2009 Nebraska Politician of the Year

It was a painstaking process, hashed out in a smoked-filled, Scotch soaked back room.
But we figured it out. And give you...

THE 2009 LEAVENWORTH STREET NEBRASKA POLITICIAN OF THE YEAR

Ben Nelson

No other Nebraska politician made more headlines this year than U.S. Senator Ben Nelson. No other politico had to stretch their limits and was challenged as much as Nelson.

He had more at stake and put more of his political capital on the line as he walked the fenceline between appearing as a conservative Democrat and appeasing the liberal Democrat in the White House. His political situation changed dramatically in 2009, and not for the better.

Nelson was continually put on the spot, and forced to make tough decisions about serving the interests of Nebraska and voting with his party. 2009 saw Nelson change from the moderate Republicans could love to the Democrat they want out.

Because of this dramatic shift, he is our POTY of the year.

Starting with the Stimulus Bill, Nelson staked out his position as lead "Fence-Sitter" of the Democrats -- hoping to always be that last vote in order to cash in a few chits.

Nelson's plan always seems to be Holdout. Hint that he just might side with the Republicans. Draw some sort of line in the water that he swears, as a Nebraskan, he just can't cross.

Then when the heat comes down (from the White House and leadership) claim a prime spot at the bargaining table as a "playa".

And Nelson did this quite well, twice.

If it was press and headlines and facetime on TV, Nelson succeeded 100%.

But what did Nelson really accomplish in each of his highly publicized holdouts?

In the Stimulus Bill, he and a few others got 6% trimmed out of the $787 Billion bill.

Hmm.

And then Nelson's concessions are well known in the Health Care bill.

He nailed down the infamous Cornhusker Kickback. He let Pro-Choice California Senator Barbara Boxer draft the abortion language that pleased everyone -- well except for Pro-Life advocates.

And he pissed off nearly everyone back in his home state of Nebraska.

Well, these are the slings and arrows one must accept with playing on the main stage, no?

Of course, we don't expect Nelson to take it laying down in 2010.

He has already shown that he plans to try to lay the Cornhusker Kickback at the feet of Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman. Of course, recent polls suggest that Nebraskans are having none of that. Call it what he like, "Heineman Amendment" doesn't roll off the tongue like "Cornhusker Kickback". The guy who succeeded in his last Senate campaign uttering "Wall Street Pete" should know.

But Nelson did one thing that few in Nebraska politics have done: he got the entire country to look over at Nebraska -- in anger.

That truly makes him Nebraska's P.o.t.Y.

***

And a few others...

Julie Schmit-Albin

Schmit-Albin was a late comer to the PotY race; the Health Care debate brought her and the Nebraska Right to Life to national prominence as it seemed the bill hinged on NRtL's interpretation of the abortion language -- and whether they could sell their longtime supporter Ben Nelson.

She spelled out for 60th vote Nelson what would work for abortion language, and what wouldn't.

Nelson continually came to her to see what would pass muster for her group -- as Nelson had a continued desire to be Nebraska's Pro-Life Senator.

When it came down to the final language, however, Nelson pulled a Lucy van Pelt and yanked the football away from Schmit-Albin, opting for Barabara Boxer's abortion language.

In response, Schmit-Albin pulled no punches with Nelson, declaring that she had been "Betrayed!".

Like Nelson, Schmit-Albin and Nebraska Right to Life will feature prominently in 2010.

Don't expect her to get fooled again.


Hal Daub

Looking at the local Omaha politics, many would assume that new Mayor Jim Suttle would be in this group.

But Suttle was an afterthought.

It was Hal Daub who put Suttle into the 3rd Floor of the City-County building.

Daub nearly forged a political comeback in 2009. He raised more money than any his Mayoral opponents, and was the clear leader early on.

But when facing his Republican primary opponent, Councilman Jim Vokal, Daub saw that if he was facing a conservative Republican, he would have a difficult time in the General. He took to first slaying Vokal.

He succeeded, but in the end even the bland, no-plan, unoriginal and somewhat buffoonish Jim Suttle couldn't outweigh Daub's toughest opponent: himself.

Or at least the Hal Daub that voters thought they knew.

The tough, hardworking, boundless ideas and energy in Daub had come to mean "that mean ol' Hal Daub" to too many people. And that's the way they voted.

We've said it before, and we'll say it again: Jim Suttle didn't win the Mayor's office; Hal Daub lost it.

But what did the public learn?

When times are tough, you need things done. You need bold decisions and ideas.

You need something more than, "We have to raise taxes!"

Well Omaha, you got what you wanted -- or what you thought you wanted.

In the end, Daub even pushed away those who wanted to name a street after him, to compare to the new Mike Fahey vanity nameplates.

Daub was the bigger pol in the end.

Too bad so few recognized that back in May.

***

Thanks for reading everyone, and we'll see you next decade!

Quotes of 2009

Heard on Leavenworth Street in 2009...

