Well, here we are.
The nonpartisan Congressional watchdog, the General Accounting Office, concluded Thursday that President Trump indeed, broke the law by withholding military aid to Ukraine while trying to extract political favors to help him in the 2020 election –which led us to the whole impeachment thing.
Yet Nebraska’s all-Republican congressional contingent — as did the bulk of all Republicans — parroted the GOP-Faux News mantra and stood defiant. Surprise!
This was not lost on Nebraska state Sen. John McCollister, who has been bravely chiding fellow Republicans for supporting Trump:
Now Republican lawmakers are spinning conspiracies to make the nonpartisan Government Accountability Office look like some “liberal” rag.
Come on! Your kids will be embarrassed you enabled an administration so obviously corrupt.
Said Dan Balz, chief correspondent at The Washington Post:
Being a Republican during the Trump presidency demands much. He is quick to anger at any Republican who strays from absolute loyalty and at times has sought to punish those who have. Few have had the wherewithal to question him, and they have generally paid a price. Their examples have shaped the behavior of others in the party.
Earlier, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi had the articles of impeachment against Donald Michael Trump ceremoniously transmitted to the Senate for trial, where the GOP has declared that they will not allow witnesses to testify — apparently, the affair will be held telepathically.
Alas, our old friend, Esquire’s Charles Pierce took it all in, as only he can:
And yes, in case you were wondering, and as proof of her current pop culture “bona fides,” the Speaker of the House just inferred that the President* of the United States might just be the equivalent of a mob boss.
If this process sadly fails in the GOP-controlled Senate, remember that the next presidential inauguration is a year and three days away.
Tick tock.
***
Great turnout at the Democratic Debate Watch Party Tuesday in Omaha!
The NDP, Swing Left Omaha, Greater Omaha Area Democrats, Nebraska Young Democrats and UNO College Democrats jammed into the B. Bar to watch.
***
Speaking of UNO College Democrats, the group is having a forum on Feb. 1 featuring the CD2 Democratic congressional candidates: Ann Ashford, Kara Eastman, Morgann Freeman, and Gladys Harrison.
The forum will take place from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Milo Bail Student Center Ballroom on UNO’s Dodge campus. Parking is free and available in adjacent lots. To learn more about the UNO Democrats, visit their Facebook page at @unodemocrats or contact Nathan Johnson, operations director, at njohnshon01@unomaha.edu or (402) 350-7270.
***
Remember to request your Vote-By-Mail application if you want to vote from home in the May 12 Primary Election. We have all the links to the forms and dates for voter registration and more on our Voting Center.
***
We’re looking forward to seeing everyone at our State Central Committee (SCC) meeting, starting tonight in Norfolk.The Disabilities Caucus will be featured.
The SCC is the governing body of the NDP. We have four SCC meetings a year, where Democrats gather to conduct the business of the state party.
Democrats and Independents are welcome to attend as guests. Only SCC Members can vote on agenda items.
And remember. Sen. Kate Bolz, who is running to unseat GOP Rep. Jeff Fortenberry in CD1 along with Barbara “Babs” Ramsey, is hosting a Happy Hour this evening after the SCC Caucus meetings.
***
NDP Chair Jane Kleeb’s new book, “Harvest the Vote: How Democrats Can Win Again in Rural America,” will be released Tuesday by HarperCollins Publishers.
The book — in the works for more than a year — offers a sweeping argument for why the Democrats shouldn’t turn away from rural America, a voting bloc Kleeb says has long been ignored and forgotten by the national party.
***
The NDP is looking for a Finance Director!
If you or someone you know might be interested, here’s how to apply.
***
Thinking about becoming a candidate? The NDP can help!
The Nebraska Democratic Party is here to help you navigate all the forms you need to file if you are running for office. Our team can meet with you to answer questions and help you get started.
Just email info@nebraskademocrats.org and a team member will get back to you.
Read more here.
***
We leave you this week with a rendering by Mike Luckovich, which needs no explanation.
–By Kevin O’Hanlon/NDP Communications Director
NOTE: If you’d like to receive #NebDems News via email, just let us know by sending a note to: info@nebraskademocrats..org
###
IMPORTANT DATES
Jan. 17-19: SCC Meeting in Norfolk
Jan. 21: Harvest the Vote book release
Feb. 1: UNO College Democrats CD2 Candidates Forum
Feb. 9: Delegate 101 Training in Lincoln
Feb. 9: Delegate 101 Training in Grand Island (details TBA)
Feb. 15: Delegate 101 Training in Gretna (details TBA)