When it comes to making imbecilic statements and political grandstanding, good ol’ Gov. Pete Ricketts is beyond dependable. He’s money in the bank.
And Ol’ Prickly Pete also has picked a plethora of fights, especially of late. He’s currently feuding with University of Nebraska-Lincoln Chancellor Ronnie Green for having the temerity to develop a UNL diversity plan, known as a Journey for Anti-Racism and Racial Equity.
“I’ve lost all faith in Ronnie Green because he misled me with regard to what this program is about, and it’s about critical race theory,” Ricketts bellowed, invoking a popular GOP red herring.
He also has clashed with the state’s Board of Education multiple times this year, including on proposed health education guidelines that would incorporate discussions of gender identity and sexual orientation into lessons.
“Sex education and other controversial topics should be addressed at home,” he said. “This responsibility should not be shouldered by teachers in schools.”
And in the past week, he continued to buck Nebraska health officials, Dr. Anthony Fauci and President Joe Biden over their efforts to contain the COVID pandemic.
“Nebraska has maintained one of the lowest coronavirus death rates and protected our hospital capacity all without lockdowns, without mask mandates, and without vaccine mandates,” he uttered. “We aren’t going to follow the Biden Administration or Dr. Fauci’s draconian policies.”
Does that mean Nebraska’s more than 313,000 COVID cases and 3,000-plus deaths are acceptable as long as Pete can score political points with his radical base?
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In the tradition of the four Pinocchios given out by the Washington Post’s fact-checker, we want to know if you have spotted any fibs, lies or untruths from Nebraska’s GOP politicians in the media or campaign ads.
If you know of a GOP lie in Nebraska, fill out this form and we’ll add it to the growing list.
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President Biden on Nov. 15 signed into law a sweeping $1.2 trillion infrastructure measure, notching an achievement that had long eluded his predecessor in the White House, Donald Trump. The legislation, which will bring $3 billion to Nebraska, is aimed at improving the country’s roads, bridges, pipes, ports and Internet connections. Trump had repeatedly tried and failed to secure a bipartisan infrastructure deal.
Share some great NDP Infrastructure graphics here.
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Unionized workers at Kellogg’s four cereal production plants, including one in Omaha, have voted “overwhelmingly” to reject a tentative agreement reached last week. Kellogg Co., in a statement released Tuesday, said that it was disappointed and that the prolonged work stoppage has “left us no choice but to hire permanent replacement employees
Will you stand with them? Add your name to the petition now.
From the Nebraska AFL-CIO: Please consider helping out our BCTGM Local 50G brothers and sisters on strike at Kellogg’s. The strike is almost at 11 weeks. As you know, groceries are one of the first areas that people cut back on when income is tight. Please consider helping supply the strikers in need with the items listed on the attached Food Drive flyer.
There are two drop points:
- BCTGM Local 50G offices, 8984 J Street, Omaha
- United Steel Workers Local 286, 5724 Seward Ave., Lincoln
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There is still time to fill out our 2021 Voter Survey! Just click here.
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If you want to get our daily compilation of the top news and DNC talking points PLUS our weekly blog, just send an email to kevin@nebraskademocrats.org
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Help build the NDP and become a Monthly Donor! You can help us help Dems win!
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Our series of training for campaigns, led by state Sen. Carol Blood, continues.
Sign up here for the next session Dec. 29: NDP Candidate Training – Questions From Our Candidates
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Join us on a Welcome-to-the-Party call!! We cover topics such as voter registration and redistricting. We also will be giving our caucuses and councils the floor to talk about their goals and how you can get involved.
The next call is Dec. 14, when we will holiday traditions and favorite holiday foods.
If you have suggestions for topics to cover, please email gina@nebraskademocrats.org.
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Get your NDP swag at the NDP/Shirts 101 store!
There are lots of designs, including some terrific Jomaha/Blue Dot swag!
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We leave you this week with a rendering by Mike Luckovich.
–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
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IMPORTANT DATES
Dec. 14: Sen. Matt Hansen for Lancaster County Clerk Fundraiser
Dec. 14: Sen. Wendy DeBoer Holiday Party
Dec. 15: Pre-holiday fundraiser to re-elect Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh
Dec. 16: Sen. Blood, Democratic candidate for governor, “Meet the Candidate” event in North Omaha
Dec. 18: Blood Drives Across Nebraska – Omaha
Dec. 19: Blood Drives Across Nebraska – Lincoln
Dec. 29: NDP Candidate Training – Questions From Our Candidates
