A pleasant October surprise for Scott Kleeb came in the form of an endorsement from Nebraska’s largest newspaper. In an 800 word endorsement that will appear in the Omaha World-Herald tomorrow, the newspaper not only builds up Kleeb and presents a strong case for supporting him, they also explain why Adrian Smith, his opponent, would be a bad choice for the third district.
Obviously, endorsements don’t win races, but it’s clear that Kleeb’s message is getting out. You can view a small portion of the endorsement below, but visit the World-Herald’s website to read some of the finer points.
Kleeb for 3rd District - Omaha World-Herald
Two young men are vying to succeed U.S. Rep. Tom Osborne in Nebraska’s 3rd Congressional District. Given the unseasoned nature of both candidates, there is a degree of uncertainty about how either would do in Congress.
One candidate, Scott Kleeb, stands out as the better choice. The reason: his fundamental strength - a strength of intellect, a strength of eloquence, a strength of stability.
When pressed aggressively, Kleeb’s opponent, State Sen. Adrian Smith, falls back on sound bites and slogans. When pressed under the same conditions, Kleeb draws on different resources - mental focus, breadth of analytical ability and an unshakeable internal steadiness.
Such strength could serve Kleeb well in Congress. Such strength provides him the potential to be a lawmaker respected for making a constructive difference.
As many 3rd District voters know, Kleeb has an unusual background as a cowboy/scholar - a real-life ranch hand who also earned stellar academic credentials, above all for his study of how the American West and cattle country in particular are connected to the world economy.
A most unusual individual, certainly. But even though he is a Democrat (and no Democrat has represented western Nebraska in Congress since 1961, despite several close general elections), Kleeb has shown himself to be thoroughly familiar and comfortable with the cultures and communities of the district.
As much as I complain about the conservative nature of the OWH, it’s good to see that they aren’t completley biased. Kleeb is far and away the best candidate in that race. If elected he’d be one of the best educated Congressmen we’ve ever elected in Nebraska (especially when compared to our “I read at the 7th grade level” 2nd CD Congressman Lee Terry).
Hell, if other representatives get out of hand in Washington, Kleeb as a former rodeo man, will just tackle ‘em. Literally.
It is great that the NYD’s are helping Scott Kleeb and that the Omaha World Herald wrote about him. I didn’t even really know what he was running for before. I hope to road trip to the 3rd district with the NYD’s to help him out.
Scott was featured twice today on the frontpage of www.dailykos.com, the largest political blog in the world!
So kudos to scott. His ranking in the cook political report was even moved to “Favored Republican” which is a major shift from “Strongly Republican” which was what it was ranked before. It’s like the Texas/Nebraska game being Texas favored. Yeah it is, but Nebraska could still win and no one is saying otherwise.
Actually that’s a bad example because I’m a longhorns fan, and I will be rooting for them & certainly don’t want to compare them to republicans.
Anway, You get my gist. Scott has the momentum and that’s a good thing.
Scott is definitely eye candy for the young ladies — but he is a farmhand. Is that all the better we can do in Nebraska is bring in a ringer? We need a real Nebraskan to run. Are there any out there???
Here is why Scott lost: 1. The definition of stupidity is doing the same thing and expecting different results. Scott complained about out of state money just like John Hanson and Mayor Vavricek and the results were the same. 2. Then the last week before the election Scott abandoned his base. He kept getting momentum and points when he supported a PRO CHOICE position and gay LEGAL UNIONS position. When he tried to emulate his opponent the margin widened.
AGAIN we need a real Nebraskan that is not afraid of being liberal. Nebraska is getting more progressive all the time. We need someone who has the guts to not waffle, but tell everyone who his is and stick to it.
Frank, 75% of that district voted for Bush. Kleeb’s “base” wasn’t exactly going to win him the election, and I guarantee you that no Democrats left him because he was too conservative. There are some places in this state that are just too Republican. It was a valiant effort by Scott, and I hope he runs for statewide office someday, because I think he would win.
Also, not once in that race did Kleeb try to emulate his inept, incompetent, extremist opponent. And he is a true Nebraskan. I’d just like to point that out, for the record.