2018 Legislative Candidates November 6, 2018 General Election

District 2 Incumbent - Senator Robert Clements Cass and parts of Sarpy and Otoe Counties 50% Republican / 25% Democrat / 25% Independent

Robert Clements (66) Republican (Elmwood) http://www.senatorclements.com Governor Ricketts appointed Clements to the Legislature in 2017. He holds a B.S. in Mathematics from the University of , with minors in Economics and Actuarial Science. He is the Executive Vice President of American Exchange Bank in Elmwood, a fifth-generation community bank. Clements is a member of the Society of Actuaries, president of the Bess Streeter Aldrich Foundation, Adjutant of the Sons of the American Legion, alumni of the Cornhusker Marching Band, former chairman of the Cass County Republican Party, and is a church musician and board member. Senator Clements is a member of the Appropriations Committee. He advocates the reduction in state spending and providing property tax relief, especially for Ag producers. Clements also supports lower income taxes, reduced regulations and more education opportunities.

Susan Lorence (62) Democrat (Plattsmouth) https://www.facebook.com/LorenceForNebraska/ Lorence is a graduate of the University of . She has worked in the telecommunications industry for 40 years and is currently a Lead Process Analyst at CenturyLink. Lorence is active in her church and is a member of the Plattsmouth Lions Club and Plattsmouth Community Foundation Fund Board. Lorence does not consider herself a politician, but a diplomat. As a parent, she wants to ensure Nebraska is always a place where quality education, access to healthcare, and job security are not just talking points, but a reality for every family. Education and funding the University are most important to prevent brain drain. She has no preconceived ideas but knows property taxes need work. She would broaden the tax base to lower taxes but wants to study best practices and see what other states have done. Lorence knows she has a lot to learn. Endorsements: Nebraska State Education Association (NSEA) Campaign Manager: Stathi Patseas Committee Choices: Transportation &Telecommunications / Health & Human Services

Primary election results

1 2018 Legislative Candidates November 6, 2018 General Election

District 4 Incumbent - Senator Central Omaha 51% Republican / 25% Democrat / 24% Independent

Robert Hilkemann (70) Republican (Omaha) https://www.facebook.com/senatorhilkemann/ Senator Hilkemann earned a B.S. from Nebraska Wesleyan University and his M.D. from the Illinois College of Podiatric Medicine in , graduating cum laude. He founded the Foot and Ankle Center of Nebraska in mid-town Omaha and is a former chairman of the State Board Health. Prior to becoming a podiatrist, Hilkemann was a teacher in Table Rock. Hilkemann has been active in his church and served as an elder. Additionally, he was a member of the board of Abide Ministries in North Omaha and Youth for Christ. Senator Hilkemann is a member of the Appropriations Committee and supports limited spending while maintain funding for public schools. He is pro-life, pro-Second Amendment and opposes Medicaid expansion. Endorsements: Senator Deb Fischer, Congressman Don Bacon and Mayor

Shannon Coryell (41) Democrat (Omaha) https://www.facebook.com/coryell4legislature Coryell wants to increase access to health care, enact prison reform, protect voting rights, fund public education, and champion better gun regulations. Coryell has testified in legislative hearings as a patient advocate for Title X family planning services and for the legalization of medical marijuana. She believes teachers should be recognized for what they do but also require more training on effective ways to teach kids with developmental disabilities because children don’t learn the same way. Regarding school shootings, she also believes that if we don’t do anything immediately then we are failing our kids.

Primary election results

2 2018 Legislative Candidates November 6, 2018 General Election

District 6 Incumbent - Senator Central & West Central Omaha 40% Republican / 35% Democrat / 25% Independent

Theresa Thibodeau (42) Republican (Omaha) https://www.votethibodeau.org Thibodeau was appointed to the Legislature by the Governor in 2017. She graduated from the University of Nebraska with a B.A. in Psychology. She was a member for the City of Omaha Personnel Board, La Vista Community Foundation and Big Brothers Big Sisters. Senator Thibodeau serves on the General Affairs, the Agriculture and the Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committees. She is the owner of Primrose School of La Vista, a daycare/preschool franchise. She has “signed both sides of the paycheck” and knows what it’s like to be a struggling new parent, a small business owner, and a successful politician. member Amy Melton is Thibodeau’s sister and inspiration for running. A strength is being able to relate to everyone. Thibodeau has a passion for early childhood development. Her top issue is property tax relief. She knows the legislative solution is a bill everyone can support. Each of the three legislative bills introduced by Sen. Thibodeau in the 2018 session passed and were approved by the Governor. Campaign Manager: Chris Peterson Committee Choices: Health & Human Services / Education / Govt, Military & Veterans Affairs

