Republicans Say Stakes High In Mid-Term Election

NEBRASKA CITY – Nebraskans will be making important decisions about the direction of the state and country in the Nov. 6 election, Nebraska Republican candidates said Thursday on visits to Plattsmouth and Nebraska City. Lt. Gov. Mike Foley said voter turnout is typically lower for mid-term elections, but the stakes are still high. Foley: “Some of these races are very, very tight, so turnout is going to decide the future of our state because, if we lose two or three seats in the Legislature, it will really shift the focus of that legislature in a very different direction.” Legislature candidate Rob Clements was on the tour and Foley described the importance for Gov. Pete Ricketts’ appointee to win election. He said the Legislature’s Appropriations Committee has been conservative in recent years, but sharply divided. Foley said the committee is losing conservative voices with Dan Watermeier’s bid for Public Service Commission and John Kuehn not seeking re-election. Foley: “We want Rob Clements to come back, sit in that seat on the Appropriations Committee and be that voice of common sense conservatism.” Secretary of State Candidate Bob Evnen discussed particular issues. Evnen: “I support voter ID as a component of election security going forward. It’s just common sense. We can do it without disenfranchising properly registered voters.” Watermeier said the election is about getting the right people in the right position. Watermeier: “I feel like I’m the best candidate for the Public Service Commission because I can separate out the emotions in some of these issues. My opponent is  strictly running on one agenda – she’s going to kill the Keystone XL. I have said over time and time again that I think I will give it a fair shake, if it comes back to the Public Service Commission.” Plattsmouth Mayor Paul Lambert said the meet and greet is good for the citizens of Plattsmouth and good for candidates to get to know the people. Lambert: “Well there are certainly some different views out there and I want our citizens to be aware of them and vote what their conscience tells them to vote.” John Murante for state treasurer and Attorney General Doug Peterson were also on the tour.