LUNCH LADY CHALLENGES BANKER TO SERVE AS EAST LINCOLN'S NEXT STATE SENATOR

LINCOLN- Democrat Sarah Slattery and Republican incumbent Rob Clements are facing off for the District 2 East Lincoln seat.

The seat at hand that Slattery and Clements are campaigning for once stopped at the Lancaster-Cass county line. But redistricting pushed District 2’s western boundary across the border and all the way to east Lincoln.

Republicans have the advantage in the Lancaster County swath of District 2 — 5,312 to 3,375 Democrats. That leaves nearly 2,500 residents registered as nonpartisan, Libertarian or with the pro-marijuana party.

Slattery has a team knocking on doors in Lincoln on her behalf; she has arthritis in one knee and torn meniscus in the other, so her mobility is limited. But she’s trying to organize events where she can personally reach as many potential voters as she can.

She’s running as a working-class parent, and believes her background of culinary helps her relate better to Nebraskans than her opponent can, because she’s shared their everyday struggles. She believes that connection is more important to voters than her political affiliation.

Clements has been knocking on doors in Lincoln, and he knows his way around. Elmwood is a small town, so he routinely makes the 20-mile trip west.

Clements is a former banker, he says this is a key aspect that has helped him create connections with his constituents since he values face-to-face visits.

“I’m glad to represent District 2. This election is about the economy and inflation, controlling government spending. We need to cut taxes to help family budgets. The low-income and fixed-income people are hurting more than ever.”

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JIM PILLEN CENTERS ON CONSERVATIVE GOVERNMENT, JOBS FOR NEBRASKA KIDS

LINCOLN- If elected, a conservative and restricted-cost government will be the goal for Jim Pillen.

The focus does not stop there, he wants to focus just as much on workforce development and drastic change in the distribution of state aid to public schools.

His number one focus is keeping Nebraska kids in Nebraska. The state loses too many jobs to other states, and Pillen thinks he can make the changes to retain the younger age group.

How will he do this? By providing targeted education options and job opportunities that would swiftly and directly address Nebraska's dramatic workforce shortage, which currently leaves perhaps as many as 100,000 job opportunities in the state unfilled, Pillen says.

"The first step is the university and state colleges have to do better in keeping our kids here," the University of Nebraska regent said. "We're not competitive with scholarships. We have to get in the game."

Pillen noted that it isn't all about the university. He says we need to focus on hooking up children with businesses and with community colleges and trade schools. By focusing on all of the categories, the state will effectively generate economic development and value.

"Outside of our kids and our people, our second greatest resource is water," Pillen said. "We have to protect it. It's our future along with our kids."

Pillen supports Gov. Pete Ricketts' efforts to retain and protect the South Platte River water flowing into Nebraska from Colorado through the construction of a dam and canal system. That $500 million project was authorized by the 2022 Legislature.

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DISTRICT 42 CANDIDATES DIFFER ON LITTLE, BUT SPAR ON RESUMES AT DEBATE

NORTH PLATTE- Incumbent Mike Jacobson, who was appointed by Gov. Pete Ricketts to finish out Mike Groene’s term, and challenger Chris Bruns answered questions in front of a crowd of about 100 people at a recent debate.

The candidates agree on almost everything, so they were asked what qualifies them for the role.

“I spent nearly 10 years of active duty service for our country,” Bruns said. “During that time I learned a lot of really important things. I’ve had experiences that my peers and contemporaries and my seniors will never be able to say they’ve experienced.”

Bruns also pointed out that serving the community is important to him as he is the chairman of the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners.

“As it relates to experience, I’ve had more than just two years in the role that I’m serving in,” Jacobson said. “My opponent will be finishing his second year on the county board here by the end of the year.

“I have been here in North Platte for 28 years. I’ve been involved in economic development from the day that I got here.”

The pair answered questions about abortion — they are both pro-life; issues related to the Nebraska Department of Education including critical race theory and proposed health standards — both are opposed to including either in public schools; constitutional carry — both agree 2nd Amendment is a fundamental right; both wish to eliminate secret ballots in the legislature and both are opposed to the “epic consumption” tax, which they said would take away local control and give too much control to the legislature.

