Nebraska Democratic Party: Scott Kleeb for Congress

Scott Kleeb for Congress

Aug 23, 06:39 PM CST

Another great Democrat who sees a better way – Scott Kleeb for Nebraska’s 3rd Congressional District.

Scott Kleeb in his hometown, Dunning, Nebraska.

Stay tuned for ways to contact Scott and get involved in his campaign.

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I was watching C-SPAN last night and noticed Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns taking part in listening sessions for the farm bill at the Iowa State Fair. I understand these sessions have taken place in Pennsylvania, Indiana, Minnesota and Alabama too.

So far, Nebraska isn’t on the schedule.

Here are the questions the USDA needs answers to.

1. How should farm policy address any unintended consequences and ensure that such consequences do not discourage new farmers and the next generation of farmers from entering production agriculture?

2. How should farm policy be designed to maximize U.S. competitiveness and our country’s ability to effectively compete in global markets?

3. How should farm policy be designed to effectively and fairly distribute assistance to producers?

4. How can farm policy best achieve conservation and environmental goals?

5. How can Federal rural and farm programs provide effective assistance in rural areas?

6. How should agricultural product development, marketing and research-related issues be addressed in the next farm bill?

More importantly, please click on this link and learn about the ideas, suggestions, needs, and concerns of the farmers speaking out at this forum. There were a few speakers with strong Nebraska ties present at this event.

http://www.usda.gov/documents/FBFIA081105.pdf

I feel there is some interesting material here for Scott Kleeb to consider as he prepares for his campaign.
— Robert Smith Aug 23, 07:39 PM CST #
Scott plans to be a guest blogger as the campaign moves forward and will certainly appreciate your advice.
— barry Aug 23, 08:15 PM CST #
Yeah, I see how Scott knows what’s good for Nebraska. CU & Yale… Right??????

Go back to the City Lib.
— p elvis Aug 23, 10:33 PM CST #
I’m from the area and have trouble seeing Scott as knowing much about the Sandhills, what’s good for Nebraska and hometown??????? Dunning????

Come on doubt you fit it very well????????
— mike Aug 23, 10:35 PM CST #
Cool. Glad to hear it.
— Larry Harvey Aug 23, 11:22 PM CST #
I saw Scott Kleeb speak in person tonight and can confirm that his boots are broken in, unlike the Republican candidates with fancy, new boots who visited Valentine for the parade last week. That means he is a real cowboy who has actually done some work around the farm. He is well spoken on agricultural production, commodity prices and federal legislation that affects our farmers. I would dare to say that if there was a 69-County horseback race to decide who the next Congressman of the 3rd Congressional District is, Scott Kleeb would win by at least 15 counties. Actually, I don’t even know if I’ve ever heard before of any of his opponents ever riding a horse.
— Lee Clausen Aug 23, 11:46 PM CST #
On a separate note, to p elvis and mike, keep shovelling the manure nothing stokes the fire of supporters more than that.
— Lee Clausen Aug 23, 11:54 PM CST #
The negative attitude expressed by p elvis August 23rd points out why Nebraska continues to fall lower and lower in population, income, etc. Scott Kleeb’s home life and formal education has prepared him to work with the Republicans and the Democrats for Nebraska.
— F. Kay Blackstone Aug 24, 09:33 AM CST #
Hrmm, p elvis… Pretty sure GWB was a Yale and Harvard guy. Isn’t he the iconic symbol of being in touch with rural american values?

