Achelpohl: It's time to mobilize
Wed, Sep 3 03:30 PM CST
Want to be a part of the change we’re bringing to Washington? The DNC’s Neighborhood Volunteer program is a great way to get involved.
Message from Senator Obama: Help Gulf Coast Residents
Mon, Sep 1 03:56 PM CST
This Labor Day, we are all concerned about the situation in New Orleans and the rest of the gulf coast as they brace against yet another powerful storm.
This Weekend: Canvass for Change
Tue, Aug 12 08:51 AM CST
This weekend, Senator Obama’s campaign will be establishing their presence in our state. Let’s welcome the Campaign for Change to Nebraska in style: by taking our Party’s message door to door in Lincoln and Omaha.
Wednesday: Special Grassroots Event
Mon, Jul 14 04:50 PM CST
With John McCain at a high dollar fundraiser down the road, the Nebraska Democratic Party will be hosting a grassroots hotdog cookout at Mahoney State Park on Wednesday, July 16, at 3:30 pm.
Democrats Work to Host Elmwood Park Clean Up
Wed, Jun 25 09:55 AM CST
On Saturday, June 28th at 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM, Democrats Work as well as the UNO Young Democrats and Legislative candidates Heath Mello and Jeremy Nordquist will be working to clean up Elmwood Park at Leavenworth Street and S 60th Street.
A Message from Bob Kerrey
Tue, Jun 24 03:09 PM CST
Deciding not to run for U.S. Senate in 2008 was one of the most difficult decisions I’ve ever had to make. Though happy with my position at New School, I believe our nation is facing a critical moment that challenges us all to public service.
Nebraskans United
Mon, Jun 2 02:55 PM CST
In case you haven’t noticed, petition circulators have flooded into our state in an attempt to co-opt our state constitution with a radical right-wing agenda.
Early Voting Has Begun
Wed, Apr 9 01:34 PM CST
Early voting for the May Primary election is underway.
2008 Morrison-Exon Award Nominations
Tue, Mar 25 02:13 PM CST
The NDP is now accepting nominations for awards at the 2008 Morrison-Exon Dinner.
Lead Your Neighborhood
Sat, Feb 23 01:30 PM CST
Nebraska Democrats are motivated, energized, and ready to win in November. We need your help to get that message across.
Save the Date: Kathleen Kennedy Townsend in Omaha
Thu, Dec 27 03:13 PM CST
Join the Effort in California
Thu, Oct 25 03:39 PM CST
The California Democratic Party, the San Diego Democratic Party and Democrats Work are working together to help Californians devastated by the fires, and they are asking fellow Democrats throughout the country to join them. Here are some ways you can make a difference today and in the hard weeks and months to come.
Join NYD for the Forever Young Dinner
Mon, Oct 8 07:37 AM CST
The Nebraska Young Democrats will host the 2nd Annual Forever Young Dinner on Saturday, November 3rd at the UNO Thompson Alumni Center in Omaha.
Host a "Year Out" House Party in November
Fri, Oct 5 12:54 PM CST
Nebraska Democrats are building a statewide grassroots network, and we want you to be a local leader.
Salute to Labor
Mon, Sep 3 06:46 PM CST
Today I joined thousands of union members and their families at the annual Septemberfest Salute to Labor parade in downtown Omaha. The Labor Day parade is just one part of a three-day festival celebrating the hard work of union members in the Omaha area.
Presidential Candidate Governor Bill Richardson in Omaha
Fri, Aug 31 01:54 PM CST
Democratic candidate for President Governor Bill Richardson will be in Nebraska on Monday, September 3rd for breakfast at Septemberfest’s Salute to Labor in downtown Omaha.
What Book Got You Hooked?
Tue, Jul 24 11:19 PM CST
In an effort to celebrate the books that inspire children to become readers, First Book asks you what book got you started reading. The state with the most responses will get 50,000 books to distribute to underprivileged children.
Caucus for Nebraskans Experiencing Disabilities
Thu, Jul 19 10:01 AM CST
The following message is from Jim Dake from Dodge County, who is working with others to form a caucus for Nebraskans experiencing disabilities.
NYD: Taking Action for our Future
Tue, Jul 10 01:52 PM CST
In 1997, the cost of tuition at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln was $78.50 per credit hour. Despite the lip service paid to Nebraska’s problem keeping our best and brightest young people, we’ve now seen nine years of Republican governors who have consistently shifted more and more of the burden of higher education onto Nebraska students with very little concern for maintaining that education’s quality and affordability.