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DOUGLAS COUNTY'S ELECTION COMMISSIONER PREDICTS VOTER TURNOUT COULD BE CLOSE TO RECORD HIGH

OMAHA- Brian Kruse, Douglas County's election commissioner, believes that voter turnout next Tuesday could reach a record high.

Specifically, Kruse predicts a turnout of 57%, which would equal around 204,000. The highest turnout in Douglas County topped 57.7% in 2018, and Kruse believes may be exceeded this year.

"We always encourage voters to prove me wrong in the right direction," stated Kruse, "That's one mistake I'll be happy to admit I was wrong on, if we go over that 57%."

Kruse thinks that the highly contested races in Nebraska and special issues and amendments will be the top reasons for a potential higher-than-normal voter turnout.

As of Tuesday night, around 65% of the roughly 100,000 early ballots that were requested have been returned. Kruse stressed that, since the election is less than a week away, citizens should place their ballots in one of the 13 county election drop box locations to ensure arrival by next Tuesday.

In Sarpy County, Election Commissioner Emily Ethington predicted a 53% voter turnout, which would amount to around 65,000 votes. According to Ethington, the 2018 gubernatorial election saw a 60.25% turnout, but the county had around 10,000 fewer voters that year.

Both Kruse and Ethington claimed that all polling locations in their districts will be fully staffed, and don't expect exceptionally long lines because of the early voting ballots.

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PONCA TRIBE OF NEBRASKA TO BREAK GROUND ON PRAIRIE FLOWER CASINO EXPANSION

CARTER LAKE- The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska plans to expand their Prairie Flower Casino in Carter Lake beginning next Monday.

The tribe will break ground on the new 60,000-square-foot expansion of the casino in recognition of the 32nd anniversary of the signing of the Ponca Restoration Act, which restored the federal government's formal recognition of the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska. 

The Prairie Flower Casino opened on November 1, 2018, and has contributed over $28 million to support Tribal services since its opening. This money has gone towards expanded healthcare, job training, cultural preservation, and social services for members of the tribe. 

Around $2.3 million has also gone to the City of Carter Lake to support its police and fire departments, infrastructure, and community improvements.

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NEBRASKA HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION HONORS NEBRASKA HEALTH CARE HEROES WITH 'THE CARING KIND' AWARD

LINCOLN- The Nebraska Hospital Association will be recognizing 83 Nebraska hospital employees by awarding them with The Caring Kind award.

For 43 years, The Caring Kind award has recognized Nebraska's most caring and compassionate healthcare heroes. The award honors outstanding healthcare employees who have demonstrated compassion for patients, cooperation with co-workers and dedication to excellence in their job responsibilities.

"This award demonstrates the kindness, caring, dedication and commitment these individuals make to their hospitals,” commented Jeremy Nordquist, President, NHA. “The Caring Kind award is a celebration of our Nebraska health care heroes and the extraordinary work they do each and every day to deliver top notch patient care in our hospitals."

More than 2,700 caring, skilled and dedicated health care professionals have received this award since its inception in 1979.

Hospitals across the state select one The Caring Kind award recipient from within their respective institutions to be recognized. Award winners were recognized at a special luncheon as part of the NHA Annual Convention.

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NEBRASKA STRUGGLING TO OK BAN DESPITE ANTI-ABORTION HISTORY

LINCOLN- Nebraska Republicans are expected to dominate the polls in November and retain control of the officially nonpartisan Legislature. However, they may have trouble flipping enough seats to push for a statewide abortion ban.

Abortion opponents are hoping to avoid a repeat of what happened in Kansas this summer, where voters overwhelmingly rejected a ballot measure that would have banned abortion. However, the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe V. Wade has injected a lot of uncertainty into this year's election, so it could go either way.

David Zebolsky, chairman of Nebraskans Embracing Life, wants to see change in Nebraska. "Whether we like it or not, Nebraska is now a destination state for abortion," said Zebolsky, "We're supporting strong pro-life legislative candidates om the November election to change that."

Republicans need to gain at least two seats to even have the chance to end Nebraska's status as the nation's most unlikely harborage for abortion services, especially since the minority party can block a measure if it doesn't receive 33 votes. 

The proposed ban in Nebraska only received 31 votes, and Republicans' hopes were thwarted once again when Gov. Ricketts decided not to call for a special session to enact an abortion ban. 