I guess I don’t get why the fact that attending a premier institution of higher learning should disqualify a candidate. In fact, shouldn’t an area in population decline- an area that is losing its younger generation- embrace someone with the intelligence to go to Yale and the sense to return with that education back to his roots?
— Nolan Gaskill Aug 24, 11:05 AM CST #
Not if you’re Young Republican trolls like p elvis and mike.
— Uncle Shamus Aug 24, 11:29 AM CST #
I just moved back to NE after about 7 years, 4 of which were in Chicago where being a Dem is “easy” (go Barack!). Although I am new to this site/board, I agree with the sentiments expressed by Nolan Gaskill and F. Kay Blackstone. Although Scott probably doesn’t get any “bonus” points for education, it should not be a liability either. If we plan to work on the 93 county plan and be successful as an org., let’s focus on the real issues. The negative comments and lack of support based on such superficial things is not the way to get there. If you have concerns, voice them constructively and let’s all help Scott deal with them.
— Marnie Aug 26, 11:28 AM CST #
Welcome home, Marnie.
— Barry Aug 26, 12:44 PM CST #
I am excited that a young person (30 is comparatively young in Nebraska politics) has the guts to run for US congress as a Democrat in Nebraska’s most conservative district.

I say we put the party’s full support behind him. A well-spoken, well-educated Nebraska native who is knowlegable about our critical farming issues will have plenty of gravel road grit (aka street cred in the cities). Mr. Kleeb appears to be just what the doctor ordered for CD 3 and the state as a whole.

Where can we donate to his campaign?
— Nancy Meyer Aug 26, 07:51 PM CST #
I know Scott from Yale and I think you all are so lucky to have such an intelligent, well-spoken, down-to-earth man running to represent your district! I came to know him as a quintessential midwestern gentleman who likely enhanced the education of a few at this ivory tower because of his understanding of issues many out here don’t realize affect them (like farming). He is also the rare person with a graduate degree who can pretty much talk to anyone, no matter what their background—something I can appreciate as a nurse.

I’ll be watching with interest as the year progresses and again, you all are oh-so-lucky! Best wishes for the campaign!
— Allison, RN Aug 26, 08:48 PM CST #
It sounds to me that Kleeb’s another wannabe Republican, like Ben Nelson. Just what is it about Nelson and Kleeb that make them Democrats?

According to Robynn Tysver’s article in the OWH, Kleeb “opposes abortion,” … “supports ethanol, [and] the Iraq war.”

“We need young people coming back to our state. Folks who get their education and come back to the communities that they’re from. That’s exactly what I’m doing,” he said.

Good for Keeb. As for me, a gay Nebraskan, I’m afraid of the state’s social conservatives. I’ll take my education and stay in Colorado.
— andy Aug 27, 12:23 PM CST #
I never realized that supporting ethanol was an uniquely Republican positon. Hmm…
— Uncle Shamus Aug 28, 04:26 PM CST #
If Kleeb is indeed a Nelson-style Democrat, so be it. We are not in a position to nitpick our Dem candidates’ views; we are in a position to support a person who can win.

I would like to see Kleeb’s position on the Iraq War and other issues outlined in detail on his website, which is . . . ? I am asking the NDP to encourage him to get one, or make one for him. Time’s a-wasting!
— Nancy Meyer Aug 30, 09:40 AM CST #
FYI…You can donate to the campaign at :

Kleeb For Congress
82090 Conway Rd.
Dunning, NE 68833

The website should be up and running in a couple of weeks (if not sooner) at www.scottkleeb.com and you can make contributions there and also check out Scott’s bio and thoughts on different topics
— SR Aug 31, 08:56 AM CST #
I know Scott from Yale, and can confirm that he is not “another wannabe Republican” and that his cowboy creds are pretty legitimate. I have my own opinions about his politics and they’re not entirely positive (moot point, since I don’t live in NE), but Zell Miller he ain’t.
— Dave Bede, Denver, CO Sep 01, 09:01 PM CST #
I’m thrilled to see that one of my fellow “Dems” from CU has done right by us. My best wishes to Mr. Kleeb on the race. Scott is a brilliant guy and is a fantastic candidate to have in your corner. (Nebraska, though, Scott? Geesh. Like a stake through the heart.)
— Sally Sep 10, 01:53 PM CST #
I’ve been to his site several times, and it’s just a guy standing in a field, with the flag of course prominently displayed. Pro-life? Pro-War? I mean, come on … that just reads like someone trying to overcome his perceived weaknesses, in particular, his education. Even Republicans are now against the war … I’m not too exited. This seems like the same bad food, served on a fancy white tablecloth.
— Polly Sep 18, 02:04 PM CST #
I went to school with Scott in Colorado. I am a fiscally conservative, personally conservative, social liberal that has a track record that would ingratiate me to liberal haters and hippies, as well as most San Franciscans. No I am not gay.