JANUARY
"Hal Daub: We Need Him Now."
- Daub for Mayor commercial

I'm not ready to retire...I'm raising money.
- Ben Nelson on 2012

FEBRUARY

If a decision hasn't been made [between Sarpy and the Royals] by the time it becomes my privilege to become Mayor of this great city, I will make a deal to keep the Royals.
-Hal Daub

What is Jim Vokal hiding from?
- Omaha Police Union mailer

MARCH

A week ago Sen. Nelson was seen at the State of the Union fawning over President Obama like a teenager at a Jonas Brothers concert.

- Nebraska GOP Chairman Mark Fahleson

I'm Jim Suttle. But there's nothing subtle about the kind of Mayor I'll be.
- Suttle for Mayor ad

I read books, not blogs and I surely have never heard of this particular one.
- Omaha City Council candidate Steve Cross

As an elected official, the least we can do is give the taxpayers a receipt for the money we took from them.
- Nebraska State Treasurer, Shane Osborn in the Wall St. Journal

I think the sacredness is setting up the mayor's office as a leadership pulpit instead of a bully pulpit.
- Mayor candidate Jim Suttle (misundstanding the meaning of "bully pulpit")

A disappointment in Suttle’s mayoral run this year has been his overpromising statements about taxes.
- Omaha World Herald editorial

The chill continued a month later, when Suttle started to speak during a council meeting. Some of his six colleagues tuned him out. One stared ahead. One stifled a giggle. One studied papers. Another turned his back.
- The OWH on Councilman Jim Suttle's colleagues

Now whenever anyone needs money, you know, for a project with the NRD, you go to the guy that's senior in the Senate on Appropriations. So let's hear it for Ben Nelson.
- Lee Terry on Ben Nelson

And then when I help you out, Lee will criticize the earmark.
- Nelson back to Terry

I'm sorry that Ben was offended by that.
- Non-apology apology by Terry

APRIL
City of Omaha to take over bankrupt World Herald
- Leavenworth Street

You're like a woodpecker on crack.
- a caller to KFAB's Tom Becka

It would be a bit of a surprise to me if both people who come through were Republicans.
- Lee Terry, prior to the Omaha Mayoral primary results

You could scour the nation and not find a person who is more qualified for this position.
- City Councilman Dan Welch regarding Hal Daub

The Mayor's office is a "leadership platform", not a "Bully Pulpit" -- which you inherited from the previous administration.
- Jim Suttle, once again, screwing up the meaning of "bully pulpit"

Democratic Sen. Ben Nelson says he's staying out of it.
- reports on Nelson endorsing Jim Suttle for Omaha Mayor

...the partisan blogs and conservative talk show hosts tried to make something out of that to hurt, uhhh, our candidate, Jim Suttle.
- after Nelson read Leavenworth Street

Nothing to worry about. Our poll says we have it all wrapped up.
- Suttle, three weeks from Election Day

More jobs, not officers, are needed to prevent crime.
- Jim Suttle

Too many Americans get their news from entertainers (who) tell them what to be angry about today.
- Ben Nelson

Ben Nelson is today's Worst Person in the World.
- Keith Olbermann, after Nelson included Olbermann in his list of "entertainers"

Johanns took union money and should stand up on this.
- liberal activist Jane Kleeb on why Senator Johanns should support unions

We need to...quit making criminals out of people, however they might come across our borders.
- Jim Suttle

MAY

I really have an open mind on that whole issue.
- Jim Suttle on amnesty for illegal aliens

Suttle has left a City Council record marked by his strained relations not only with his fellow council members but also with Mayor Mike Fahey. The record shows it.
- OWH, endorsing Daub for Mayor

Details, details — you guys always want details.
- Suttle to reporters

Frank Brown is a race-baiting, tub of goo.
- KFAB's Scott Voorhees on the (former) Omaha City Councilman

Hal Daub beat Hal Daub on Tuesday. The election was a referendum on Daub, pure and simple.
- Leavenworth Street

Mayor-elect Suttle will have to raise taxes.
- former Fahey Chief of Staff (and Shadow Mayor) Paul Landow

JUNE
Accusations come and go....What goes on in private lives is private business. I don't sit down with anybody and say, 'Tell me about your past.
- Suttle on Chief of Staff designate, and accused pedophile, Matt Samp

I have asked Matt Samp to separate himself from my Administration.
- Suttle

It doesn't make any difference whether it's perception or reality -- treat them the same. It's time to part company and I did.
- Suttle on why he fired Samp

Suttle had campaigned on increasing the use of alternative energy and driving a hybrid fit that message.
- Ron Penzkowski on why Mayor Suttle got himself a new fire-engine red Durango (hybrid) SUV

I really worry today if what we’re seeing is a dead cat bounce.
- Senator Johanns in a Senate Banking Committee hearing

JULY

Tom White plans to run as Tommy Obama?
- NEGOP Chair Mark Fahleson

We truly felt we had a one year lease.
- Suttle spokesdude Ron Penzkowski on the 4 year Durango lease

AUGUST

It’s no consolation to stand with one foot in the campfire and one in the ice bucket and say, ‘on average, I’m in good shape.’
- Mike Johanns to Ag Sec Tom Vilsack

There are a lot of armchair quarterbacks who THINK they know how many firefighters belong on a truck.
- Fireman Josh Goessling,arguing for four men on a truck

Re-registered today as an Independent
- Jim Esch on Facebook

Basically, I never have been a big fan of either party. Not from a local sense, but nationally. So, I feel truer to myself by going back to being an independent.
- Esch, explaining to Leavenworth Street why he quit the Democrats

SEPTEMBER
I am elated.
- Suttle, on how he felt about a proposal for a new tax

It's time for independent, effective leadership...I know that with my unwavering independence...