Machaela Cavanaugh (36) Democrat (Omaha) https://www.cavanaughforlegislature.org Cavanaugh earned her Bachelor’s in Sociology from the University of St. Thomas (St. Paul, MN) and her M.P.A. from the University of Nebraska. She works at the University of Nebraska’s Buffett Early Childhood Institute. Formerly, Cavanaugh was director of development at Opera Omaha and the American Province of the Servants of Mary, and staff assistant for former U.S. Sen. . Public education is important, and she supports fully funding public schools, the University of Nebraska and community colleges. She opposes charter schools. She would focus on public policy design, implementation, and evaluation, and proactively address missteps in innovation. Property taxes, education, and Medicaid expansion (which she supports), are issues in her district. Cavanaugh believes in expanding the tax base by increasing the workforce. She does not support tax increases or cuts and approves of removing sales tax exemptions unless they result in a double tax. Mentors: Sens. Harr, McCollister, and Howard. Endorsements: AFL-CIO, teachers, Moms Demand Action. Campaign Managers: Brandon Langlois and Jessica Lathrop Primary election results: Committee Choices: Health & Human Services / Education / Interested in Everything 3 2018 Legislative Candidates November 6, 2018 General Election

District 8 Incumbent - Senator Burke Harr – TERM-LIMITED Omaha – Midtown 25% Republican / 47% Democrat / 28% Independent

Megan (Meg) Hunt (31) Democrat (Omaha) https://meganfornebraska.com Hunt is co-founder of a small online and storefront clothing store in Dundee. She received help from a Nebraska Department of Economic Development intern grant program and wants to extend that program. Hunt founded the nonprofit Safe Space Nebraska, which seeks to end harassment and assault in nightlife establishments. She is a trustee of the Business Ethics Alliance and past board member of Friends of Planned Parenthood, Friends of the Nebraska AIDS Project and Omaha Area Youth Orchestras. Her foray into politics was helping to change the sex education curriculum in Omaha Public Schools. Issues important to Hunt include public education (PreK through college), healthcare and an end to partisanship in the Legislature. She will focus on policies for young professionals that prevent brain drain. She is a progressive and feminist. She is not supportive of sales tax on services but does support online sales tax collection. Hunt would look at the school funding formula to enact property tax relief. Endorsements: Moms Demand Action, LEAP Forward, Brotherhood of Locomotive and Train Engineers Campaign manager: Deena Keilany Committee Choices: Business & Labor / Education

Marienella (Mina) Davis (24) Democrat (Omaha) http://www.minadavis2018.com Davis graduated from Millard West High School and Creighton University with a degree in Business Intelligence and Analytics with a focus on Information Technology. Davis works as a merchandise planning analyst at Oriental Trading Co, owns a small online clothing business and works weekends at Target to pay off student loans. She was a fellow for Obama in 2012, and a Bernie Sanders delegate in 2016. Davis also campaigned for for Mayor. Davis is running for working people who feel disengaged with politics and want to engage in a more accessible way. Davis works in predictive analytics and considers herself a numbers nerd. Important issues include: balancing property taxes and education, economic inequity, affordable housing, unaffordable health insurance, transportation investment and net neutrality. She wants to engage in research and conversations to find solutions to big problems. Endorsements: IBW Local-22, SIU, Boilermakers, Farmers Union, Progressive Campaign Change Committee, Vote Pro- Choice. Campaign Manager: Allison Bitterman Committee Choices: Appropriations / Transportation & Telecommunications Primary election results 4 2018 Legislative Candidates November 6, 2018 General Election

District 10 Incumbent - Senator Bob Krist – TERM-LIMITED Bennington and North-Central Douglas County 40% Republican / 34% Democrat / 26% Independent

Wendy DeBoer (43) Democrat (Bennington) https://wendydeboer.com DeBoer received her B.A. in Economics & English from Hastings College, an M.A. from the Lutheran School of Theology, an M.A. in British Literature from the University of Nebraska and J.D. from the University of Nebraska College of Law. She is a university educator, former attorney and currently writing her Ph.D. dissertation in Christian theology. Her family founded Midwest Laboratories in Omaha. Public education and property taxes are the most important issues for her. Financing public education is something she has seriously studied, reading the legislative history of the bills in the 1990’s that created the TEEOSA formula for funding public education. She wants to rebalance Nebraska’s three-legged tax stool. Preventing brain drain and a strong University are important to DeBoer. She believes mandatory employee benefits should protect workers but not stifle the economy. DeBoer says she will listen and be a voice of negotiation within the legislature and will develop a reputation of being reasonable. Mentor: Senator Endorsements: AFL CIO, Omaha Firefighters, Teamsters, Holland Children’s Movement. Campaign Manager: Brandon Bayer Committee Choices: Education / Transportation & Telecommunications / Agriculture

