FORMAL COMPLAINTS RAISED INVOLVING BACON AND VARGAS

OMAHA- The latest heel turn in Nebraska’s 2nd District race between Republican U.S. Rep. Don Bacon and Democratic State Sen. Tony Vargas involves formal complaints filed targeting both. Action on either allegation by the Office of Congressional Ethics or the Federal Election Commission is unlikely before Election Day on Nov. 5. Voters are on their own to weigh the allegations, the motives of the people and groups behind them and the responses of the candidates themselves in the campaign’s last moments.

The most recent is a complaint against Bacon filed by Nancy Meyer of Cedar Bluffs with the House Office of Congressional Ethics, which screens and forwards such complaints to the House Ethics Committee. Meyer’s complaint alleges Bacon misused government resources by signing a letter on official House office letterhead urging the Nebraska Legislature to change how it awards Electoral College votes.

Bacon recently highlighted an FEC complaint against a group that paid Vargas that was filed in March by the right-leaning Foundation for Accountability and Civic Trust, previously funded by the Koch brothers. That group argued that a $60,000 fellowship program that Vargas and other candidates participated in between his 2022 and 2024 congressional campaigns should have been listed as a political donation.

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PETE RICKETTS, FAMILY DONATED MORE THAN $25 MILLION TO 2024 CONSERVATIVE CAMPAIGNS, CAUSES

LINCOLN- In the nine months leading up to a contentious election, the Ricketts family, among the biggest political donors in Nebraska, shelled out over $25 million to conservative candidates and causes. The family has influenced Nebraska politics for years, particularly after Pete Ricketts was elected governor in 2014. The family patriarch, Joe Ricketts, founded former stockbroking company TD Ameritrade and has a 2024 net worth of $4.1 billion, according to Forbes.

Now a U.S. senator, Pete Ricketts, who was appointed to the seat last year and is running to complete the term, contributed nearly $4.2 million to both state and federal political causes through the end of September. Joe Ricketts has donated about $5.9 million, while matriarch Marlene Ricketts has donated more than $15 million. Of that $25 million total, a majority went to campaigns outside Nebraska.

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2 NEBRASKA REGENTS SPONSORING ADS OPPOSING ABORTION BALLOT INITIATIVE

OMAHA- A series of television commercials asking Nebraska voters to oppose one of two abortion initiatives on November’s general election ballot have unlikely benefactors: candidates for the University of Nebraska Board of Regents. Amid their own reelection campaigns, Regents Rob Schafer of Beatrice and Jim Scheer of Norfolk sponsored advertisements opposing Initiative 439, which would create a “fundamental right to abortion until fetal viability” in the state constitution.

While elected officials or candidates often take a public stand on issues that will go before voters, several political observers in the state said they had never seen regents sponsor political advertising for a ballot issue not under the university’s purview. The commercials also have benefited from at least one contribution to a regent exceeding $1.5 million, which is larger than most made in Nebraska, according to an official charged with monitoring campaign finance.

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TRIAL BEGINS IN CASE AGAINST MEDICAL CANNABIS BALLOT MEASURES

LINCOLN- The trial over Nebraska’s two medical cannabis ballot measures began Tuesday with a broad examination into notary publics, citizen-led initiatives and the different groups that have reviewed the petition signatures. The case in Lancaster County District Court involves two petitions from the Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana campaign that would legalize and regulate medical cannabis. Both petitions remain on the Nov. 5 ballot, but if this week’s legal challenges are successful, that could invalidate the election results.

The medical marijuana campaign needs 86,499 valid signatures. Nearly 90,000 signatures were verified on each petition. Attorneys for John Kuehn, a former state senator and former State Board of Health member who filed the Sept. 12 lawsuit, and Secretary of State Bob Evnen, a defendant, sought to frame the case around following the rules.

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LAWMAKERS, PUBLIC SCHOOL ADVOCATES SPAR OVER ADS AGAINST USING STATE FUNDS FOR NE PRIVATE SCHOOLS

LINCOLN- Nebraska lawmakers made what likely was a final push Monday before Election Day to save the state’s latest “school choice” program to offset attendance costs at private schools. State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Elkhorn, who sponsored the original Legislative Bills 753 in 2023 and 1402 this year, joined with about 20 of her legislative colleagues to criticize a new ad from the Support Our Schools campaign, which has opposed both of Linehan’s bills.

The targeted ad, posted to the campaign’s social media four days ago, shows three men in suits, which the senators took as caricatures of themselves. The men enter a classroom, steal toy blocks from the children, break pencils, knock over dominoes, and break a house made of Legos. “The commercials are ridiculous, and they are insulting to the Legislature,” Linehan said.