- Democrat Tom White, on being an independent

You can find Nelson "grabbing drinks at Capitol Hill joints such as Charlie Palmer Steak or Sonoma wine bar."
- The Politico on "Top Party Animal" Ben Nelson

The entry that the NEGOP believes provides Nebraska voters with the most useful information will win two (2) tickets to the November 21, 2009, Nebraska football game against K-State.
- Mark Fahleson asking for oppo-research on Tom White

Well he's made mistakes, but if this continues, then I think the people can question that. But right now I think any discussions of recall are premature.
- Lee Terry on a recall of Mayor Suttle

Would you support a recall of Mayor Suttle?
- Omaha Police Union robocall

OCTOBER
I urge all Members of Congress to put aside their narrow partisan differences and seize this moment for health care reform.
- former Senator Chuck Hagel, via the White House Media Affairs office

(Obama) has made too many apologies. And at this point, his strategy is too naïve and has too little coherence to be called a strategy.
- former Senator, and current New Yorker, Bob Kerrey

Instead of attacks being filtered through the perspective of a thoughtful news media, things go out unfiltered through cable TV and the Internet.
- White House guru David Axelrod in Nebraska, regarding his proposal to return to 1973

It will actually connect the Lake of the Ozarks with The Holiday
- #2, in the Top Ten Things You Need To Know About The New Mike Fahey Street

New tax idea: A penguin tax. The zoo has a bunch of 'em, and everyone loves 'em! Goodbye deficit!
- Tweet from "Mayor Suttle"

I would run as Chuck Hagel. I always have. If I'd run again, I'd run on my record, and who I am, and that's the way I'd do it.
- former Nebraska Senator Chuck Hagel on whether he would run as a Republican if he were to seek office again

My Republican colleagues and I have a simple test for reforming health care: Will this legislation improve your life?
- Senator Johanns, delivering the weekly Republican address

...by God’s grace I hope to have many more years ahead of me to continue to serve our community...
- Hal Daub, declining a proposal to have a street named after him (like former Mayor Fahey)

I love my boat. That’s the thing I love the most. ... I have a thousand (text messages) a month, at least. It’s very freaky (how fast I can do it.) People are like, ‘how did you do that? ... I like cheese.
- State Senator Kent Rogert, on things he likes

fremontdiva
- Twitter handle of Democrat Secretary of State candidate Janet Stewart

NOVEMBER
Keep your hands off MY Council.
- Omaha Mayor Suttle to Governor Heineman

The governor is a resident of Lincoln, not Omaha
- Suttle, again, suggesting that Heineman should stay out of the Omaha''s business

I wouldn't have voted for the House bill.
- Senator Ben Nelson on the House passed health care re-form bill

Tom White said he would have voted for President Barack Obama’s health care bill passed by the House.
- OWH on White

I don't talk to Bloggers.
- Ben Nelson

Faced with a decision about whether or not to move a bill that is bad, I won't vote to move it. For sure.
- Ben Nelson, on the Senate Health Care re-form bill

DECEMBER

A Hill source says to pay attention to Sen. Ben Nelson. He is reportedly being threatened with closure of an air force base if he doesn’t fall in line and will be offered a “blank check” bribe bigger than Sen. Landrieu’s.
- Michelle Malkin

My vote is not for sale - period.
- Nelson on whether or not he accepts bribes for Health Care votes

Betrayed!
- Nebraska Right to Life, regarding Nelson's Health Care bill vote

Reprehensible.
- Mike Johanns on the Health Care bill agreed to by Ben Nelson

The Cornhusker Kickback
- Nationwide moniker for Ben Nelson's Health Care reform deal

Look, if you think it's fun having both sides on an issue mad at you when you're trying to do something in good faith, just think, it's like going home and getting bit by the family dog. Who enjoys that?
- Ben Nelson, on being the center of attention in the Health care debate

Ben Nelson is the most vulnerable Democrat incumbent in 2012.
- Senate expert at the nonpartisan Cook Political Report

It's not a special deal for Nebraska.

- Ben Nelson on the Cornhusker Kickback

There is not carveout.
- Ben Nelson on the carveout for Nebraska in the Health Care Bill

He's a vile one, Mr. Nelson OR Ben Nelson: The Grinch that stole health care reform

- Sioux City Journal editorial

We interrupt this Bowl game to give you The Benator

Nebraska Senator Ben Nelson will air his second ad of the 2012 Senate campaign, once again on the subject of health care re-form. (You'll remember the first back in August of this year "Paid for by Nelson 2012".)