Matt Deaver (42) Republican (Bennington) https://mattdeaver.com Deaver earned his B.S. from the University of Nebraska, M.S. in Business Administration from Creighton University and a J.D. from Creighton University School of Law. He practices estate and business planning law at Legacy Design Strategies. Deaver worked in the as legislative aide to Adrian Smith, and in the Office of the Nebraska State Treasurer. Deaver is a member of the Nebraska and Iowa State Bar Associations. The population in District 10 is exploding and his biggest issues are high property taxes, education, and healthcare. To address property tax issues, he will review the number of state agency employees and look at redesigning the tax structure. He would be a conservative voice in the Legislature and his door will be open. A priority is to insure law enforcement and prosecutors have the tools to keep families safe. He also supports vocational education and job training programs for a ready workforce. Mentor: Senator Endorsements: Governor Ricketts, Heinemann, Mayor Stothert, and Omaha City Council Members Pahls, Melton, and Harding. Campaign manager: Rod Edwards Committee Choices: Appropriations Primary election results 5 2018 Legislative Candidates November 6, 2018 General Election

District 12 Incumbent - Senator Ralston and South-Central Omaha 39% Republican / 34% Democrat / 27% Independent

Merv Riepe (75) Republican (Ralston) http://www.mervriepe.com/meet-merv-riepe/ Senator Riepe received a B.S. in finance from the University of Nebraska and M.A. in health policy and management from the University of Iowa. He was chief operating officer and interim chief executive officer of Bergan Mercy, president of Mercy Hospital in Council Bluffs and president of Children's Physicians. Senator Riepe is chairman of the Health and Human Services Committee and a member of the Urban Affairs, General Affairs and Planning Committees. He was a Naval hospital corpsman. Riepe supports lower income taxes, reforming property taxes and reducing state spending. He also supports economic growth by retaining small businesses, attracting new companies and preparing children through improved educational outcome and workforce development training. The senator opposes benefits for illegal immigrants. He supports the 2nd Amendment and the death penalty.

Steve Lathrop (60) Democrat (Omaha) https://stevelathrop.com Former state senator Lathrop earned his B.S. and J.D. from Creighton University. He is an Omaha attorney focusing on personal injury, medical malpractice and workers’ compensation. Lathrop previously represented the 12th Legislative District (2007-2014) and was term limited from running for a third consecutive term. During his tenure, he was chairman of the Business and Labor Committee, the Developmental Disabilities Special Investigative Committee, and vice-chairman of the Judiciary Committee. Lathrop is an advocate for keeping people safe from sex offenders, habitual criminals, and gang members by cracking down on gang and gun violence. He also led an investigation into Nebraska’s prison overpopulation and administration. He believes violent criminals should serve their full sentences.

Primary election results

6 2018 Legislative Candidates November 6, 2018 General Election

District 14 Incumbent - Senator Jim Smith – TERM-LIMITED Sarpy County - primarily Papillion and La Vista 46% Republican / 27% Democrat / 27% Independent

John Arch (61) Republican (La Vista) https://johnarchforlegislature.com Arch is Boys Town’s executive vice president of health care and the director of the National Research Hospital and Clinics. He has a B.B.A. from Grace University; M.B.A. from the University of Nebraska and Master of Arts from Western Conservative Baptist Seminary. Arch has served on the boards of Prairie Health Ventures, Nebraska Purchasing Group, Creighton University Medical Center, UniNet Healthcare Network, Grace University and the Nebraska Hospital Association. He will work to create a comprehensive plan for the state. Arch believes Nebraska can grow our way out of anything, and the answer to the property tax issue is economic development while holding down expenses. He opposes unfunded mandates on businesses, is not in favor of a tax shift to sales tax and would look at changing Nebraska’s tax structure. Another issue of importance includes early childhood education, which he believes is key to workforce development. Mentor: Senator Jim Smith Endorsements: Senator Jim Smith, Papillion Mayor Black and La Vista Mayor Kindig Campaign manager: Rod Edwards Committees Choices: Transportation & Telecommunications / Revenue / Health & Human Services

Jeff Parris (47) Democrat (La Vista) https://parrisforlegislature.com Parris served 23 years in the U.S. Air Force, the last eight at Offutt. He received a BBM from Peru State College and his MBA from Creighton University. Parris has volunteered for Habitat for Humanity, Rebuilding Together Omaha, the Lydia House, Toys-4-Tots, and Co-Chair of the Booz Allen Hamilton Workforce Leadership Council.

