source: Scottsbluff Star-Herald on 2022 Nebraska Gubernatorial race May 4, 2021

Chuck Herbster: Attended Jan. 6 Trump rally; left before insurrection

Herbster has faced criticism after attending Trump's January 6th rally. Herbster flew out of Washington D.C. for Florida after the rally, but before the riot began, according to the Omaha World Herald, and condemned the actions of the mob. "While I support the right for every American to peacefully protest, what is happening at the Capitol is unacceptable and dangerous," Herbster posted to Twitter on Jan. 6.
Source: News Channel NE on Jan. 6 & 2022 Nebraska Gubernatorial race Apr 29, 2021

Chris Janicek: Represent Nebraskans with respect, integrity and worth

I am seeking the United States Senate seat to represent the people of Nebraska. We are sick and tired of politicians who care more about money and special interest than they do about us. I will represent Nebraskans with respect, integrity and worth. My experience for public office is supported with my social, educational and business background. As a working class citizen I understand what the average person needs and what they are going through. I want to work for the people.
Source: KOLN/KGIN 1011-NOW on 2020 Nebraska Senate race Apr 23, 2020

Chris Janicek: Impeachment about upholding rule of law

While Sasse has criticized Trump's conduct in regards to Ukraine, the senator also has referred to the House's impeachment inquiry as a "partisan clown show." Janicek said the situation is not about particular policy preferences but rather upholding the rule of law. "While Trump's popularity is good in Nebraska, his presidency can NOT be allowed to continue under the cloud of a man who operates beyond and outside the best interests of our country," Janicek said.
Source: Star-Herald on 2020 Nebraska Senate race & impeaching Trump Dec 5, 2019

Chris Janicek: Not about left or right, but moving forward

Janicek says he sees himself as a conservative Democrat on most issues "Republican ideas and Democrat ideas don't need to be brought to the table anymore, we need the right ideas. It's not about moving left, it's not about moving right, it's about moving forward. It's about putting Nebraska back on the map, unifying this state and working for the common good of all the people that live here."
Source: KNEB-TV 960 AM on 2020 Nebraska Senate race Sep 19, 2019

Bob Krist: Changed parties, not important what letter was behind name

Krist was a registered Republican from at least the early 1980s until last year, when he left the party to challenge Ricketts as a third-party candidate. Then in early 2018, he registered as a Democrat. He's not going to change again, he said. "It was not important to me what letter was behind my name," he said.
Source: The Lincoln Journal-Star on 2022 Nebraska Gubernatorial race Oct 27, 2018

Bob Krist: Reputation for being a pragmatic, fair conservative

I am proud to wholeheartedly support Sen. Krist of Omaha in his campaign for governor of Nebraska. As a young Nebraskan who's watched Krist in the Unicameral for the past few sessions, he never struck me as the kind of cautious politician you'd typically see planning to run for higher office. He's honest for one, and votes sensibly. He isn't afraid to work out solutions--and sometimes yell at his colleagues. Krist consistently upholds his values as a pragmatic and fair conservative.
Source: Kearney Hub on 2018 Nebraska gubernatorial race Oct 17, 2017

Don Bacon: Priorities: be a good Christian, husband, father and citizen

Q: Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.

Bacon: I am a Christian saved by faith and His grace. My priorities in life are to be a good Christian, husband, father and citizen. I start each day by reading a chapter from the Old Testament and one from the New Testament. My favorite verses are Matthew 6:19-20, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal."

Q: What in the nature of mankind caused America's Founders to carefully define, separate, and limit powers in the Constitution?

Bacon: Our Founders feared the thirst for power would result in tyranny if the Constitution was not carefully crafted. That is why we are not a "pure democracy".

Source: 2016 AFA Action iVoterGuide on Nebraska House race Nov 8, 2016

Don Bacon: I was raised reading National Review and Human Events

Q: Considering all issues (social, economic, national security, etc.), which political philosophy best describes you?

Bacon: Very Conservative

Q: Please defend your answer to the previous question by referencing your publicly available track record.