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LINCOLN SENATOR SAYS SHE DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT POLITICAL FLYER USING MINOR'S PHOTO

LINCOLN - A campaign flyer funded by the Omaha Police Officers Association sparked controversy for Senator Carolyn Bosn. The flyer promoted her as "tough on crime" and suggested a 14-year-old accused of murder remains enrolled in Lincoln Public Schools. However, Senator Bosn, a former prosecutor, said she  "did not have any role in creating or approving the content," only learning of it after from a constituent. Bosn emphasized her commitment to running a clean campaign.

While the Omaha Police Officers Association funded the mailer, the union has not directly contributed to Bosn's campaign. Bosn's opponent, Nicki Behmer Popp, criticized the ad as misleading and manipulative. The mailer was also posted on X by a concerned constituent which over 17,000 people have seen.

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NEBRASKA LEGISLATURE, DISTRICT 25: BOSN FACES CHALLENGE TO RETAIN SEAT SHE WAS APPOINTED TO

LINCOLN- Both candidates vying to represent southeast Lincoln and Lancaster County in Nebraska's Legislature will appear on the ballot as a legislative candidate for the first time this November, though one has already been in office for 18 months. Sen. Carolyn Bosn, a Republican whom Gov. Jim Pillen appointed to replace former Sen. Suzanne Geist in April 2023 following Geist's resignation, is asking voters to send her back to the statehouse for a full four-year term in the formally nonpartisan Legislature where she has emerged as a leading voice on public safety issues.

Nicki Behmer Popp, a registered nonpartisan who has served on the Lincoln Airport Authority since 2021, is seeking to unseat the unelected incumbent. Behmer Popp's bid to draw moderate conservatives by casting Bosn as "extreme" reflects the political realities of District 25, which includes a large swath of southeast Lincoln and Lancaster County, including the village of Bennet.

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UNICAMERAL CANDIDATES ADDRESS MAJOR WESTERN NEBRASKA ISSUES

NORTH PLATTE - Voters in Nebraska’s Panhandle and Sandhills will choose a new representative for term-limited Sen. Tom Brewer in District 43. Former Cherry County Commissioner Tanya Storer of rural Whitman is running against Chadron pastor Donald “Tony” Tangwall. Storer, who previously lost to Brewer in 2020, seeks to leverage her extensive local experience in a district spanning 11 counties. Tangwall did not provide answers to the request.

Storer emphasizes the need for strong leadership to combat the loss of rural representation. With a background as a rancher and educator, she is committed to addressing local challenges. Storer plans to advocate for property tax relief through a more equitable school funding formula and to uphold constitutional rights, including Second Amendment rights. She supports the governor’s goal of reducing property taxes by 40% and aims to foster collaboration between state and local governments for meaningful tax relief, ensuring that rural Nebraska remains a vibrant place for future generations.

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AMHERST FARMER FACES MARKETING MANAGER IN LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT 41

KEARNEY — In the race to replace Senator Fred Meyer, who declined to run for a full term after being appointed to fill Sen. Tom Briese's seat in Nebraska's nonpartisan Legislature, Amherst farmer Dan McKeon faces off against Ord resident Ethan Clark. This contest unfolds across parts of eight counties in south-central Nebraska.

Dan McKeon, a lifelong farmer from Amherst, highlights his deep agricultural roots and hands-on experience as key advantages in his campaign. He emphasizes the importance of local control and aims to address the needs of his constituents by fostering collaboration in the Legislature. McKeon advocates for a more secure voting system, suggesting a return to hand ballots to enhance election integrity.

Ethan Clark, a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, offers a distinct perspective as a marketing manager with prior experience in the Legislature. He believes that his familiarity with the legislative processes will allow him to be effective immediately upon election. Clark asserts that elections are fair and secure, highlighting the lack of evidence for voter fraud in Nebraska and supporting ongoing efforts to enhance election security. His primary focus will be on advocating for rural economic development, supporting local schools, cutting government spending, and reducing the overall tax burden for residents.

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NEBRASKA LEGISLATURE DISTRICT 27: TWO DISTINCT CANDIDATES SEEK TO REPLACE WISHART

LINCOLN - Voters in parts of west Lincoln and Lancaster County will choose between Jason Prokop, a child care policy advocate, and Dawn Liphardt, an accountant and Nebraska Republican Party director, to replace term-limited Sen. Anna Wishart.

Jason Prokop, a registered Democrat and director of First Five Nebraska, emphasizes a pragmatic approach focused on bipartisan governance. He aims to tackle critical issues like child care accessibility and affordability, which have forced many parents out of the workforce. Prokop supports keeping taxpayer dollars in public schools and plans to vote for an initiative that ensures access to abortion up until fetal viability while opposing measures that would enshrine Nebraska's current 12-week ban in the state constitution.