Primary election results

7 2018 Legislative Candidates November 6, 2018 General Election

District 16 Incumbent - Senator – TERM-LIMITED Washington, Burt and Cuming Counties 58% Republican / 23% Democrat / 19% Independent

Chuck Hassebrook (62) Democrat (Lyons) https://www.chuckforlegislature.com Hassebrook was the executive director of the Center for Rural Affairs, a rural advocacy and development organization. He was also a member of the University of Nebraska Board of Regents. He resigned in 2014 to run for Governor, and briefly campaigned for the US Senate in 2012. Hassebrook currently works to develop wind and solar energy projects in rural Nebraska. He is a familiar face in Nebraska elections, stating he represents rural Nebraskans. He promises to win this election because he is well-funded and the hardest worker. Property taxes and school funding are his biggest issues. Eight of nine school districts in District 16, receive no equalization aid from the state. He would like to see Internet sales tax collection and promises not to be a partisan ideologue by working across party lines. Other issues include long-term care for seniors in rural areas, Medicaid’s low reimbursement levels, supporting elderly and disabled in their homes, job training in schools. Campaign manager: Brandon Bayer Committee Choices: Revenue / Education

Ben Hansen (36) Republican (Blair) https://www.votebenhansen.com Hansen is a chiropractor in Blair. He owns Hansen Chiropractic Wellness Center, Blair Rent-It Center and Heritage Barnwood Company. Originally from Schuyler, Hansen graduated from Wayne State College with a B.A. (Psychology) and Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, IA. He is a member of the Blair City Council, Blair Lions Club, Blair Community School Foundation and a board member of the Blair Area Chamber of Commerce. Hansen is a Constitutional Christian Conservative. Workforce housing is a priority. He supports tax incentives and grants for economic development, as well as the need to reform TEEOSA to stabilize school funding. Hanson supports less burdensome regulation on businesses. He opposes Medicaid expansion. Access to rural healthcare for aging boomers is also an issue. Mentors: Senators Hilgers, Lindstrom, and Linehan. Endorsements: Gov. Ricketts, Congressman Fortenberry, Sen. Brasch and many local politicians Campaign manager: Chris Peterson Committee Choices: Health and Human Services / Transportation and Telecommunications

Primary election results

8 2018 Legislative Candidates November 6, 2018 General Election

District 18 Incumbent - Senator North-Central Omaha 41% Republican / 33% Democrat / 26% Independent

Brett Lindstrom (36) Republican (Omaha) https://www.votelindstrom.com Senator Lindstrom is a senior wealth strategy associate at The Lindstrom Group, specializing in portfolio and risk management, investment strategy and financial planning. He received a B.S. in history from the University of Nebraska and was a quarterback letterman for the football team. Lindstrom is chairman of the Banking Commerce & Insurance Committee and a member of the Revenue Committee. He is a fiscal conservative and has introduced legislation to eliminate the state's income tax, particularly the tax on income from Social Security and the state's inheritance tax. According to Lindstrom, “Finding ways to grow Nebraska has been one of my main issues..”

Scott Winkler (61) Democrat (Omaha) https://winklerfornebraska.com Winkler is a former accounting manager for the City of Omaha Finance Department. He has a B.A. in accounting and an M.A. in management from the University of Nebraska. He is a community activist for Citizens for Equal Protection, Inclusive Communities and Omaha Police Department Committee with responsibility to administer a federal grant for hate crimes education. Providing equal opportunity to better jobs, education and healthcare for everyone is a priority. He wants to create a better environment in our state to promote economic development and provide more families and small businesses with resources for success. Additionally, he wants to provide more opportunities for middle-class families and the most vulnerable.

Primary election results

9 2018 Legislative Candidates November 6, 2018 General Election

District 20 Incumbent - Senator John McCollister Omaha - Pacific Street to Q and 72nd to 144th Street 41% Republican / 35% Democrat / 24% Independent

John McCollister (70) Republican (Omaha) https://votemccollister.com McCollister earned his B.B.A. from the University of Nebraska. John has been involved with scouting for more than 50 years. He serves on the OneWorld Health Center Board of Directors and the UNL College of Business Administration Advisory Board. Senator McCollister is a member of the Banking, Commerce & Insurance Committee, Natural Resources Committee and the Executive Committee. McCollister is a moderate legislator.

Jackie Collett (44) Democrat (Omaha) https://www.jackiecollett.com Collett lives in Omaha’s Loveland neighborhood. She earned a Bachelor’s in Psychology and Masters in Public Administration from UNO. Collett is currently an IT project manager at CLS Investments. She is a member of the ACLU, League of Women Voters, Loveland Neighborhood Association, a Teammates mentor and a former Crime Victims First board member. Collett lists her issues as Healthcare, LGBTQ rights, economic development, education, the environment and criminal justice reform.