Bacon: My parents and four grandparents were Goldwater fans and I was raised reading National Review and Human Events. I campaigned for local Republicans growing up and was a supporter of Ronald Reagan in 1976 when I was 13 years old. I was an active College Republican and interned after college with Congressman Ed Madigan. I'm a member of Heritage Foundation, and endorsed by the Concerned Women for America PAC. I have written many editorials supporting conservative policies and candidates that are public record. I volunteer or donate to the following organizations: Assure and Essential Pregnancy Services, Good News Jail Ministry, Gideons, Youth for Christ, CRU, and am a Central Committee member of our County Republican Party.

Source: 2016 AFA Action iVoterGuide on Nebraska House race Nov 8, 2016

Shane Osborn: Judeo-Christian values established our government framework

Question topic: Efforts to bring Islamic law (shariah) to America do not pose a threat to our country and its Constitution.

Osborn: Strongly Agree.

Question topic: Judeo-Christian values established a framework of morality which permitted our system of limited government.

Osborn: Strongly Agree.

Source: Faith2Action iVoterGuide on 2014 Nebraska Senate race Jul 2, 2014

Ben Sasse: Endorsed by Freedom Works' founder & other Tea Party groups

Republican Senate candidate Ben Sasse countered this week's endorsement of Shane Osborn by Freedom Works with an endorsement from Dick Armey, the conservative organization's high-profile founder. Armey, the former Republican House Majority Leader, said Sasse is "a conservative outsider committed to changing Washington. Ben Sasse knows more about ObamaCare than just about any Republican running for Senate today. I believe most of Freedom Works members in Nebraska will support Ben Sasse because he is the conservative that best represents their views."

Armey, who recently left the chairmanship of Freedom Works after an internal struggle, said: "We don't need career politicians running because this is just the next rung on the ladder for them."

Sasse previously pocketed endorsements from two conservative national organizations, the Senate Conservatives Fund and the Club for Growth. All three political action groups espouse conservative principles closely tied to the views of tea party advocates.

Source: Lincoln Journal Star on 2014 Nebraska Senate debate Nov 15, 2013

Shane Osborn: Endorsed by Tea Party-oriented group, Freedom Works

Republican Senate candidate Ben Sasse countered this week's endorsement of Shane Osborn by Freedom Works with an endorsement from Dick Armey, the conservative organization's high-profile founder. Armey recently left the chairmanship of Freedom Works after an internal struggle.

Sasse previously pocketed endorsements from two conservative national organizations, the Senate Conservatives Fund and the Club for Growth. All three political action groups espouse conservative principles closely tied to the views of tea party advocates.

The competing endorsements continued to focus the 2014 Senate spotlight on Sasse and Osborn in a Republican contest that has attracted four candidates.

Source: Lincoln Journal Star on 2014 Nebraska Senate debate Nov 15, 2013

Deb Fischer: Ran underdog primary campaign on shoestring budget

All eyes are on Deb Fischer, a Republican state senator and Sarah Palin's pick for the seat, whose underdog campaign appears to have surged past her rivals' in the final days before the primary. For months, state Attorney General Jon Bruning had a clear double-digit lead over Fischer and state Treasurer Don Stenberg. Few Republicans saw a realistic opportunity for Stenberg to overtake Bruning, and even fewer thought Fischer could pull off an upset victory.

But a series of last-minute surveys shows Fischer surging despite her shoestring campaign and millions of dollars in ads that Bruning, Stenberg and their allies have aired. "Nebraska's got a pretty good record of supporting underdogs. [Sen.] Mike Johanns [R-Neb.] was an underdog," Fischer told The Hill.

The winner of Tuesday's primary will face former Sen. Bob Kerrey (Neb.), who is running unopposed in the Democratic primary.

Source: The Hill coverage of 2012 Nebraska Senate primary debate May 15, 2012

Deb Fischer: Do Nebraskans want more career politician in Washington?

Bruning has been accused of greenlighting grants to a farm group that donated to his campaign days later and of releasing a student-loan company from a $1 million settlement despite co-owning a home with officials from the company.