The LJS reports that Nelson will be sporting an open-necked shirt and sweater. (We would have preferred an ascot and an Nehru jacket, but whatever...)

**Postgame UPDATE**

See the entire spot on the NYT website (why there?)

The text of the spot is as follows:

With all the distortions about health care reform, I want you to hear directly from me.

Some oppose any change. Others want a government takeover.

But I listened to you and took a common-sense approach to improve the bill.

Now it lowers costs for families and small business, protects Medicare, finally guarantees coverage for pre-existing conditions and reduces the deficit.

And it's not run by the government.

I'm Ben Nelson. I approved this message because I'm convinced this is right for Nebraska.

Got that Nebraskans? He listened to you.

And your health insurance premiums should go down, not up.
Medicare will be "protected" - and won't end up in the same situation as, oh say, Social Security.
And the deficit won't go up. Nope.

And anything on federal funding of abortions? Say, federal funding for Indian reservations?

We'll have to wait and see, huh?

[Update: Our sources say, NO, Nelson does not mention abortion funding. Shocker there, eh?]

In the mean time, we hope you enjoyed the Holiday Bowl interrupted by politics.

And GO HUSKERS!!!

Heineman 61%, Nelson 30%

A new Rasmmussen telephone survey indicates that if the 2012 U.S. Senate election were held today, pitting Republican Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman against incumbent Democrat Senator Ben Nelson, the results would look like this:

Heineman 61%
Nelson 30%

Wow.

Two things:

1) This is ALL due to Nelson's recent antics and support of ObamaCare in the Senate; and
2) 2012 is a looooooooooooooooooooooooong way off.

But don't kid yourselves, this has Ben Nelson shaken up. How to tell?

He's filming TV ads in Omaha today, in order to try to tourniquet the massive political bleeding.

Is it too late? Of course not. In fact, it's awfully early, for paid TV anyway.

But look at the rest of Nelson's numbers, from Rasmussen:

Nelson Favorable: 40% (12% VERY favorable)
Nelson Unfavorable: 55% (34% VERY UNfavorable!)

And another big reason for Nelson to be jumpy:

Even if Nelson were to vote to block ObamaCare, if the election (against Governor Dave) were held today:

Heineman: 47%
Nelson: 37%

Nelson (who continues to raise money for 2012) has already been called the "the most vulnerable Democratic incumbent in 2012". But he can certainly turn this around in the next two years.

But it continues to indicate that it will be more and more difficult for DEMOCRAT Nelson to be a "conservative independent" when there's a liberal Democrat in the Oval Office who needs his support.

And potentially facing giant slayer David (Heineman) doesn't help.

It's a Festivus Miracle!

Some in Nebraska Senator Ben Nelson's hometown want to delay erecting a statue of the Senator.

As some of you may know, the city of McCook, Nebraska, hometown to Earl Benjamin Nelson, decided to erect a statue to honor Nebraska's senior Senator, to be placed on the front lawn of his boyhood home.

The statue will feature a young Nelson, just being honored as an Eagle Scout -- flanked by his parents.

Well, after Nelson's Health Care re-form bill vote, at a City Council meeting a proposal was floated to delay erecting the statue.

Dick Trail, former councilman, county commissioner and current columnist in the McCook Gazette "asked for a delay of the artwork, in light of recent sentiment." But...

That would not be possible, responded City Attorney Nate Schneider, as the contract designates that the sculptures be completed by a specific date.

Mark Graff, treasurer of the Nebraska Community Foundation, weighed in and said he understood that many people may feel disappointed with Nelson now, but from the Foundation's standpoint, the artwork signifies more than just the senator but the importance of family and community involvement on youth.

The Council has also received a number of calls demanding that no city funds be used for the artwork.

None will be used.

(Unless we can get Harry Reid on the line, pronto!)

So, Nelson statue saved. Another Festivus miracle!

**Update at 8:00 AM Festivus morn***

Read the OWH's version here.

The Airing of the Grievances

"It's not a special deal for Nebraska."
- Nebraska Senator Ben Nelson

On this Festivus Eve, Nebraska Senator Ben Nelson took to the floor of the U.S. Senate to defend the now infamous "Cornhusker Kickback."

You see, Nelson was miffed because some other Senator used the wrong nom de plume -- "Omaha Stakes fix". While potentially funnier, it really doesn't roll off the tongue like "Cornhusker Kickback", and why should Omaha Steaks take the hit for Nelson's deal?

So Nelson continued on to first say,

"There is no carveout."

Um...what?

This is the same guy who just a day ago -- or was it the same day, said that this carveout should be called the "Heineman exemption".

And then Nelson went on to claim, on the floor of world's greatest deliberative body, "It's not a special deal for Nebraska."