Primary election results

10 2018 Legislative Candidates November 6, 2018 General Election

District 22 Incumbent - Senator Paul Schumacher – TERM-LIMITED Platte, Northwest Colfax and most of Stanton Counties 61% Republican / 23% Democrat / 16% Independent

Doug Oertwich (54) Republican (Pilger) http://dougoertwich.com Oertwich is from Pilger where he served on the Planning Commission and the Stanton County Public Power District board of directors. He is currently on the NREA board and was appointed to the Grower Advisory Board for the Fremont Costco/Lincoln Premium Poultry project. Issues in his district include reducing taxes, workforce development, workforce and housing and creating infrastructure for economic development and public safety. To save money he believes the state should use computers to modernize. He would support increasing the gas tax for road construction. He would support raising sales tax, but not removing sales tax exemptions. Oertwich supports less red tape on businesses. Mentors: Senators , Joanie Albrecht, and Jim Smith. Campaign manager: Jessica Kolterman Primary election results Endorsements: Governor Ricketts Committees of interest: Natural Resources, Revenue, Agriculture

Mike Moser (57) Republican (Columbus) https://www.facebook.com/mike.moser.3979 Moser attended Platte College and graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a bachelor’s degree in speech communications and a minor in economics and sociology. He owns Columbus Music Company and served as mayor of Columbus for 12 years. He ran unsuccessfully for reelection in 2016 and was also unsuccessful in a 2010 legislative campaign for District 22. To solve the property tax issue, he will look at state spending and try to find efficiencies in state government. Workforce and housing shortages are problems in his district. Columbus has used Tax Increment Financing, so he understands the pros and cons. He wants government to stay out of the way of businesses and let them operate. Endorsements: Senator Schumacher, former senators Flood and Langmeyer, former Governor Heineman, and the current mayor of Columbus. Mentors: Former Senators Hadley, Avery, Lathrop and Pirsch. Campaign staff: Dean Denhardt

11 2018 Legislative Candidates November 6, 2018 General Election

District 24 Incumbent - Senator Mark Kolterman Seward, York and Polk Counties 62% Republican / 21% Democrat / 17% Independent

Mark Kolterman (66) Republican (Seward) http://www.koltermanforlegislature.com Kolterman recently retired from the Kolterman Agency that specializes in employee/executive benefits, estate planning and investments. He held licenses for property casualty, life, health, annuities and series 6 & 63 licenses with FINRA. Senator Kolterman is chairman of the Retirement Committee, and a member of the Banking Commerce & Insurance Committee and the Health & Human Services Committee.

Stephanie Nantkes (68) Democrat (Seward) https://www.facebook.com/Stephanie-for-Legislature-314414795748344/ Nantkes began her teaching career at the K-8, Class I School in Bee. She served on the Seward School Board and has been active in the community for many years. I care deeply about the people and will bring that caring, as well as common sense and courage, to her work as the state legislator for the people of the community. Nantkes’ daughter, Danielle (Nantkes) Conrad served Legislative district 46, north Lincoln, from 2007-20014.

Primary election results

12 2018 Legislative Candidates November 6, 2018 General Election

District 26 Incumbent - Senator Northeast Central Lincoln 38% Republican / 37% Democrat / 25% Independent

Matt Hansen (29) Democrat (Lincoln) https://www.hansenforlegislature.com Hansen earned his B.A in psychology and political science from UNL, and his J.D. from the University of Nebraska School of Law. He taught sociology and math to gifted students as a mentor for Lincoln Public Schools and served as a board member of the University Place Community Organization and Lincoln's Cable Advisory Board. He advocates for public schools, workers and our economy. Senator Hansen is a member of the Judiciary, Urban Affairs and Business & Labor Committees.

Bob Van Valkenburg (78) Republican (Lincoln) https://www.facebook.com/bob.vanvalkenburg.3 Van Valkenburg is self-employed as a legal consultant. Originally from Tulsa, OK Van Valkenburg received his B.A. in Chemistry from Oklahoma State University. He has run for numerous public offices and was a candidate for the Legislature in 2010 and 2014.

Primary election results

13 2018 Legislative Candidates November 6, 2018 General Election

District 28 Incumbent - Senator - UNOPPOSED Central Lincoln 32% Republican / 44% Democrat / 24% Independent

Patty Pansing Brooks (59) Democrat (Lincoln) http://pattypansingbrooks.com Senator Pansing Brooks graduated from Colorado College with a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science. She earned a JD from the University of Nebraska College of Law. She served on a number of Lincoln community boards, and co-chaired several fundraising efforts, including renovation of Centennial Mall and Union Plaza, and a bond initiative for Lincoln Public Schools. Senator Pansing Brooks is a member of the Judiciary and Education Committees.