These setbacks are odd considering Nebraska's history. The state was the first in the nation to enact an abortion ban after 20 weeks. 

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OVERTIME AT THREE NEBRASKA AGENCIES COSTS STATE $28 MILLION

LINCOLN- A total of $28 million worth of overtime was paid out during the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2020.

That number does not include the $28 million and $23 million of overtime that the Department of Correctional Services and Health and Human Services, and Transportation racked up in the the two years prior.

The Nebraska Legislature’s Performance Audit Committee issued a report this week looking at overtime trends in the three agencies with the largest amount of overtime spending.

Overtime spending accounted for up to 10% of the agencies’ personnel budgets.

The Corrections Department, which operates nine prisons in five communities across Nebraska, relied the most heavily on overtime by a majority of the measures studied in the report. 

HHS, the largest state agency, operates seven 24-hour facilities, including psychiatric hospitals, facilities for juvenile offenders and a center for people with developmental disabilities. Those facilities accounted for the bulk of the agency’s overtime spending. 

Transportation employees, who plan, build and maintain state roads and bridges, accumulated overtime largely because of seasonal work demands, such as construction projects, snow removal and responding to weather-related damage to the state’s highway system. 

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NATIONAL GUARD BREAKS GROUND ON NEW $36 MILLION FACILITY NEAR OFFUTT

BELLEVUE- The Nebraska National Guard’s newest and biggest armory is under construction.

Senior Guard and political leaders turned ceremonial shovels of dirt the afternoon of Oct. 25 for the Bellevue Readiness Center, the future home of five Guard units and about 380 soldiers and airmen.

U.S. Rep. Don Bacon, who worked with U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer to secure federal funds for the project, called the groundbreaking an “important milestone.” It is expected to open in 2024.

“Once it’s built, it’ll make a difference in the lives of thousands and thousands of National Guard members, for decades and decades to come,” he said.

The new center is west of Offutt Air Force Base, on South 25th Street, adjacent to the Willow Lakes Golf Course. The 40-acre site is owned by the Air Force, with a sweeping view across the Papillion Creek watershed.

With their slots on the Senate and House Armed Services Committees, Fischer and Bacon got $29 million for the project in fiscal year 2020. 

The plant was supposed to be built in Mead in 2008, before being switched to Bellevue in 2013, which has been stalled ever since.

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FRIESEN ADDRESSES QUANDT'S LICENSE PLATES CONCERNS

GRAND ISLAND- A statewide aluminum shortage may mean specific residents may not be able to retain their same license plate numbers come January.

Hall County Commissioner Gary Quandt invited State Senator Curt Friesen to the Hall County Commissioner Meeting to address the problem which will affect a total of 13 counties. Senator Friesen is the chair of the Transportation and Telecommunication Committee. 

Quandt voiced concerns from constituents who prefer to keep their current license plate numbers upon the switch. Senator Friesen called the issue "unforeseen."

“It’s unfortunate that these counties have this problem. I recognize that. But there’s really nothing legislatively that can be done, even if they wanted to,” he said. “I just don’t see a path unless we really want to pony up a lot of dollars to try to fix this, but I don’t see it happening.” 

Quandt made a motion to send a letter describing the situation and the concerns to Governor Ricketts, but was not backed by any other commissioners and died.

Friesen refuted the idea that people could get a personalized license plate, costing $40, with their current license plate number on it.

“You can order personalized license plates but you cannot choose the same number you would have gotten otherwise,” he said. “Because if you could do that, I could suddenly choose to have a personalized plate with your number on it and that’s not possible.”

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BRAD STEWART, AIDE TO SENATOR ROBERT HILKEMANN, DIES

LINCOLN- Brad Stewart, Senator Robert Hilkemann's Administrative Aide and local comedy legend, has passed away at the age of 48 after losing his battle to cancer. 

He was the former opening act for the late Joan Rivers and organized countless comedy shows at the Zoo Bar in Lincoln. 

Stewart produced and promoted Zoolariuous, a Lincoln comedy show that picked up national attention and brought in acts such as Derek Sheen, Eddie Pepitone, and Alonzo Bodden. 

