I'm really really pissed, Republican to run 4 US Senate as a Democrat in Ne.

[Omaha Steve]

Earlier today, Tony Raimondo switched his party registration from Republican to Democrat.

Let me be one of the first to welcome Tony Raimondo to the Nebraska Democratic Party. He joins a growing list of former Republicans who have decided that the Democratic Party is a better fit for them than the GOP.

My friends, ours is the party of Zorinsky and Kerrey. In 1975, Ed Zorinsky, then Mayor of Omaha, announced that he was switching his party affiliation from Republican to Democrat. He saw in our party the potential to better represent all Nebraskans regardless of political ideology and party membership. He went on to be a tremendous U.S. Senator, representing Nebraska with great dignity and enthusiasm.

Ours is the party of Senator Jim Webb of Virginia. Webb, the Vietnam War Veteran, former Secretary of the Navy and former Reagan Democrat. This week on NBC's "Meet the Press," Webb noted the following about his decision to run for Senate as a Democrat, "One of the things that I was very strong about when I decided to run was that it was time for the Reagan Democrats to come home, the people who, on issues of economic fairness and social justice moved away from the Democratic Party and who have a reason to come back."

Ours is the party of Scott Kleeb, who brings a new, common-sense brand of politics to Nebraska. His brave fight last year against tired Republican policies portends a bright future for Nebraskans of all political stripes.

Nebraskans yearn for genuine leadership from their elected representatives. The Nebraska Republican Party has failed the people of this state repeatedly. Instead of presenting us with fresh, independent leaders, they ask us to vote for the same rubber-stamping party loyalists each cycle. Rather than lead the way on issues such as property tax relief, health care, a balanced budget and improving education - Republicans focus on politicizing government and taking away from those who cannot fight back.

The modern Republican Party is a party of extremes. Moderates like Tony Raimondo and Jim Webb find that there no longer is a place for them at the table. Theirs is a small tent party, with a short table. Today we celebrate our diversity as a party - not only along racial, religious, geographic and economic lines - but along ideological lines as well. Our tent is large and our table long.

Historically our Nebraska Democratic Party has welcomed people from varying ends of the political spectrum. Our success has been the result of providing candidates who do not work from the extreme right or left, but who are independent enough to represent each and every Nebraskan. Today, we must be charged with continuing that tradition of independent leadership.

We must continue to welcome anyone who is willing to see that we are the party of inclusiveness. Our doors cannot be closed to the possibilities that these Nebraskans bring to us. Like Zorinsky, Kerrey, and Raimondo - those who switch parties do so to be a part of the conversation and to make our state a better place. In order for our party to thrive, not only should we not discourage Republicans from joining us, we must actively encourage them to do so.

Sincerely,



Steve Achelpohl
State Chair
Nebraska Democratic Party

[kestrel91316]

1. Are we sure his name isn't actually IVAN Raimondo?

[TwilightGardener]

2. Well, now we'll have TWO Ben Nelsons. TWO fake Democrats. That's nice.

[hatrack]

3. I thought they already had a Republican Democratic senator . ..

Ben Nelson - I think that's his name.

[kansasblue]

4. Hey! What's going on up there!

:-)

You got Senator Ben Nelson (D-NE) voting like a Republican (sometimes).

You got Senator Chuck Hagel (R-NE) kicking Bush's ass like some fired up Democrat.

And we have to get someone to switch parties to find a candidate for Senate?

I hear this guy is fairly entrenched in the Republican party. So it seems a bit too opportunistic too me.

I hope Scott Kleeb runs. He'd bring a lot of excitement to the race. Like when Bob Kerrey ran for governor.

[OKNancy]

5. I hate to be so shallow..

I KNOW it's bad and all, but damn, Scott Kleeb is good looking.

[DissentIsPatriotic]

6. I went to look for myself...

he is super sexy. NIIIICe....lol

[kansasblue]

7. I just watched a video from him on the possible run.

He has a very unique and ...well...mesmerizing style. It's very relaxed and authentic.

I also read that the Repubilcat that's running (or is it Demolican) is a buddy of Ben Nelson and so the Dem party is falling in line behind him.


Sound's like he'll be a Nelson Dem. Very centralist.


Go Scott Kleeb!

[zalinda]

8. Okay, I guess I'm shallow too..........he is hot !

I mean movie star hot! I went to his web site http://www.scottkleeb.com/ and watched the video. I'd almost consider moving to Nebraska to vote for him, he certainly had me convinced he needed me to vote for him if he ran.

I've never been to Nebraska, but if you're growing them like him, I just might have to check the place out.

zalinda

[OKNancy]

9. LOL

[sweetladybug]

10. Damn, he is a fine looking man

I hope he is a true Democrat and not a Republican plant

[TwilightGardener]

11. Shallow and proud here--

I agree, damn fine-looking man!