14 2018 Legislative Candidates November 6, 2018 General Election

District 30 Incumbent - Senator - NOT SEEKING REELECTION Gage and Southwest Lancaster Counties 52% Republican / 27% Democrat / 21% Independent

Don Schuller (61) Democrat (Wymore) http://donschuller.com Schuller farms between Wymore and Barneston. He retired from the Natural Resources Conservation Service and currently designs private land conservation projects. He has been active with the Gage County Democrats and serves as a member of the Wymore Fire Department Board, the Barneston American Legion Post and the American Legion Riders Beatrice Post. A motorcycle rider, Schuller wears a helmet and an orange jacket for safety. He has testified in legislative committee hearings about natural resources. For immediate property tax relief Schuller supports LB1089 introduced last session by Senator Briese. He doesn’t support tax increases and believes expanding the workforce will generate more revenue. He likes that the Nebraska Advantage Act helps those businesses with more than 50 employees but would expand it to help smaller businesses as well. Mentors: Senators Krist, Baker and former senator, Wallman. Campaign manager: Brandon Bayer Endorsements: Project Vote Smart, unions, NSEA, Farmers Union. Committees of interest: Natural Resources / Education

Myron Dorn (52) Republican (Adams) http://dornforlegislature.com Dorn is chairman of the Gage County Board of Supervisors. He is a lifelong farmer and graduated from the University of Nebraska with a degree in animal science. He is a member of the Adams Rescue Department, Nebraska Cattlemen, Nebraska Soybean Association, Nebraska Corn Growers, Nebraska Farm Bureau, Nebraska Farmers Union, and a Lifetime member of the University of Nebraska Alumni Association. A former board president for the Firth Coop and an EMT volunteer for 30 years, Dorn is committed to helping young people get involved because their requirements and time commitments are extensive. He supports public schools and universities. Dorn says roads and infrastructure are his top priority. To solve the property tax issue, he would support a sales tax increase to balance the three-legged tax stool (sales, income and property) to help balance education funding. Campaign manager: Mary Johnson Endorsements: Senator Baker and former candidate Joe Murray Committees of interest: Agriculture / Judiciary / Appropriations Primary election results

15 2018 Legislative Candidates November 6, 2018 General Election

District 32 Incumbent - Senator Laura Ebke Saline, Jefferson, Thayer and Fillmore and parts of Lancaster Counties 52% Republican / 30% Democrat / 18% Independent

Laura Ebke (55) Libertarian (Crete) https://lauraebke.com Senator Ebke was elected as a Republican in 2014 and changed her registration to the Libertarian Party in 2016. After completing her bachelor's degree, she earned a M.A. in political science at the University of Memphis, and Ph.D. in political science from the University of Nebraska. Senator Ebke is chairwoman of the Judiciary Committee and a member of the Education Committee. She supports main street business and opposes unnecessary regulation to promote economic growth and job creation. The senator is a fiscal conservative who supports the Second Amendment, individual freedoms and constitutional rights.

Tom Brandt (58) Republican (Plymouth) https://www.facebook.com/brandtforlegislature/ Brandt earned a degree in agriculture from the University of Nebraska. He is a farmer and livestock feeder. Brandt is president of the Plymouth Improvement Association. He is a former chairman of the Southeast Nebraska Corn Growers and the Jefferson County Republicans. Brandt served on the Farmers’ Cooperative of Dorchester board and is a former member of the Farm Credit Services of America Advisory Council. A self-declared protest candidate, Brandt supports LB1084 introduced last session because it has a revenue stream to lower property taxes. He wants fairness in school funding because 12 of the 13 schools in his district receive no equalization aid. He supports per pupil aid, removing sales tax exemptions and increasing the cigarette tax. He supports gambling and medical cannabis, and taxes on both. Brandt has supported TIF projects and he supports giving small businesses tax incentives because they support our schools and communities. Mentors: Senators Friesen, Briese, Hughes, Erdman, Groene, Schumacher, and Chambers. Committee Choices: Revenue / Education / Natural Resources / Banking Commerce & Insurance

Primary election results

16 2018 Legislative Candidates November 6, 2018 General Election

District 34 Incumbent - Senator - UNOPPOSED Hamilton, Nance, Merrick and Northwest Hall Counties 60% Republican / 22% Democrat / 18% Independent

Curt Friesen (62) Republican (Henderson) https://www.facebook.com/Friesen-For-Legislature-1415198365371193/ Senator Friesen farms in Hamilton and Clay Counties. He is a former mayor of Henderson and chairman of the Upper Big Blue Natural Resources District. He also served two 3-year terms on the Nebraska Corn Board. Senator Friesen is chairman of the Telecommunications and Transportation Committee and a member of the Revenue Committee.