“Brad Stewart created Nebraska's hippest comedy show to date,” said Pepitone, the New Yorker also known as "The Bitter Buddha" who headlined a Zoolarious showcase in July. 

In February he began working at the Capitol under Senator Hilkemann for a change of pace. 

"I've always been interested in local politics," Stewart said at the time. “… And it’s a nice change from the other industries.”

Stewart will be remembered all around Lincoln as someone who cared for and developed his community in a plethora of ways. It is uncertain as to how his comedy show and culture will carry on, but it certainly will. 

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NEBRASKA DHHS ANNOUNCES STATE-WIDE "LET'S TALK" LISENTING TOUR LED BY TONY GREEN

LINCOLN- Tony Green, Director of the Division of Developmental Disabilities with the Department of Health and Human Services has announced his annual statewide “Let’s Talk” Town Hall Listening Tour starting in November. He plans to visit seven locations throughout the state of Nebraska. This tour is designed to gain stakeholder input on services provided by the Division and provide updates on future initiatives. 

“Nearly 12,000 Nebraskans who are aging and/or experiencing a disability are receiving long-term support through one of our Waiver programs”, Director Green said, “This is an opportunity to hear what’s working well, and where there are opportunities for enhancements to our services and supports.”

Any individual who would like to learn more about the Home and Community-Based Service Waivers for the developmentally disabled, aged and disabled, traumatic brain injury, or pending family support waiver, is encouraged to attend.

The in-person town halls include:

• Monday, November 7, 2022, Scottsbluff: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. MT. John Harms Center, Room A108C/D, 2620 College Park, Scottsbluff, NE 69361

• Tuesday, November 8, 2022, North Platte: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Mid Plains Community College – North Campus, Room 202, 1101 Halligan Dr., North Platte, NE 69101

• Wednesday, November 9, 2022, Kearney: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.Holiday Inn Hotel and Convention Center – Stateroom F, 110 Second Ave, Kearney, NE 68848

• Thursday, November 10, 2022, Norfolk: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. DHHS Building – Norfolk, Conference Room 110, 209 North 5th St, Norfolk, NE 68701

• Tuesday, November 15, 2022, Papillion: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Sump Memorial Library, South Meeting Room, 222 N. Jefferson St., Papillion, NE 68406

• Thursday, November 17, 2022, Lincoln: 6:00 – 7:45 p.m. Eiseley Branch Library, 1530 Superior St, Lincoln, NE 68521

• Tuesday, November 29, 2022, Omaha: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Omaha State Office Building, Douglas Conference Center, 1313 Farnam St., Omaha, NE 68102

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NEBRASKA STUDENTS LOST GROUND IN MATH, READING DURING PANDEMIC, BUT NOT AS MUCH AS PEERS

LINCOLN- According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress that was released this week, Nebraska and the rest of the nation declined in math and reading proficiency over the pandemic.

Nebraska’s eighth-grade math score was the lowest since 2000. Its fourth-grade math score was the lowest since 2011.

And in reading, fourth and eighth-grade scores were the lowest since 2002.

These disappointing results can be remedied by looking at the rest of the nation. 

Nebraska's fourth-grade math score was seven points higher than the rest of the nation. For eighth graders, the math score came in six points above the national average. 

In reading, Nebraska’s average score for fourth grade was 3 points higher than the national average. In eighth grade, both Nebraska and the nation had an average score of 259.

When comparing it to pre-pandemic levels, Nebraska slid backward in progress, but still less than the majority of the nation. Nationally, the declines in math scores were the largest since NAEP assessments began in 1990.

Nebraska Commissioner of Education Matt Blomstedt said it’s reasonable to think that getting Nebraska kids back into classrooms during the pandemic kept scores from falling further.

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$3 MILLION UNMC GRANT INTENDS TO STRENGTHEN LINKAGE BETWEEN COMMUNITY AND HEALTH CARE

OMAHA- A new, nearly $3 million federal grant opens the door for the University of Nebraska Medical Center to recruit and train 240 “community health workers” as frontline soldiers seeking to eradicate health disparities across the state.

The funding, over a three-year period, comes from the Health Resources and Services Administration to the UNMC College of Public Health.

The grant will significantly expands the states community health worker program, which has seen an increasing need.