"It's going to come down to: Do Nebraskans want to send the same type of career politician back to Washington?" said Fischer. "Jon seems to be particularly establishment. I'm running a grassroots campaign."

Source: The Hill coverage of 2012 Nebraska Senate primary debate May 15, 2012

Deb Fischer: TV ad: "End the political bull"

Fischer said Bruning's new negative TV ads demonstrate that Bruning is growing desperate. Fischer also defended her own ad, which includes two bulls with "Stenberg" and "Bruning" ear tags. It says it's time to end the "political bull."

She described the ad as "cute" and as an example of Sand Hills humor.

Bruning's campaign manager called it negative campaigning.

Source: Omaha World Herald on 2012 Nebraska Senate ad review May 12, 2012

Don Stenberg: Our country's going in the wrong direction

All called for a reduction in federal spending and national debt, the repeal of President Barack Obama's health care overhaul law and declared tough stances on illegal immigration.

"Our country's going in the wrong direction," Stenberg said in his opening remarks. "We desperately need new leadership in Washington to restore America."

Source: Associated Press/The Republic on 2012 Nebraska Senate debate May 1, 2012

Don Stenberg: Most campaign funds come from South Carolina PAC

A debate panelist asked each candidate to describe what weaknesses of the other candidates could be exploited by the Kerrey campaign during the general election campaign.

Stenberg reiterated criticisms he's aimed at Bruning throughout the campaign: That Bruning has become a multimillionaire while serving in public office and that in 2007, Bruning attempted to waive a $1 million settlement with Lincoln-based student loan company Nelnet.

In response, Bruning declared he would not "throw mud" at his opponents, then said "South Carolina has two senators ... they don't need a third," implying that Stenberg would be beholden to South Carolina's Sen. Jim DeMint, a tea party leader who has endorsed Stenberg. The bulk of Stenberg's fundraising for his Senate campaign has come from the Senate Conservatives Fund, a political action committee run by DeMint.

Source: Associated Press/The Republic on 2012 Nebraska Senate debate May 1, 2012

Jon Bruning: OpEd: Became multimillionaire while serving in public office

A debate panelist asked each candidate to describe what weaknesses of the other candidates could be exploited by the Kerrey campaign during the general election campaign.

Stenberg reiterated criticisms he's aimed at Bruning throughout the campaign: That Bruning has become a multimillionaire while serving in public office and that in 2007, Bruning attempted to waive a $1 million settlement with Lincoln-based student loan company Nelnet after the company was accused of improper business practices. A year later, Bruning entered a time-share agreement on a nearly $700,000 vacation home with two Nelnet executives.

In response, Bruning declared he would not "throw mud" at his opponents, then said "South Carolina has two senators... they don't need a third," implying that Stenberg would be beholden to South Carolina's Sen. Jim DeMint, a tea party leader who has endorsed Stenberg.

Source: Associated Press/The Republic on 2012 Nebraska Senate debate May 1, 2012

Pat Flynn: Endorsed by Republican Liberty Caucus

Pat Flynn was not invited by The Omaha World-Herald to take part. Flynn has been vocal in his criticism of the newspaper for leaving him out of the debate. Flynn says the newspaper's editors told him that the paper wanted to focus on only the top three candidates, which Flynn says is not for news organizations to decide.

Flynn has raised less money than the other candidates but has garnered national endorsements, including those from the Republican Liberty Caucus and former Rep. Tom Tancredo, R-Colo.

Source: Associated Press/The Republic on 2012 Nebraska Senate debate May 1, 2012

Pat Flynn: I'm the only candidate who is not a "career politician"

Candidates seeking the Republican Senate nomination clashed about their conservative credentials. It was a fight egged on by the state Democratic Party, which issued a news release before the debate at the Union League, noting that candidates Steve Welch and Tom Smith are former Democrats.

Welch, who voted for President Obama in the 2008 Democratic primary election, said he has gone to "painstaking lengths" to be clear about his political history. He renounced his support of Obama.