17 2018 Legislative Candidates November 6, 2018 General Election

District 36 Incumbent - Senator Matt Williams - UNOPPOSED Dawson, Custer and Northern Buffalo Counties 61% Republican / 22% Democrat / 17% Independent

Matt Williams (70) Republican (Gothenburg) http://www.mattwilliamsforlegislature.com Senator Williams received a BBA from the University of Nebraska– Lincoln and earned his JD from the University of Nebraska College of Law. He is board chairman of the Gothenburg State Bank. Williams has also served as chairman of the Nebraska Bankers Association and chaired the American Bankers Association. Senator Williams is a member of the Banking Commerce & Insurance, Health & Human Services and the Planning Committees.

18 2018 Legislative Candidates November 6, 2018 General Election

District 38 Incumbent - Senator - NOT SEEKING REELECTION Kearney, Phelps, Franklin, Webster, Clay, Nuckolls & SW Buffalo Counties 65% Republican / 19% Democrat / 16% Independent

Marsha Fangmeyer (65) Democrat (Gibbon) Fangmeyer earned her B.A. from the University of Nebraska and J.D. from the University of Nebraska College of Law. She is a member of the Nebraska Civil Liberties Union and the Department of Health Certificate of Need Appeal Panel. Fangmeyer is a former president of the Nebraska State Bar Association and unsuccessfully ran for the Board of Regents in 2016. A practicing attorney in Deshler, she supports lower property taxes in rural Nebraska while protecting state aid to public schools. She supports Medicaid expansion or other options that ensure everyone has access to healthcare. Fangmeyer also supports music and art in schools and wants to keep up state parks. Fangmeyer considers herself a moderate Democrat. She admires former Senators Hadley and Gwen Howard. Endorsements: NSEA, Holland Children’s Movement, IBEW, AFL-CIO. Committee Choices: Judiciary

Dave Murman (64) Republican (Glenvil) A third-generation farmer, Murman earned a B.S. in agriculture from the University of Nebraska. He was president of the Nebraska State Dairy Association, the Nebraska Dairy Improvement Association and a member of several other dairy industry associations. Murman is a member of the Sandy Creek Board of Education, Nebraska Corn Growers Association and Nebraska Farm Bureau. He is a pro-life Evangelical Christian and supports public schools and the University’s Second Amendment rights. Lowering property taxes and providing more state aid to unequalized schools are his top issues. He supports Internet sales tax collection and reducing state spending. He believes our moral decline has led to our current problems. Concerning taxes, Murman believes sales tax is the fairest and property tax is least fair. Campaign Manager: Byron Jorgensen Endorsements: Three of his Primary opponents, former Senator and Senator Halloran. Committee Choices: Agriculture / Appropriations / Revenue

Primary election results

19 2018 Legislative Candidates November 6, 2018 General Election

District 40 Incumbent - Senator – TERM-LIMITED Boyd, Cedar, Dixon, Holt, Knox and Rock Counties 65% Republican / 21% Democrat / 14% Independent

Timothy Gragert (59) Republican (Creighton) http://www.timothygragert.com Gragert is a graduate of UNL with a degree in natural resources. He is retired from the US Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Army National Guard. Gragert served as a helicopter pilot, deployed four times to the Middle East. He is currently a member of the Creighton Fire Department, Creighton School Board and a lifetime member of VFW Post 1151. Nitrates in our water is his top issue. He wants to help local veterans secure services closer to home. Issues in his district include workforce development and more state aid to rural schools. On property tax reduction Gragert does not have an answer, but he watched the legislature last year and believes the five bills introduced by rural senators had good ideas. “Now, the Legislature needs to work together” he said. Mentors: Senator (served with him in Iraq) Endorsements: 2 of the 4 losers in his primary support him now, possibly the other two as well. Committees of interest: Natural Resources, Education, Government Military & Veterans Affairs.

Keith Kube (68) Republican (Crofton) http://keithkube.com Kube earned his B.S. in Civil Engineering with a minor in economics from the University of Nebraska. His career summary includes: civil engineer, commercial real estate development, investment banker, chief financial officer, management consult, politician, author and professional musician. Kube was an unsuccessful legislative candidate for District 40 in 2014. According to his website, Kube is pro-life, an NRA member, a business analyst, a civil engineer, an author of two business books and a radio commentator. He says, “Government must run like a business and investing – not spending tax dollars.” Lastly, “All laws must be: fair, honest, sustainable with integrity/and make the world a better place.