Wear Red on Fridays
Tue, Jul 3 01:15 PM CST
There are many different emotions that the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan conjure up for Nebraskans. Anger, fear, sadness, grief, and many other emotions can be shown on our faces. Most Nebraskans know someone that has either been to Iraq or Afghanistan or know someone that is over there now. Every corner of our state has been affected, whether it was a small town in the Panhandle or in Lincoln or Omaha, these wars have touched us all.
Stamp Out Hunger...
Fri, May 11 09:36 PM CST
The 15th annual National Association of Letter Carriers National Food Drive is being held today (Saturday). All you have to do is put your non-perishable goods by you mail box, and the letter carriers will pick it up. The food will be will be delivered to your local food banks, pantries, and shelters. As Democrats, this is a perfect opportunity to help out those less fortunate then ourselves.
Workers Memorial Day April 28
Tue, Apr 24 10:34 AM CST
One of the most overlooked instances where deaths happen is in the work place. People have protested over wars, famine, school shootings, and many other causes of deaths, and they should. These are all horrible events, and my heart goes out to anyone that has to deal with the tragic loss that follows. I do want to point out that our fellow countrymen and women are being taken from us in the workplace.
Visit the NDP at the State Fair
Tue, Aug 29 10:24 AM CST
The Nebraska Democratic Party is, once again, hosting a booth at the State Fair this year. We are located in the Devaney Center across from the Information desk. The State Fair is open from 10am-9pm daily and 10am-6pm on Labor Day – the last day of the fair. Please stop by and visit!
Action Alert: John Gale Turns Back the Clock on Fair Elections in Nebraska
Wed, Aug 23 12:21 PM CST
Today, Nebraska Secretary of State John Gale informed the Nebraska Democratic Party of his decision to disregard the authority of the Party’s State Convention to nominate Kate Witek as the Democratic Candidate for State Auditor of Public Accounts.
In doing so, Gale resorted to a partisan interpretation of the law rather than holding up a long standing tradition of fair elections in Nebraska.
How We're Doing
Fri, Aug 4 01:24 PM CST
If you haven’t had a chance to download our 2006 State of the Party Report, I encourage you to do so today.
Thank You for Holding Adrian Smith Accountable!
Sun, Jun 25 12:25 PM CST
There has been an overwhelming response to our Action Alert on Friday calling on Adrian Smith to pay for the necessary security for his fundraiser with Vice President Dick Cheney. Thanks to you, we filled Adrian Smith’s campaign in-box to capacity!
Action Alert: Tell Adrian Smith to Pay for His Own Party
Fri, Jun 23 01:39 PM CST
As Adrian Smith prepares to host Vice President Dick Cheney for an exorbitant fundraiser for his bid for Congress, the residents of Grand Island prepare for the possibility of having to pick up the tab.
Jeff Fortenberry Doesn't Get It
Tue, Jun 20 05:32 PM CST
Our friend Jeff Fortenberry just doesn’t get it folks. After Nebraskans had to convince him to return $4,000 of dirty money he accepted from Duke Cunningham, and after we learned that he took $20,000 from Tom “The Hammer” Delay, it now appears that he has continued to accept contributions from questionable sources.
Hahn Debates Groene
Mon, Jun 19 02:45 PM CST
Candidate for Governor David Hahn will debate Mike Groene, the leader of a petition drive aimed at placing a cap on spending in the state.
Electile Dysfunction
Fri, Feb 17 02:40 PM CST
We’ve got a big problem and we need your help to solve it.
Earlier today, I testified at a public hearing in the Unicameral on the rules and regulations for satellite voting. Partisan Republicans have cooked up the current scheme: it will boost Republican turnout in Lincoln and set a dangerous precedent for elections to come.
Mail Call, Jeff!
Mon, Jan 23 01:55 PM CST
Tom Dorsch of Beatrice recently wrote a letter blasting Rep. Jeff Fortenberry for not returning Tom DeLay’s dirty money.
Even though Tom DeLay has been indicted on two felonies, forced out of his leadership position and three times reprimanded by an ethics panel controlled by his own party, Fortenberry refuses to return dirty money from a political action committee controlled by DeLay.The Journal-Star website is taking comments on Mr. Dorsch’s letter, so please take a second to support him by calling on Rep. Fortenberry to do the right thing. When you’re done with that, head over to the NDP communications center and write a letter yourself. Make sure to let us know if it gets published and we’ll throw it up on the blog!Why is Fortenberry blind to his ethical obligations and unable or unwilling to do the right thing?
