Nebraska Democratic Party: Esch to Run for Congress

Esch to Run for Congress

Feb 29, 11:46 AM CST

Democrat Jim Esch is set to run for Congress in the 2nd CD:

Esch had ruled out a bid this year, but he said today that he changed his mind and planned to seek the Democratic nomination for the right to challenge Republican incumbent Lee Terry in the fall.

Esch, 32, ran a grassroots campaign in 2006 that relied heavily on friends, young supporters and a message of change to try to unseat Terry.

He lost to Terry by about 10 percentage points but came closer than many expected. Esch made Terry visibly nervous on election night, when for much of the evening the race was too close to call.

Esch said he changed his mind about running because of the enthusiasm generated by the Nebraska Democratic Party’s first caucuses and presidential hopeful Barack Obama’s perceived ability to bring new people to the polls…

His entry into the race sets up a competitive Democratic primary match in the Omaha-based district between Esch and political newcomer and military veteran Richard Carter of Bellevue.

Dan Morris, Carter’s campaign manager, said Esch’s decision would not deter the campaign. Carter still planned to file for office Monday, Morris said.

“We look forward to a good race and taking on Lee Terry in November,” said Morris.

We wish Jim Esch and Rich Carter both the best of luck in their campaigns.

Note: The NDP does not endorse any candidate in a competitive Democratic primary process.

– by Eric Van Horn | Send this to a friend

Hoping that this Democratic primary match can help get out the message for change, I look forward to the debates and coverage that can help compete with Lee Terry’s $500,000+ war chest from past campaigns. When elected, Lee Terry pledged not to seek more than 3 terms and now he is seeking his 6th. He also brings back the least of all Nebraska’s congressmen back to his District even though Terry is suppose to be the senior representative from Nebraska and the junior members from Nebraska were also Republican. In a newly Democratic Congress, loyalist Lee also participated in the walkout of Republicans from the House Chamber over when Administration officials have to testify to Congress. That will really help him, and Nebraska, in a bipartisan / Democratic Congress …. NOT!
— William Monif Mar 04, 10:25 AM CST #