Scott is, quite legitemately one of the top three most principled and thoughtful, educated and aware men I have EVER met. The other two are of no consequence… but so you don’t think I have allegiance to idiots like W or Clinton, it would be my pop and a gent named Brendan White.

Scott is someone that will be much further in the government at some point, and it should be an honour to have this man represent you and help your district for the short period of time he is available.

I have a tendency to ramble… let’s keep it simple…. I feel Scott is either a genius or naive in thinking that there are still access points for true, principled Americans into the govenrment. He is no politician… he is a self-aware, deeply intelligent and thoughtful man that feels his responsibility to the American people to a fault. Not that that is a fault.

Scott good luck… I cannot imagine how someone with your heart, your brain, and your values wishes to venture into politics…. but we all would be much better off for it. Cheers, and good luck!

Michael J. Hraba
Passport Resorts
650-759-2997
— michael hraba Nov 07, 09:17 PM CST #
I will say this about Scott he is a very intelligent, compassionate person and I too am surprised of his direction to politics. It is a boon for Nebraska nonetheless. I know him and Mike from CU- though doubltess they don’t remember me!

Now Mike Hraba you probably don’t remember this one, but I was trying to remember the name of the composer for that Vivaldi tape recording you had. The best rendition of the Four Seasons I’ve heard and I still pine for this edition. I’m hoping you remember it and the publisher has reissued it on CD.

Artout
— Art Escobado Nov 29, 08:56 PM CST #
I echo the sentiments of Michael Hraba. I have known Scott, off and on, since 2nd grade and had the pleasure of being taught by both his parents in overseas Department of Defense schools. Scott gleaned a lot of positive values from his parents who were two of the finest instructors and role models I have encountered. Scott has always been a down to earth, comfortable in any setting guy who made quick friends with everyone. Scott was never afraid to voice his views and always open hear those of others. I really hope the people who criticize his school choices realize his parents raised him overseas while they served the children of service men and women. Scott should be applauded for his eagerness to return to Nebraska and work as a ranch hand (which, by the way, all of us from grade school and high school thought was nuts!). His views and feelings on issues have been genuine for years. Scott can be the uniter that Nebraska, and more importantly, our country is clamoring for.
— Bodazapha2 Jul 08, 12:42 PM CST #
I was all excited about supporting Scott until I read about him telling his friends at Yale “the true story” of Western Nebraska at the Pierson College Master’s Tea . Here is a quote which both statements are totally not true.

“You can’t make a cell phone call from western Nebraska anywhere,” Kleeb said. “We don’t have the infrastructure to allow farmers to sell their beef online. If you can’t sell your product online in western Nebraska, how are you going to be able to compete?”

Here is where you can find it.
http://www.yaledailynews.com/Article.aspx?ArticleID=30280

I don’t like to be negative but if this is all the better we can do, I will save my campaign contributions for a better Democratic candidate,with or without a PhD – a REAL Nebraskan.
— franklin Aug 05, 09:52 PM CST #
I was a classmate of Scott in high school, and educated by his father for two years. From that a friendship was formed with Scott and his family. What a wonderful family. If I could share one thing with the readers on this site it would be of Scott’s work ethic. In high school while my friends and I were going out, Scott was studying. This is a guy who slept in the back of his pick-up truck for half a year gathering information about ranches across the country. Not because he does not like beds, but because that was the only way he could afford to pursue something he cares about. I believe that what he tells the voters in Nebraska he cares about, he will pursue. I trust him, I am excited about him, and he has my vote.
— Michael Bishop Sep 01, 10:06 AM CST #