Dawn Liphardt, a longtime accountant and executive director of the Nebraska Republican Party, prioritizes property tax relief, which she identifies as a top concern among constituents. She proposes capping annual property valuation increases at the rate of inflation. Liphardt, who is strongly anti-abortion, believes in fostering respectful dialogue around the issue and is also interested in promoting trade schools to prepare students for skilled careers.

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NORTHERN LANCASTER COUNTY LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT 21 RACE FEATURES SEN. BEAU BALLARD, SETH DERNER

LINCOLN- A legislative race in northern Lancaster County features an incumbent looking to tackle and learn more about top issues for constituents and a challenger who wants to bring his life experiences to the Legislature.

Incumbent State Sen. Beau Ballard was appointed in 2023 and highlighted his background as a small-business owner and legislative aide. His priorities for this term are property taxes, housing, and economic development. He favors measured steps toward legalizing medical cannabis and champions “school choice” as a complement to public education.

Ballard’s opponent, Seth Derner, works as a consultant and was previously an educator. His focus is on emphasizing bipartisan and community-centered governance. Derner opposes public funding for private education and Nebraska’s current abortion law, arguing that reproductive health should rest in personal and medical discretion. Derner supports medical cannabis. However, Derner advocates for cautious approaches to recreational marijuana and sports betting.

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EASTERN SARPY COUNTY LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT 45 RACE FEATURES SEN. RITA SANDERS, SARAH CENTINEO

BELLEVUE - A legislative race in eastern Sarpy County features an incumbent looking to use her expertise to dive into issues she’s already started and a challenger looking to uplift her own medical and educational background.

State Sen. Rita Sanders focuses on her experience as a former Bellevue mayor and senator, emphasizing her bipartisan relationships and work on economic development, nuclear energy, and support for Offutt Air Force Base. Sanders, endorsed by Nebraska Right to Life, opposes abortion and medical cannabis, advocating for traditional public policy approaches.

Challenger Sarah Centineo, a former nurse of 27 years and Bellevue school board member, emphasizes her background in healthcare and education advocacy, aiming to bring empathy-driven policies to the Legislature. Endorsed by Planned Parenthood Advocates of Nebraska, Centineo supports reproductive rights, medical cannabis, and opposes public funding for private education, pledging to represent underserved communities and military families.

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LEGISLATORS, TAX EXPERTS PREVIEW UPCOMING DEBATES ON NEBRASKA TAX POLICY

LINCOLN- Nebraska's Unicameral passed legislation during this year's special session that could provide around $185 million in property tax relief. That represents around 3.5% of local property taxes that were collected in Nebraska last year. Gov. Jim Pillen initially called the special session with hopes of eliminating 40% of property taxes. The relief will come through a cap on how much local governments can collect through property taxes and a credit that is automatically deducted from property tax statements instead of having to be applied for.

At the Platte Institute’s Annual Legislative Summit, Speaker of the Legislature John Arch addressed a room of senators and policy analysts, saying the session didn’t achieve all of its goals, but what did pass will help Nebraskans. State income tax cuts that were passed by the legislature in 2023 will continue lowering tax rates in the years ahead. The rate for the highest tax bracket will fall to 3.99% percent by 2027. Michael Lucci, a senior policy advisor at the Platte Institute, said the income tax cuts are important to help the state attract workers as neighboring states like Iowa pass similar legislation.

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WHO'S BUYING NEBRASKA? PHILLY-BASED ORGANIC FARMER IS STATE'S NO. 2 BUYER OF AG LAND

ADAMS COUNTY- Philadelphia-based agricultural company, Belltown Farms, recently purchased a farm outside of Hastings in addition to their four farms in southwest Nebraska. The purchase made Belltown the second-largest buyer of Nebraska’s increasingly pricey farmland between 2018 and 2022. Belltown’s total Nebraska farmland portfolio now stands at nearly 19,000 acres, about two-thirds of the farmland the company operates across the country, with other locations in Illinois, Michigan, Texas, and New York.

Belltown stands out for its differences. While other big farmland investment companies sometimes lease out their land, they directly operate their farms. Belltown only raises organic crops, proving false the stereotype that organic farmers are small, quirky, and unable to turn a profit.

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NEBRASKA'S MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHTED AS JOB COUNT HITS 20-YEAR HIGH

FREMONT- Gov. Jim Pillen and other state and local officials spotlighted the growing Nebraska manufacturing industry, whose job count has hit its highest point in more than 20 years. The stars of the event held at Structural Component Systems, a Fremont-based building supply manufacturer, were a dozen local high schoolers who are dual-enrolled in trades-focused college courses. The Fremont teens, who learn construction, welding, and other skills at their high school’s newly opened Career Technical Education Center, represent a growing number of talent pipelines helping to fuel manufacturing.