Kids, lest anyone think Nelson has any sort of point here, just read the language:

Reid Manager’s Amendment: “For The State Of Nebraska…”

“The Federal Medical Assistance Percentage … With Respect To All Or Any Portion Of A Fiscal Year That Begins On Or After January 1, 2017, For The State Of Nebraska … Shall Be Determined As Provided For Under Subsection (Y)(1)(A).” “Notwithstanding subsection (b) and paragraphs (1) and (2) of this subsection, the Federal medical assistance percentage otherwise determined under subsection (b) with respect to all or any portion of a fiscal year that begins on or after January 1, 2017, for the State of Nebraska, with respect to amounts expended for newly eligible individuals described in subclause (VIII) of section 1902(a)(10)(A)(i), shall be determined as provided for under subsection (y)(1)(A) (notwithstanding the period provided for in such paragraph).” (Manager’s Amendment To H.R. 3590, Pg. 98)

· “(Y) INCREASED FMAP FOR MEDICAL ASSISTANCE FOR NEWLY ELIGIBLE MANDATORY INDIVIDUALS.— “(1) AMOUNT OF INCREASE.— “(A) 100 PERCENT FMAP.—during the period that begins on January 1, 2014, and ends on December 31, 2016, notwithstanding subsection (b), the Federal medical assistance percentage determined for a State that is one of the 50 States or the District of Columbia for each fiscal year occurring during that period with respect to amounts expended for medical assistance for newly eligible individuals described in subclause (VIII) of section 1902(a)(10)(A)(i) shall be equal to 100 percent.” (S.Amdt 2786 To H.R. 3590, “Patient Protection And Affordable Care Act,” P. 399)

Here's the deal:

A couple of days ago, Ben Nelson said his vote couldn't be bought.

And then a couple days later, an offer is made for his vote, and he accepts said offer.

Now he's trying to pawn it off on the Nebraska Governor, as if Dave Heineman had a vote.

How do Nebraskans feel about this?

As per the Festivus tradition, for the Airing of the Grievances, we simply link to the OWH's Jeff Koterba's cartoon today.

**Update 8:00 AM Festivus morn***

Let us air one more grievance:

The OWH discussed the "Omaha Stakes" in their story this morn.

Completely SKIPPED the "This is not a special deal for Nebraska" part. Like he never said it. But they did get Nelson's shot in at MJ.

(shaking head)

Feats of Strength

For the Festivus Feats of Strength, we give you...GiveBenTheBoot.com.

The Nebraska Republican Party whipped this site together at the end of last week -- before Nelson had decided (publicly anyway) on how he would vote.

A few days, and Nelson's vote, later, and the site has boomed, raking in (more or less, we've heard) $30K!

Feel free to cruise over to their Facebook page, and see they've already got 700 friends there. (A stupid measuring stick, to be sure, but a stick nonetheless.)

Now this politicos, is how to capitalize on a political situation: a catchy name; a simple theme; a fundraising pitch; and a newsworthy moment.

Oh, and by the way, try typing in "CornhuskerKickback.com" and see where it takes you.

The Nelson Way

"...Look, if you think it's fun having both sides on an issue mad at you when you're trying to do something in good faith, just think, it's like going home and getting bit by the family dog. Who enjoys that?”

- Nebraska Senator Ben Nelson

He's kidding, right?

Make no mistake about it kids: Ben Nelson enjoyed every minute of being in the spotlight. Making trips to the White House; being cornered by the New York Times; being a talking head on Sunday morning; having all eyes on HIM for the past several weeks.

It was a blast.

He ate it up.

Bit by the family dog? For him it was like Fred Flintstone being jumped on by Dino at the end of the day. "No, no! Get down boy! Ha ha! Get down! Ha ha! Whooooooo!"

Now, it is possible that Nelson didn't quite anticipate the sh*tstorm that came his way after it all came down.

But he had an idea. What else could he expect?

How many weeks went by with him talking about abortion language saying, "It's gotta have Stupak. It's gotta have Stupak. It's gotta have Stupak."

And then, when it doesn't, he says, "Uh...OK."

He knew where he was going with this. And he wasn't going to disappoint the Democrats in the end. Nellie says:

They're ignoring the fact that not only were there good reasons to do what I did, but that there would have been a backlash the other way.

And he claims that all the Republican backlash is "orchestrated"?

Sure. By the Nelson Symphony, Conducted by the Benator himself.

***

Not only does Nelson erase all the lines that he had drawn in the sand, but he embarrases Nebraska as well.

"The Cornhusker Kickback"? Already has 3,000 Google hits.

And then he tries to blame Governor Heineman??? REALLY?
Wow, that's some kind of nerve to even make that suggestion.
(Especially when The Politico says Nelson had been planning this with Reid for weeks.)

Let's make sure we get Governor Dave's response:

"Nebraskans did not ask for a special deal, only a fair deal.

Under no circumstances did I have anything to do with Senator (Ben) Nelson's compromise.

I, along with governors all across America, have expressed concern about the unfunded Medicaid mandate. I have said all along that this bill is bad news for Nebraska and bad news for America. Additionally, I criticized Senator (Harry) Reid when he got a special deal for Nevada that didn't apply uniformly to all states.

Senator Nelson negotiated this special deal, rather than a fair deal for both Nebraska and America.

The responsibility for this special deal lies solely on the shoulders of Senator Ben Nelson."

***

This is by no means the final (political) word on all of this. But where does it lead?

For one, Nelson keeps his place in the party. His place still has to be "pain in the ass" for President Obama and Reid, but he still came through right?