Dejun Su, Associate professor at UNMC aside, “Community health workers are uniquely positioned to help us address social determinants of health and bridge the gap between the health care system and underserved communities."

He said participants of the program will work with health care providers and community organizations to improve patient access to care. They’ll help families and individuals with translation, enrollment in medical services and connections to community-based agencies.

Enrolled trainees at first will undergo 10 weeks of learning core competencies, followed by individualized, on-the-job training for eight weeks to earn a certification.

A team of faculty, training site managers and community health workers are to create the curriculum for the program.

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NEBRASKA UNEMPLOYMENT RATE UP SLIGHTLY

LINCOLN- Nebraska has dropped in a national ranking of states for low unemployment, dipping to a three-way tie for fourth place with a 2.2% unemployment rate.

At times around the start of the year and more recently, Nebraska’s unemployment rate was the lowest or tied for the lowest on record for any state. 

Nebraska is only beaten by Minnesota, Utah, and Vermont. Nebraska shares the tie for fourth with New Hampshire and North Dakota.

Nationally, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate is 3.5%. Nebraska's 2.2% compares with 2.1% a month ago and 2.5% a year ago. Six months ago, it was 1.9%. 

Nebraska Labor Director John Albin said Friday that workforce participation is up over last year and that over 1 million Nebraskans have been employed consistently since August 2020.

“The number of unemployed workers is down 2,000 compared to a year ago, and we continue to see an uptick in people re-entering the labor force,” said Albin.

Local labor officials report that nonfarm employment, a count of filled jobs, was 1,034,979 in September, up 6,803 compared to August and up 26,650 compared to last September.

Private industries with the most growth since last September were education and health services (up 5,229); professional and business services (up 5,150); and trade, transportation and utilities (up 5,137). 

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SMALL NEBRASKA TOWNS GET SPIFFED UP WITH FEDERAL FUNDING BOOST

LINCOLN- Five Nebraska towns, including two with only 100 or so residents apiece, have been awarded a total of about $2 million to develop projects ranging from sprucing up Main Street to building a center for seniors.

The funds announced by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development come from the federal U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant program. 

Leaders in Wood River, Nebraska — population about 1,300 — plan to use their $433,000 award to further redevelop an old nursing home facility. 

In the city of Ainsworth, population about 1,600, a $433,000 award aims to improve Main Street from where it intersects with Nebraska Highway 20 north to the Wastewater Treatment Plant. 

In Bartlett, which has just over 100 residents, $420,479 will go to improve Randolph Street from Fourth to Fifth Streets.

In Filley, which has 120 or so residents, a $315,000 is to improve infrastructure on Livingston, Gage, Lancaster and Johnson Streets.

Wayne, population of about 6,000, is to receive $433,000 to expand its trail system from residential areas to a major retail corridor. 

The projects aim to enhance public health and economic vitality of the communities.

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NEARLY 5 MILLION DOMESTIC BIRDS AFFECTED BY DEADLY AVIAN FLU IN NEBRASKA THIS YEAR

OMAHA- Twelve cases of a highly contagious and deadly avian flu have now been confirmed in Nebraska this year.

The disease has affected nearly 5 million chickens, gamebirds and other poultry in the state, in both commercial and backyard flocks.

The Nebraska Department of Agriculture, working with the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, announced the most recent case Oct. 21, affecting a commercial flock of 33,500 gamebirds in York County. 

HPAI, or highly pathogenic avian influenza, is a virus that spreads easily among birds through nasal and eye secretions, as well as manure. It can spread in different ways from flock to flock, including by wild birds, through contact with infected poultry, equipment or the clothing and shoes of caretakers. 

The infections have occurred in two waves this year. The first began in mid-March and lasted until late April. 

The second began in mid-September and has affected two commercial flocks and two backyard flocks since then, as recently as last week.

Before this year, Nebraska hadn’t seen a confirmed HPAI case since 2015. 

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DEPARTING CLERK SAYS LEGISLATURE HAS CHANGED, AND NOT ALL FOR THE BETTER

LINCOLN- Departing Clerk of the Legislature Patrick O'Donnell, who has acted in that position for 45 years, says the Capitol has changed a lot since he joined almost 5 decades ago. "It's a different environment," said O'Donnell.

