Some significant developments have occurred in the David Hergert cheating scandal since we last discussed it on this blog.

Nebraska Attorney General Jon Bruning has recommended that the Hergert case be sent to a grand jury.

Hergert’s case headed to grand jury - Omaha World-Herald

“When I reviewed the State Patrol’s report, it became clear to me from the totality of the evidence that it was intentional. I do not have reasonable doubt,” Bruning told a press conference.

He said Hergert may have broken six criminal laws, including a possible felony.

He said that a grand jury would add a “layer of credibility” to the process and that, perhaps more important, a grand jury has the power to force uncooperative witnesses to testify.

An editorial by the Lincoln Journal-Star pretty much sums up my thoughts on the decision.

Attorney General Jon Bruning is amply justified in his decision to seek a grand jury indictment of University of Nebraska Regent David Hergert.

He even sounded enthusiastic about his pending prosecutorial mission, saying he personally “had no reasonable doubt” that Hergert’s violations of campaign finance laws were intentional.

That sort of aggressive spirit inspires confidence that the attorney general is serious about enforcing the law. Bruning’s statement Monday certainly lends more assurance than his comments in July. As he launched his initial investigation, Bruning cautioned: “This is not a witch hunt.”

This action comes only a week and a half after the UNO Student Government voted down a resolution (13-10-1) condemning Hergert’s actions.

UNO Student Senate votes down resolution calling for Hergert’s resignation - UNO Gateway

I wish I could list the names of the 13 people that voted against this resolution, but the vote was done in secret. That’s how democracy at UNO works. Voting on a resolution like this in secret does a complete disservice to the student body of UNO. Instead of having to defend their position, senators voting against this resolution can hide behind a cloak of secrecy.

When the UNO Student Government pulls things like this, it alienates itself even further from the student body. It gives the appearance that the UNO Student Government is a secret society with members that care little about the student body.

If a senator wanted to vote against this resolution, then that’s their decision to make. But how is the student body suppose to hold it’s elected officials accountable when they are voting on important and controversial matters in secret? Acts like this are cowardly and undemocratic. I’m sure our forefathers would be proud.

I encourage everyone to visit Huskers Against Hergert for some great commentary and information about the Hergert situation. Jeff has some great analysis of the UNO Student Government position on the situation… UNO Tacitly Endorses Lying, Cheating, Lawbreaking, and David Hergert!