So if there's ever a situation where he needs to be bailed out -- well, look no further than the Nebraska perks in the bill itself -- the Dems will come through for Nelson.

But what of 2012?

Bob Kerrey will tell you (like he no doubt told Nelson) that you can vote with the Democrat President and still get elected.

But this isn't 1994 -- the political environment is just a bit different.

And if it's Governor Dave in 2012 -- that ain't Jan Stoney.

And while 2012 is a loooooooong way off, Joe Jordan (moonlighting on KMTV!) makes a good point that most of the provisions of the bill won't even come in until 2014. If you hate the bill now, there will be no reason to like it in a few more years.

Will things mellow out by then? Maybe.
Or maybe they'll just heat up.

***

And one final note.

Back in 2006, when Nelson was blowing Pete Ricketts out of the water, many Nebraska Republicans (obviously) went along with Nelson.

"Why, he's an independent conservative Democrat!" they would tell ya.

Well guess what, it's easy to be a moderate Democrat when you have a Republican President.

But when there's a liberal Democrat in the White House, you can't run and hide from the party's agenda anymore.

Well guess what folks...let us say it again...BEN NELSON IS A DEMOCRAT.

And just like the scorpion who stung the frog after it gave him a ride across the river, voting with the Democrats is in Ben Nelson's nature.

Nelson has fooled you once (in your face, that you can't miss, see it? see it?) Nebraska. Shame on him.

Fool you twice?...

NRTL: BETRAYED by Nelson

The release from Nebraska Right to Life:

Nebraska Right to Life and pro-life Nebraskans have been betrayed by Senator Ben Nelson's agreement with Democratic leadership to become their 60th vote for cloture on the Senate healthcare bill, propped up by abortion compromise language which in no way resembles the Stupak amendment in the House bill or the Nelson/Hatch amendment attempt in the Senate. Both of those amendments had protections against taxpayer funding of abortion.

"Senator Nelson had a chance to ensure that the longstanding principle of the Hyde Amendment against federal funding of abortion with narrow exceptions, would be placed in the Senate healthcare legislation. He dashed any hope of that with his late-night agreement with Senators Reid, Boxer and Schumer on unacceptable language that he claimed would address pro-life concerns." said Julie Schmit-Albin, Executive Director of Nebraska Right to Life (NRL).

"Senator Nelson and his Chief of Staff, Tim Becker, called me last night at 7:30 p.m. Central time as a matter of 'courtesy', to let me know that he was pitching alternative language to Democratic leadership. We spoke for about 40 minutes." said Schmit-Albin. "When I asked them at the outset of the conversation to include National Right to Life in the call they declined and said they were going with the language. Senator Nelson claimed that their newly-drafted concepts/language was Stupak-plus and that it would pass pro-life muster. When I countered that we had no assurance of that because we were not allowed to review the language, I was reminded that this was merely a courtesy call, not a call for our input or approval."

"There is no pro-life Nebraskan more devastated by Senator Nelson's actions than myself." said Schmit-Albin. "I have defended his record to Nebraskans and believed that he would stand on pro-life principles as he has on numerous occasions in the past. I have had a good relationship with Senator Nelson and his staff throughout the years . I personally met with him on healthcare in July and in mid-November and have been in frequent contact with his staff over the past six weeks. Just Wednesday afternoon, I was apprised of the Casey language by his staff and I urged them to strongly relay to him that we could not support it. When he rejected the Casey language we were bolstered by that action and believed he would hold firm to his commitment to vote against cloture if Stupak language was not included."

" Moreover, NRL Political Action Committee gave Senator Nelson a sole endorsement in his re-election race in 2006 based on his record and actions both as Governor and Senator." said Schmit-Albin. "It is a very sobering day for myself personally and for pro-lifers across Nebraska and the nation. Senator Nelson obliterated the hope of pro-life Americans who saw him as the last man standing between expansion of government funding of abortion and the Hyde Amendment."

"Nebraska Right to Life follows the lead of National Right to Life in opposing the passage of healthcare legislation containing such bogus abortion language and looks forward to NRLC 's scoring of all cloture votes on the issue." said Schmit-Albin.

Johanns: Bill is REPREHENSIBLE

Nebraska Senator Mike Johanns called the Health Care bill agreed to by Senator Ben Nelson, "reprehensible":

The deal struck is tragically insufficient. Nothing less than Stupak abortion language was expected and instead we've been handed a watered down accounting gimmick that leads to Nebraska taxpayers subsidizing abortions in other states.

This is a very bad deal for Nebraskans and I am stunned and incredibly disappointed. If you are pro-life you cannot vote to end debate on this bill. This could very well be our last chance to stop taxpayer-funded abortions.

Re: Abortion issues:

• The manager’s amendment does not prevent federal funds from paying for abortions in the federally –subsidized health care exchange.


• Under the amendment, States can “opt out” of providing insurance coverage of abortions in its exchange.

States can opt-out of providing insurance coverage of abortions, but cannot opt-out of paying for abortions in other states.