O'Donnell believes that immense polarization has changed the Legislature substantially. "The nature of the members has changed. Some of that may be due to term limits, some because of money and politics. There are people who are more engaged in political theater now than the hard work of being a good senator," stated the retiring clerk. 

However, O'Donnell made clear that it isn't all bad. "We still have dedicated people," he said, "just fewer of those people. That's what made it fun."

It's speculated that O'Donnell's departure decision may have been exacerbated in 2017 when the nonpartisan Legislature's choice of committee leadership took on a very partisan tone, with Republicans ousting Democrat committee chairs and taking leadership of all but one committee. "The first place some of them want to go is partisanship now, and that started in 2017," stated O'Donnell.

And now, unfortunately, these partisan attitudes are back according to O'Donnell. The retiring clerk believes that the effort to eliminate secret ballot selections for legislative leaders would "destroy the culture and nature of this place."

With a large influx of new senators joining the Legislature in 2023, O'Donnell stated that although he'll be gone, "I'm going to pay attention."

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NEBRASKA IS ONE STEP CLOSER TO ALLOWING SPORTS BETTING AT RACETRACK CASINOS

LINCOLN- Last Friday, the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission voted unanimously to approve rules for wagering on sporting events, but it's still unclear when Nebraska citizens will be able to do so.

Before being implemented, the rules must be vetted by the Nebraska Attorney General's Office, then finally approved by the Governor. The whole process is expected to take several months.

Commission Chairman Dennis Lee is setting expectations early on. "If any of you think...you're going to be able to do some sports wagering in the relatively near future," said Lee, "that's not really accurate--nothing further could be from the truth."

The rules approved on Friday mirror almost entirely those adopted by the Nebraska Legislature earlier this year. Most importantly, they require that all sports betting take place in person and at casinos or horse racing tracks housed within the state. They also explicitly prohibit wagering on games involving teams when they are competing within the state.

By the time the rules are approved by the Governor, some predict that the state will see one to three new casinos built in Nebraska. The state's one and only casino, WarHorse Casino, plans to offer sports betting as soon as the rules are finalized. 

Lynne McNally, CEO of the Nebraska Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association, believes the rules are "a solid start," but sees them becoming "a living document" that will be amended over time.

The Racing and Gaming Commission also approved horse racing dates for 2023, including eight which will be held at the Lincoln Race Course. 

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SPENDING ON NEBRASKA ELECTIONS IS SURGING, WITH NO END IN SIGHT

OMAHA- Every election cycle, Nebraskans are met with a deluge of political ads, mailers, and texts from candidates. However, this year it's changed. Now, Nebraskans are being reached out to for races up and down almost the entire ballot, including schools boards.

By the mid-June filing deadline, Nebraska candidates had raised a record $51 million for state and local races. Two years ago, that number was $23 million. 

The Republican gubernatorial race in Lincoln saw record highs as well. Among the three top candidates, $28 million was raised, with Herbseter garnering $13 million, Pillen raising $10 million, and Sen. Lindstrom getting $3 million.

The Ricketts family gave nearly $2 million to Conservative Nebraska, an outside group that pushed heavily against Pillen's two GOP opponents. The Governor also funded groups like the Nebraska Future Action Fund, which is aimed primarily at the University of Nebraska regent's race. 

Fundraising is reportedly up quite a bit compared to past years, with the Nebraska Federation for Children garnering around $735,000. The State Board of Education races are also seeing record fundraising numbers after the Board proposed, and later withdrew, new health standards. 

Almost 20 candidates for the Nebraska Legislature have raised over $100,000 this cycle, and other important Douglas and Lancaster County races have been seeing similar numbers.

Nebraska Public Service Commissioner Crystal Rhoades said she's seen expensive races before, but nothing on this level. "There are many groups participating and forming, and the existing groups are spending much more money," said Rhoades, "Some of these legislative races are going to get to $400,000 or $500,000 when you include independent expenditures."

Gavin Geis, of Common Cause Nebraska, a political action committee that seeks to limit campaign contributions, said the rising cost of running is discouraging candidates without connections to wealth. "We've seen this nationally," said Geis, "There is more of a focus on local races. There is way more giving at the local level. It's not surprising, but it's still shocking."

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