View photos from the event.

1:09 p.m. – Chad, UNO Dems President just thanked everyone for coming and wished each candidate the best of luck. People are now milling around talking and chatting. This was a pretty successful event. For some reason, the Omaha media missed out on this event.

1:06 p.m. – Steve Scarpello is appearing on behalf of Mayor Fahey. Steve talked about his experience with the UNO Dems and how he’s happy to help us. Steve talked about how Democrats CAN win in Nebraska. He mentioned the Hal Daub is going to run for Mayor of Omaha.

1:03 p.m. – Robert Wimberley, candidate for LD 10. Rob is a Nebraska by choice. He stated that a lot of young people don’t know what to do after they graduate. Rob decided to move to Nebraska because of the opportunity.

1:00 p.m. – Robert Howard, candidate for LD 2. (roberthoward4statelegislature@alltel.net) Robert has one issue. But first he made a pitch for some help with speech writing and other campaign work (but not walking since his district is so big). His issue is taking all Federal help (social security, military retirement, postal worker retirment, and other Federal funded social programs) and making it non-taxable in Nebraska. He’s happy to answer questions and talk to people about helping his campaign.

12:52 p.m. – Don Dendinger, candidate for LD 4. Don was at the UNO for 20 years. Don says if he can win in District 4, we would have representation for all people in LD 4. Don stated, “My pitch is if you want to make a difference, join my campaign.” He said that he told Gary Di that he and Barb should finsh first and second and then sort it out in November.

12:49 p.m. – Barb Velinsky, candidate for LD 4. Barb couldn’t make it, so her son Jason spoke on her behalf.

12:31 p.m. – Lynne Anderson, candidate for LD 6. Lynne brought some homemade cookies (I just sent someone to get me one). Lynne was a nurse at UNMC for over 30 years and owns an apartment business with her husband. “We have a lot of opportunity in this state right now.” Lynne appreciates young people and has gotten to know so many young people throughout her campaigning.

12:26 p.m. – We had to set up two more rows of chairs. Good turn out…lots of students…good turn over. It’s nice to see students coming to the event and staying as long as they can. Marc Kraft is taking questions.

12:20 – Marc Kraft, candidate for LD 8. Marc like the Critique and thinks it’s a great idea that it opens from the left. Marc’s concerned about the “brain drain” in Nebraska. He thinks we’ve got a huge opportunity in Nebraska to help people learn through the internet. Public officials need to be responsible for their actions. Marc helped get Saddle Creek Records located in NoDo while he was on the City Council. Marc also was responsible to get the skate park in Omaha. Mark says growing our population and having diverse people is good for all Nebraskans. Marc has lived in LD 8 for over 50 years.

12:16 p.m. – Tom White, candidate for LD 8. Tom says that the loss of our young people is a big problem. He says our quality of life can be better. Tom’s talking about jobs and more culture here in NE. Nebraska can be in the very near future a major energy exporter. He says ethanol can be the future for Nebraska’s young people.

12:00 p.m. – Steve Lathrop, candidate for LD 12. Steve started off talking about how great the UNO Dems are (we appreciate that!). “Democrats have values that they share…while you may be in the majority, you have to respect the rights of the minority.” Steve said the country is heading in the wrong direction…and it’s important to be a Democrat in the State of Nebraska. Steve’s answer to doing something for his country is the run for legislature.

11:52 a.m. – Carol Casey, candidate for LD 20. Carol was in the insurance industry for 30 years. She says say became a candidate because of heath care and real estate taxes. She’s discussing how hard it is to take care of our elderly and why they are important to our community.

11:47 a.m. – Jim Thompson, incumbent for Papio NRD. 23 NRD districts. Has a business background. Believes it helps him with his NRD position. Jim was instrumental in getting the Turner Blvd. Bike Trail created. It will be build this year.

11:31 a.m. – Jim Higins – candidate for State Board of Education talked about getting involved in campaigns. He also talked about his experiences as a young person in Nebraska and working on campaigns. Jim talked about the role of the State Board of Education and dealing with teaching certification and accreditation.

11:20 a.m. – Jim Esch, our Congressional candidate talked about his energy and the young people involved in his campaign. Jim urged early voting and everyone bringing a friend to the poles. “Vote early, Vote Esch.”

11:10 a.m. – Jeff announced David Hahn, the Democratic candidate for Governor. David talked about renewing the rural economy, providing broadband access and offered a clear vision for Nebraska.

11:00 a.m. – Wow, it’s starting….great croud…..people flowing into the room. Numbers are okay.