Source: Omaha World Herald on 2012 Nebraska Senate debate Apr 7, 2012

Mike Johanns: Focus on small towns

We need to make sure that the next senator from the United States from Nebraska will always keep Nebraska’s interest first, Kleeb said.

“Focus on your small towns--I did it as governor; I did it as secretary,” Johanns said.

Source: [Xref Kleeb] 2008 Nebraska Senate debate Aug 24, 2008

Scott Kleeb: Always keep Nebraska’s interest first

We need to make sure that the next senator from the United States from Nebraska will always keep Nebraska’s interest first, Kleeb said.

“Focus on your small towns--I did it as governor; I did it as secretary,” Johanns said.

Source: 2008 Nebraska Senate debate reported in Lincoln News Aug 24, 2008

Steven Larrick: Healthy world relations; healthy planet; healthy Americans

    My top three legislative priorities are designed to bring greater health to all levels of our lives. We need to create:
  1. HEALTHY INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS by ending the Iraq war and supporting the United Nations and others to bring peace around the world;
  2. A HEALTHY PLANET by strengthening supports for energy conservation, renewable energy from wind, solar and other clean sources and public transportation; and
  3. HEALTHY AMERICANS by establishing a universal single-payer healthcare system for all using the best management practices from other nations with better, less expensive health outcomes.
Source: Nebraska Congressional Election 2008 Political Courage Test Jun 25, 2008

Mike Johanns: Priorities: tax relief, education, family

I have sought to advance five priorities with the objectives of improving our way of life and leaving Nebraska a better place. We have made progress in providing property tax relief, limiting the scope of government in people’s lives, building a prosperous economy, protecting our families and communities from crime, and ensuring the health, safety, and success of our children. As I’ve listened to Nebraskans, property tax relief and educating our children continue to top the list of priorities.
Source: 2001 State of the State Address to Nebraska Legislature Jan 11, 2001

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2020 Presidential contenders on Principles & Values:
  Democrats running for President:
Sen.Michael Bennet (D-CO)
V.P.Joe Biden (D-DE)
Mayor Mike Bloomberg (I-NYC)
Gov.Steve Bullock (D-MT)
Mayor Pete Buttigieg (D-IN)
Sen.Cory Booker (D-NJ)
Secy.Julian Castro (D-TX)
Gov.Lincoln Chafee (L-RI)
Rep.John Delaney (D-MD)
Rep.Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI)
Sen.Amy Klobuchar (D-MN)
Gov.Deval Patrick (D-MA)
Sen.Bernie Sanders (I-VT)
CEO Tom Steyer (D-CA)
Sen.Elizabeth Warren (D-MA)
Marianne Williamson (D-CA)
CEO Andrew Yang (D-NY)

2020 Third Party Candidates:
Rep.Justin Amash (L-MI)
CEO Don Blankenship (C-WV)
Gov.Lincoln Chafee (L-RI)
Howie Hawkins (G-NY)
Gov.Gary Johnson(L-NM)
Howard Schultz(I-WA)
Gov.Jesse Ventura (I-MN)
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Sen.Ted Cruz(R-TX)
Gov.Larry Hogan (R-MD)
Gov.John Kasich(R-OH)
V.P.Mike Pence(R-IN)
Gov.Mark Sanford (R-SC)
Pres.Donald Trump(R-NY)
Rep.Joe Walsh (R-IL)
Gov.Bill Weld(R-MA & L-NY)

2020 Withdrawn Democratic Candidates:
Sen.Stacey Abrams (D-GA)
Mayor Bill de Blasio (D-NYC)
Sen.Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY)
Sen.Mike Gravel (D-AK)
Sen.Kamala Harris (D-CA)
Gov.John Hickenlooper (D-CO)
Gov.Jay Inslee (D-WA)
Mayor Wayne Messam (D-FL)
Rep.Seth Moulton (D-MA)
Rep.Beto O`Rourke (D-TX)
Rep.Tim Ryan (D-CA)
Adm.Joe Sestak (D-PA)
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