The manager’s amendment ensures that Nebraska taxpayers will be paying for abortions in California.

• For the first time, a federally funded and managed health care plan will cover elective abortions.

Each state, through the Office of Personnel and Management (OPM), can provide two multi-state plans and only one of them will exclude abortions.

OPM’s current health care program—the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) does not include any plans that cover elective abortion.

• The manager’s amendment includes the reauthorization of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act, without language to prevent federal funding of abortions.

Fails to codify restrictions to prevent federal funding of abortions within Indian health.

Re: Tax and other issues:

• Still increases taxes, fees and penalties on American citizens by a half a trillion dollars. Five Democrats who opposed these tax increases on Tuesday, apparently support them now in the Reid compromise. (Recorded Vote #376)


• Actually INCREASES taxes $30 billion more than the original Reid legislation that has been debated for over two weeks. (initial Joint Committee on Taxation Score = $371.9 billion in tax increases; now = $397.7 billion in tax increases)


• Still imposes almost a half a trillion dollars in Medicare cuts.

Cuts approximately $150 billion from hospitals, nursing homes, hospices, and home health providers.

Cuts Medicare Advantage insurance coverage by $118.1 billion. Approximately 35,000 Nebraskans have Medicare Advantage plans.

• Still imposes a punishing Medicaid unfunded mandate on state taxpayers in all but one state (an earmark for Nebraska exempts our state).


• Still includes an accounting gimmick that even the Democrat Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee called a Ponzi scheme. Eleven Democrats and one Independent voted to remove this program from the bill, yet it remains in the Reid compromise that all Democrats appear to now support. (Recorded Vote #360)


• Still increases the size and reach of the Federal government. The Congressional Budget Office projects the Internal Revenue Service, the Health and Human Services Department, and the Office of Personnel Management will need to increase their budgets by $10 billion to $20 billion just to administer these new entitlements. (page 12 of the CBO report).

***

And this from National Right to Life:

The National Right to Life Committee (NRLC), the federation of right-to-life organizations in all 50 states, strongly opposes the abortion language contained in the "manager's amendment" filed today

The manager’s amendment is light years removed from the Stupak-Pitts Amendment that was approved by the House of Representatives on November 8 by a bipartisan vote of 240-194. The new abortion language solves none of the fundamental abortion-related problems with the Senate bill, and it actually creates some new abortion-related problems.

Nelson caves: We toldja...

Nebraska Senator Ben Nelson will vote for ObamaCare.

He had been holding out for no-abortion funding language, and apparently he go it.

And what else?

"Nelson also secured other favors for his home state."

Oh, remember the Ben Nelson who just a few days ago said he couldn't be bought?

He was bought.

Remember those who said that even with abortion language, he wouldn't vote for it?

He's voting for it.

Let the campaigning begin.

***

According to Jonah Goldberg at NRO:

The deal for Ben Nelson includes additional Medicaide funding for Nebraska and carve outs for physician owned hospitals in Nebraska — and Nebraska only. Uncle Sam will take the hit for 100% of the Medicade expansion for Nebraska, forever. Nebraska is the only state to get this deal.

***

From a Senate Republican aide :

Nelson made an interesting comment when talking to reporters this morning. If there were substantial changes in the House-Senate conference committee, he said he reserved the right to filibuster. How will the Left take that? Does it embolden Howard Dean and the Daily Kos?

Now isn’t the time to give up.

***

From NRO:

This is no compromise. The abortion language is on page 38. It's not Stupak. States can opt out of covering abortions. But abortion in states that don't opt out will be covered by federal dollars (including by taxpayers who oppose abortion).

***

From Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell:

This bill is a "legislative train wreck of historic proportions."

"The bill includes permissive language on government-funded abortion."

Medicaid: "The bill imposes massive burdens on states that are already struggling under the weight of the cost of Medicaid. At the same time, however, it gives special sweetheart deals to a select few states. Interestingly enough, two states that stand out are Nebraska and Vermont." This means that taxpayers elsewhere around the country end up "paying more so that Nebraska and Vermont can get a special deal."

"A bill that was sold as helping a major problem in our nation actually makes the problem worse."

"If this was a good bill with bipartisan support, they would not be trying to pass this the weekend before Christmas and in the middle of the night."

Is Ben looking at 2012?

There has been a lot of talk about what Nebraska Senator Ben Nelson's motivations are for his Health Care re-form bill vote.

He obviously feels firmly about the abortion issue -- but he also firmly feels the wrath of Nebraska Right to Life if he DOESN'T vote their way.

But we saw an interesting note in a recent Reuters article that got our attention. It said...

Nelson won re-election in 2006 by a 28 percentage-point margin and is unlikely to face much opposition in 2012 unless Nebraska's popular Republican Governor Dave Heineman decides to run.

This hit us on a few levels:

1) Really? Not much opposition? Well we can easily think of a number of Nebraska politicos who could give Nelson a run, especially if he's damaged goods after the Health Care vote:

• AG Jon Bruning (though he may be more interested in 2014 Governor);
• State Treasurer Shane Osborn (according to Limbaugh and the WSJ);
• Don Stenberg or State Senator Tony Fulton -- especially whomever wins State Treasurer in 2010;
• GOP Committeeman Pete Ricketts (say what you want about getting blown out in 2006, Nelson has to spend a wad to get that win);
• maybe Lee Terry or Jeff Fortenberry get restless.

