LINCOLN — Former Nebraska State Sen. Loran Schmit is remembered as a dogged advocate for rural Nebraska and the father of the state’s ethanol industry, as well as a legislative leader who was ahead of his time on other issues, including gambling. Schmit, 96, died Wednesday at his home in Bellwood.

“He was an example of someone with a vision and a passion who was willing to go to the mat to make it happen,” said Scott Moore, a former legislative colleague.

It was a passion, he said, that sometimes worked against Schmit, a farmer, lobbyist and businessman.

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