The industry is second only to agriculture in the state, said K.C. Belitz, director of the Nebraska Department of Economic Development. He said it contributes $21.6 billion to Nebraska’s annual gross domestic product, a 57% increase from five years ago. About 109,000 workers are employed in the sector, according to the Nebraska Department of Labor.

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EFFORTS TO RELOCATE EASTERN NEBRASKA VILLAGE AWAY FROM FREQUENT FLOODS APPEAR STALLED

WINSLOW- Leaders in the flood-devastated village of Winslow are discovering that relocating a town is much more difficult and time-consuming than they envisioned. In 2019, the nearby Elkhorn River topped its banks, pouring up to 5 feet of floodwaters across the community, which lies 16 miles north of Fremont. Many homes in the town of then-140 residents were inundated, and flooding had become so commonplace that federal officials offered homeowners a buyout for their property, and town leaders voted to pursue moving the town to higher ground.

Since the flood, nearly two dozen homes have been burned to the ground, and patches of dirt mark where some bought-out houses used to stand. Plans to rebuild the town on higher ground adjacent to Logan View High School along U.S. Highway 77 have stalled, and some community leaders figure that five years after the flood, the move will never happen. Most people who took the buyout have found new homes in nearby Hooper or Fremont.

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TIKTOK ASKS NEBRASKA JUDGE TO DISMISS AG's LAWSUIT, CALLING ALLEGATIONS 'PUFFERY'

LINCOLN- An attorney for social media giant TikTok recently asked a Lancaster County judge to dismiss the Nebraska attorney general's civil case against the company, calling the allegations the state leveled within it a matter of opinion and "puffery." In the lawsuit filed here in May, Attorney General Mike Hilgers' office accused TikTok of falsely marketing and promoting its "addictive and otherwise harmful product" to Nebraskans.

To put an end to the alleged wrongdoing, the attorney general's office said it was seeking civil penalties and injunctive relief under the state's Consumer Protection Act and Uniform Deceptive Trade Practices Act, likening the case to claims brought in the '90s against Big Tobacco. The state alleges the app's safety features are "grossly ineffective" and its enforcement of guidelines "haphazard at best."

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NEARLY 200 APPLY TO VOTE IN DOUGLAS COUNTY AFTER RULING ON FELON VOTER RIGHTS

OMAHA- Nearly 200 in Douglas County have registered to vote since last week’s ruling from the Nebraska Supreme Court allowing felons who have served their sentences to do so. The state’s high court ruled that Nebraskans with felonies can now vote as long as they have completed their entire sentence, per a state law passed this spring.

The Douglas County Election Commission has said it had processed 189 such voter registration applications in person, by mail, and online as of Tuesday evening in addition to the 400 pending applications provided by the Nebraska Secretary of State’s office.

The Nebraska Supreme Court released its decision last Wednesday, Oct. 16, ruling that Nebraskans with felonies can now vote as long as they have completed their entire sentence, per a state law passed this spring. Several justices also delivered some harsh comments to the state about its constitutionality arguments.

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MORE THAN 30,000 LANCASTER COUNTY RESIDENTS HAVE ALREADY VOTED

LINCOLN- As of Monday morning, more than 53,000 ballots had been issued to voters, with more than 31,000 having been returned since early voting began Oct. 7. Bree and Jeremy Roschewski were in the line outside the Lancaster County Election Commissioner’s Office over the lunch hour last Friday to submit their early voting ballot. “I don’t know where I’m gonna be at on Nov. 5 with my job, so it’s just easier to come today,” Jeremy Roschewski said.

Jim and Suzi Thomason turned their decision to vote early into a family day with their two adult children, who had Friday free. The family was surprised by the line outside of the building, but only waited about 20 minutes to get inside. The process seemed fairly easy to Jim Thomason, who said voters were directed to check in and then to the numerous voting booths.

The Thomasons and Roschewskis are among the tens of thousands of Lancaster County residents who have already cast their ballots for the upcoming election.

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DAN OSBORN: 'I WANT TO BE A VOICE' FOR NEBRASKA'S WORKING CLASS IN U.S. SENATE

LINCOLN- Years ago, before most Nebraskans had ever heard of Dan Osborn, he won his first election in the state: vice president of the local union representing workers at the Kellogg's cereal plant in Omaha, where he had worked as an industrial mechanic since 2004.

Facing contract negotiators who sought to undercut workers' salary growth and discontinue the company's pension program, Osborn led the members of the Omaha local on a strike that lasted 77 days.

"I want to continue to be a voice for the working-class people that don't have a voice," Osborn told a crowd of more than 60 supporters. "I never thought that I would run for office — especially this high of an office," he said. "But the strike showed me that if we band together as people around issues and causes and things like that, we can make a difference in everybody's lives."

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