Primary election results

20 2018 Legislative Candidates November 6, 2018 General Election

District 42 Incumbent - Senator Lincoln County 57% Republican / 24% Democrat / 19% Independent

Mike Groene (62) Republican (North Platte) Senator Groene graduated from the University of Nebraska with a B.S in agricultural economics. He is engaged in agricultural equipment sales. Groene is a conservative who wants limited government that encourages personal responsibility. He co-founded the Western Nebraska Taxpayers Association, a nonpartisan group with no agenda apart from lowering taxes. In 2006, the group staged a petition drive to amend the Nebraska constitution to limit the growth of state government spending to the rate of inflation and population growth. Enough signatures were secured to place the measure on the ballot, but it failed by a margin of 30–70%. In 2006, he unsuccessfully ran for a seat on the board of governors of Mid-Plains Community College. Groene and now Governor Ricketts formed the Platte Institute for Economic Research, a conservative think tank. Senator Groene is chairman of the Education Committee and a member of the Revenue and Retirement Committees.

Judy Pederson (57) Republican (North Platte) Write-in candidate Pederson needed approximately 800 votes to advance to the General Election. She received 1334 votes. Senator Groene received 4242 votes. Pederson is a small business owner, a member of the Twin Platte Natural Resources District Board and a former member of the North Platte City Council. She serves on the Schools’ Shaping the Future Committee, the Government Affairs Committee of the North Platte Chamber of Commerce, the Nebraska Commission on Housing and Homelessness and the Mayor’s Housing Task Force. Issues important to Pederson are local: reducing the backlog on rape kits, mental health in local schools and feeding poor children. She does not support mandates on business but understands why some mandates are needed. Pederson provides healthcare for her employees because “it’s the right thing to do.” Mentors: Senators Williams and Stinner and former Senator McDonald Campaign manager: Dylan Fredrick Endorsements: Former Senators Tom Hansen and Don Pederson, Roric Paulman and NSEA Committee Choices: Business & Labor / Agriculture / Education

21 2018 Legislative Candidates November 6, 2018 General Election

District 44 Incumbent - Senator Dan Hughes Harlan, Furnas, Red Willow, Hitchcock, Gosper, Frontier, Chase, Dundy, Hayes and Perkins Counties 68% Republican / 16% Democrat / 16% Independent

Dan Hughes (61) Republican (Venango) https://www.facebook.com/dan.hughes4legislature/ Senator Hughes graduated from Northeastern Junior College (Sterling, CO) and joined his family's wheat farming operation. He served on several school boards, the Nebraska Ethanol Board, Nebraska Wheat Board, and was chairman of U.S. Wheat Associates. Senator Hughes is chairman of the Natural Resources Committee, a member of the Executive Board and the Telecommunications & Transportation Committee.

Water and property taxes are the most important issues in his district. He opposed an increase in the stat minimum wage and Medicaid expansion. He supports capital punishment and believes that illegal immigration is a problem in Nebraska.

Stephanie Malcolm (44) Independent (Palisade) https://www.facebook.com/VoteMalcolmDistrict44NE/ Malcolm earned her M.Ed. in curriculum and instruction from Chadron State College. She also worked in rural economic development as a Nelson Fellow on the campus of McCook Community College before completing her degree. Malcolm taught for seven years in Wyoming and is in her third-year teaching at Wauneta Palisade Public School. Her family owns a small grocery and convenience store in Palisade.

Primary election results

22 2018 Legislative Candidates November 6, 2018 General Election

District 46 Incumbent - Senator - UNOPPOSED North Central Lincoln 30% Republican / 42% Democrat / 28% Independent

Adam Morfeld (32) Democrat (Lincoln) https://adammorfeld.com Senator Morfeld graduated from UNL with a BA in political science. He received a J.D. from the University of Nebraska College of Law where he was a member of the Nebraska Law Review. He specializes in voting rights and non-profit administration and compliance. He is also the executive director and founder of a nonprofit organization, Nebraskans for Civic Reform. Senator Morfeld is a member of the Judiciary and Education Committees.

23 2018 Legislative Candidates November 6, 2018 General Election

District 48 Incumbent - Senator - UNOPPOSED Scotts Bluff County 54% Republican / 24% Democrat / 22% Independent

John Stinner (66) Republican (Gering) https://www.voteforjohnstinner.com Senator Stinner was a scholarship football player on the UNL 1970 and 1971 national championship teams. He earned his BBA and MA in economics from the University of Nebraska. He co-founded Gering State Bank, renamed Valley Bank and Trust Co. that also includes Western States Bank, with eight locations in six communities. Senator Stinner is chairman of the Appropriations Committee.

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