Maybe we can’t compete with the special interests when it comes to the money we pay. But we can decide whether our elected officials deserve to keep their government job.
Sign up to Volunteer!
Fri, Jan 6 04:03 PM CST
The Nebraska Democratic Party depends on the strength of our volunteers to carry the Democratic message. Please take a few minutes to give us some information about you here. We’ll be in touch with you throughout this election cycle to best use your talents to get our candidates elected across our state.
Thank you for your help!
"Hometowns to Heroes" Holiday Greetings
Tue, Dec 13 11:20 AM CST
The holiday season gives us plenty of reasons to be grateful for the friends and family surrounding us and for the freedom to celebrate whichever religious holiday we choose. Right now about 1,500 Nebraskans are among the thousands of American troops fighting overseas in Iraq and elsewhere in the world. They are away from their friends and family this holiday to protect the freedoms that shape our way of life.
Thanks to Senator Nelson, you can now easily send those troops a special holiday message to brighten their spirits and thank them for their sacrifice. Sen. Nelson’s website will host daily holiday greetings from Nebraska schools, civic organizations and individuals offering season’s greetings.
You can easily participate. If you have the capability, you can email a 20 second greeting to proud_nebraskan@bennelson.senate.gov or you can stop by Sen. Nelson’s Omaha office to record a greeting. The office is at 7602 Pacific Street and will be open Monday through Friday beginning December 14th through January 15th from 1pm to 4pm for you to record a message.
You can join Nebraska troops in watching the videos on Sen. Nelson’s website.
Great Job Everyone!
Thu, Dec 1 11:12 AM CST
Congrats everyone. Jeff Fortenberry says he is going to give the $4,000 in campaign contributions he received from Duke Cunningham to the Lincoln People’s City Mission. You can read about it in this Omaha World Herald article.
I know several reporters who called Fortenberry’s office yesterday after getting our press release about the petition. They were asking him repeatedly if he was going to donate the money. Your efforts led to his donation to a worthy charity!
Even though Fortenberry complied with our request, there is still more to be done. He still has not given up the $20,000 in contributions from Tom Delay. Please continue to sign the petition and tell your friends to as well!
www.nebraskademocrats.org/dotherightthing
You made a difference yesterday. Not only did your actions bring attention to Fortenberry’s connection to the culture of corruption in the Republican Party, but it ended with the People’s City Mission receiving a plump donation just in time for the holidays.
For those of you who don’t know much about the mission, it is a homeless shelter that is filled to maximum capacity. One of my last stories as a reporter was at the Mission this summer. The Director told me requests to stay there were skyrocketing, in part due to an increase in the number of women and children leaving domestic abuse situations with nowhere else to go.
Because of you, those families in need will have a better holiday season. Great job!
Donate the Dirty Dollars
Wed, Nov 30 01:54 PM CST
As you might have noticed on our homepage, the NDP has created a new online petition asking Rep. Jeff Fortenberry to donate $4,000 to charity. Four-grand is the amount of money the 2004 Fortenberry campaign received from Rep. Duke Cunningham’s American Prosperity PAC. Cunningham’s money is contaminated by the more then $2 million dollars in bribes he took. Cunningham was near tears as he admitted how appalling his behavior was. “The truth is I broke the law, concealed my conduct and disgraced my office,” Cunningham told reporters. Fortenberry should make the same acknowledgement by donating the $4,000 he received from Cunningham’s dirty money to a charity right here in Nebraska. Use your voice and tell him to do so by signing our petition: www.nebraskademocrats.org/dotherightthing You can also check out the NDP Press Release by clicking here.
Achelpohl: Omaha Party a Success
Wed, Nov 16 10:48 AM CST
Last evening I attended the Organizing Party hosted by Frank Barrett in Omaha. I was very pleased to see all the new faces at the event. About 40-45 people showed up to share their concerns about the way our State and federal governments are being led. Like I said, there were several people I have never seen at NDP events, who expressed interest in getting Democrats elected in 2006, and doing what they can to help out.
Kleeb: Restoring Balance to Health Care
Thu, Nov 10 09:59 AM CST
The last 20 years have seen amazing advances in medical science. As a result of new diagnostic technologies, new treatments and new drugs, people our living longer and more comfortably than ever before. But there is another side to this coin, and that is rising costs that are making it increasingly difficult for Americans to afford access to care.
According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, total health care expenses in this country are projected to increase from $1.55 trillion in 2002 to $3.34 trillion by 2013an average increased more 10 percent per year. Not surprisingly, health care insurance premiums, deductibles and co-pays are also on the rise, increasing at a rate as much as six times the rate of inflation.
This is the first in a series of guest blog posts touching on various aspects of health care. Scott Kleeb is running for Congress in Nebraska’s 3rd District.
Poll Results: Health Care
Wed, Nov 9 01:00 PM CST
Two days ago, we asked Nebraska Democrats to become active in the political process by telling us what issues they want to learn more about. Of the eight options we provided, health care was the overwhelming issue that Nebraskans want to discuss.
Over the next two weeks, the Blog for Nebraska will feature discussions from candidates, elected officials, and other experts about various aspects of health care. Featured guests will include Congressional Candidates Jim Esch and Scott Kleeb, The Nebraska Appleseed Center, Rich Lombardi, and NAPE-AFSCME Local #61. More blog posts from other special guests are also in the works.
We are creating a new webpage devoted specifically to health care issues. Starting tomorrow, there will be a new button on the homepage and in the Communications Center linking you to all the information you need to know. The page will be a work in progress as the content will be added everyday.
Health care is a broad issue, so please let us know what aspects you want to hear more about. Comment on this thread, and the health care threads to come, so that we and our panel of guests can respond to your ideas and concerns.
"There is a little bit of Rosa Parks in All Americans"
Tue, Oct 25 10:38 AM CST
Yesterday, I blogged about Senator Obama’s visit to Omaha. One of the stories he told described how much southern Illinois changed since Sen. Dick Durbin first traveled there when he was 24. Racial tensions were high in those parts during the 1960s, leading both Durbin and Obama to be shocked by the support Obama received while campaigning there in 2004. Such a drastic change might never have come to pass without the serine defiance of Rosa Parks.
"Why Are You A Democrat?" (Day 10)
Fri, Oct 7 09:10 AM CST
This is the last post in our “Why Are You A Democrat?” series. I hope you have enjoyed sharing your thoughts and seeing what make other folks so faithful to their Democratic beliefs.
—————
I am a Democrat because I am my brothers keeper.
I am a Nebraska Democrat because I believe that being a Christian is not only talking the talk but it means that you are walking the walk because I believe every word of Matthew 25:32-46
I am a Democrat because I believe what Jesus taught and that is to give with your heart expecting nothing in return.
I am a Democrat because I believe it is moral to help the poor, sick, elderly and young. It is moral to be good stewards of the land and sea. It is moral to love my brother as I would love myself.
It is moral to be tolerant. I am a Nebraska Democrat because I know that it is right to show love patience and tolerance. That it is right to expect transparency and accountability in our elected officials.
I am a Democrat because being progressive isn’t just a political choice but it is inherently who I am as a person. I am a Democrat because I know no other way to be.
-Robin Quarles
"Why Are You A Democrat?" (Day 9)
Wed, Oct 5 12:43 PM CST
I am mixing things up a little bit today. Norma Fleisher decided to respond to our request for stories and testimonials a little differently. After you read it, share with us what you think is worth fighting for.
—————
Instead of answering the above question, I am going to answer “What is worth fighting for?
In an article on August 4th, in the New York Times, Jim Wallis verbalized my exact feelings. Some of the following observations will be in my words, most will be in his.
"Why Are You A Democrat?" (Day 8)
Tue, Oct 4 09:33 AM CST
Here are a few more great reasons to be proud to be a Democrat.
As an educator I continue to see public education taking a back seat to profit. My only hope for the education of our young people is through the Democratic Party. As a veteran that has endured the Reagan Administration’s attack on my benefits my only hope for representation is through the Democratic Party. As a citizen of the United States I have lived through the lies and spins of the Bush Administration, coming to realize that the only hope I have left as an American is the Democratic.
-Daryl Harrison
"Why Are You A Democrat?" (Day 7)
Mon, Oct 3 11:57 AM CST
It’s a new week, a new month and time to re-energize ourselves by reading a few more stories about why we are Democrats:
On my refrigerator is a small piece cut from the newspaper, which
says:
“Hubert Humphrey said: “The moral test of government is how that government treats those who are in the dawn of life, the children; those who are in the twilight of life, the elderly; and those who are in the shadows of life—the sick, the needy, the handicapped.” Bush seems to think they’re all targets.
That is why I am a Democrat in Nebraska.
-Shirley A. Ritter
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Reforming a Culture of Corruption
Thu, Sep 29 03:30 PM CST
This is a special guest post from Senator Matt Connealy:
When I ran for Congress last year, I was up against much more than Jeff Fortenberry. Turns out that Fortenberry was backed by $20,000 of the dirty money that recently brought indictments against House Majority leader Tom DeLay.
In return, Fortenberry voted with DeLay 100% of the time in his first three months in Washington. But Delay didn’t stop there; Lee Terry received almost $10,000 as well.
That’s not what Nebraskans want. We deserve leadership that values fairness, freedom, and reform. The culture of corruption that surrounds Tom DeLay and his cronies couldn’t be further from that.
The Democratic Party refuses to rely on Tom DeLay tactics and Tom DeLay money to win elections. Instead of special interests, individual Nebraskans—$20 and $50 at a time—can change the way politics works in our state. What will you give to make this change?
Why Are You A Democrat? (Day 6)
Thu, Sep 29 09:50 AM CST
With the Republican culture of corruption saturating the headlines, this is the perfect time to reflect on our Democratic values and progressive ideas. Here are several great testimonials revealing some of the reasons we are proud to be Democrats:
Why Are You A Democrat? (Day 5)
Wed, Sep 28 10:11 AM CST
In these daily posts, folks have been bearing their souls explaining why the Democratic Party is the only Party that truly resonates with their values and ideals. Here are today’s batch of posts, including a special one from activist Monie Brownson. Her participation and support over the years has been steadfast.
Why Are You A Democrat? (Day 4)
Tue, Sep 27 02:40 PM CST
More and more stories and testimonials keep flowing in. Here are today’s selections:
I am proud to be a Democrat in Nebraska because it represents a candle burning in a dark room. Here in Nebraska, there is a lot of resistence to progressivism and change, but the Democratic Party stands as the protectors of progress and the group that looks to change things for the better. That is why I am a Nebraska Democrat.
-Chris Cooper
Why Are You A Democrat? (Day 3)
Mon, Sep 26 11:06 AM CST
We now have almost 100 responses to our request to hear your stories and testimonies about why you are donkey instead of an elephant. Here is today’s selection including a special post from Nance County Activist Kerry Case. Enjoy!
Why Are You A Democrat? (Day 2)
Thu, Sep 22 01:31 PM CST
Here are today:s “Why I Am A Democrat” selections. These responses were also featured in an email we sent out to all Nebraska Democrats. Remember, if you havent already told us your story, please to at www.nebraskademocrats.org/purpose.
Why Are You A Democrat?
Thu, Sep 22 12:01 PM CST
Yesterday, we posed a very simple, yet complex question to Democrats across the state: Why are you a Nebraska Democrat? What drives you to keep fighting for the Democratic Party, our candidates and our values?
The response we received was overwhelming and more stories and testimonies are still flowing in. We want to share some of the stories with you. Keep checking back because we will be posting new testimonials regularly. Please share your story if you haven’t already. You can share it here or by clicking on this link www.nebraskademocrats.org/purpose
Patriot Day Blood Drive
Wed, Sep 7 07:55 PM CST
The American Red Cross is sponsoring their fourth annual Patriot Day Blood Drive at the Holiday Inn Central on Friday, September 9th, from 6:30 am – 6:30 pm. The goal is to collect 275 units of blood. Visit their website for more information.
Poverty Caged Americans in the South
Fri, Sep 2 01:05 PM CST
The sad reality about poverty in our country is the most disturbing remnant left behind by Katrina. Hurricane predictions stated that over 100,000 people would be unable to leave New Orleans because they would not have the means to do so. Yesterday on a conservative radio show, I heard a caller say the government is not responsible for helping the impoverished people now dislocated by the devastation. He said the government has been hurting those people for years by giving them hand-outs. I was absolutely outraged by the detached attitude of the man and the agreement from the show’s host. Their ideologies blind their compassion, and more seriously, blind them from acknowledging the basic realities of poverty and its causes.
Open Thread on the Memo
Tue, Jul 26 09:43 PM CST
Hopefully by now you’ve had a chance to read the memo. Now what should the NDP do to implement it?
More important, what are you going to do in your community to implement it?
Thoughts, ideas, feedback, please.
The Rove Is Coming, The Rove Is Coming!
Thu, Jul 7 08:08 AM CST
Karl Rove, White House Deputy Chief of Staff, will visit Omaha (on a taxpayer-funded plane) on Friday to talk about privatizing Social Security in a private meeting with Ameritrade employees (also taxpayer-funded) and to attend a private GOP fundraising dinner (while the taxpayers are paying his salary during the event).