We could easily keep going -- again, especially depending on how Nelson votes on the Health Care bill.

2) Frankly, we hadn't thought about Governor Dave taking the Senate. But not surprising, right? The jump from Nebraska Governor to U.S. Senator has been sort of the standard, right? (e.g. Exon, Kerrey, Nelson, Johanns)

Then there's the fact that he has the background:

• was a Chief of Staff on the Hill;
• knows how to play;
• great background story as a United States Military Academy at West Point grad, Airborne Ranger, City Councilman, State Treasurer, Lt. Governor, Governor (who beat T.O.).

That's one heck of a résumé.

When we ask around, we don't exactly receive the "get outta here! no way!" from state politicos.

And DH has been making the rounds as well. On Greta van Sustern the other night.

Of course he has to make it past Mike Boyle in 2010 first. (And don't think this won't come up in the form of a "pledge" in a Governors' debate...)

3) For what it's worth, the NEGOP has a new site up: GiveBentheBoot.com. Sort of reminds us of one of those sites when you're trying to get rid of Charlie Weiss or Mark Mangino. But a concerted effort, nonetheless. Hmmm.

Anyway, some food for thought for the weekend (for you and Ben), and into your Christmas week.

***

Oh, and get in your nominations for the Fourth Annual Leavenworth Street Nebraska Politician of the Year! (announced the week of New Years)

And...whaddaya know. Look who on the first one, back in 2006...

What makes Ben nervous? A new poll.

Nebraska Senator Ben Nelson is getting heat from all sides these days.

But who really has the most influence on The Benator?

President Obama and his tanking personal ratings?
Harry Reid and his tanking Health Care re-form bill?
Or is it Nebraska voters (and their Pro-Life tendencies)?

Well, pollsters The Tarrance Group asked 500 "likely" Nebraska voters these and other questions recently.

The results?

Well...

Here are Nelson's Favorable ratings:

Ben Nelson
Favorable: 58%
Unfavorable: 34%

Hmm.

Compare that to:

Dave Heineman:
Favorable: 64%
Unfavorable: 12%

(ya hear that Mike Boyle?)

Mike Johanns
Favorable: 66% (yow!)
Unfavorable: 24%

And that doesn't even seem so bad until you hear a couple of other questions:

Approve or disapprove of the way Ben Nelson is handling his job as Senator?
Approve: 51%
Disapprove: 41%

Ouch!

Then there's this:

"In general, do you favor or oppose President Obama’s plan to expand health care coverage to most Americans even if this plan increases the role of the federal government in health care and increases the cost of the deficit?"

Favor: 26%
Oppose: 67%

A bit of a loaded question, maybe, but look at this follow-up:

"If Senator Ben Nelson votes in favor of this plan, would that make you more likely or less likely to support Senator Nelson when he runs for re-election?"

More likely: 26%
Less Likely: 61%

Sixty-one percent?!
Now THAT will give Nelson some pause.

(See more about the survey results in a story here and a fuller and downloadable version of the poll at a new-ish link here.)

***

So what do we take from this, and Nelson's recent back-tracking on his commitments to a filibuster of the Senate Health Care re-form bill?

Well, first, it would seem that Nelson has pretty much married himself to the Stupak version of the anti-abortion amendment. Anything less, and he's going to vote against the bill (and cloture). At least that's the way he has pushed it.

But what if the pro-Choice forces give in, and allow Stupak language to stay in?

Would Nelson then vote for the bill?

We think...yes.

Why, after all else he's said?

Well, he's received serious pressure from pretty much every Democrat to push it through. He won't be crazy about being THE Democrat pariah in the USA.

Our thought is that if Nelson can get the abortion language he wants, he can claim victory, then try to sell the rest to Nebraskans.

And if he can't sell it? And the writing is on the wall from likely voters?

Well, he'll be 71 years old in 2012. And maybe he can kick back on the turkey ranch and watch the Platte go by, with frequent visits to his old Hill haunts. Life could be worse, right?

But with his very recent hedging on the bill with "gosh, people are going bankrupt if I don't do SOMETHING", it leads us to believe he is planning a turn.

Could Nelson recover from voting for a bill that Nebraskans seem to hate?

Well, the polls seem to say, no.

But then, 2012 is a LONNNNGGGG way off. Lots can happen.

And Nelson may be willing to roll the dice.

***

Btw, Senator McConnell sums up our feelings on the process of the bill here.

Boyle for Governor?

Mike Boyle?
Former (re-called) Omaha Mayor Mike Boyle?

Well, that's who the Dems seem to be offering up as the sacrificial lamb to challenge Governor Dave Heineman in 2010.

Boyle has offered up a few excuses for why he "wants" to run. "I think I could do something to straighten out the mess," he threw out to the OWH.

Right.

Well, he's better than nothing, right Dems? Could be an outside chance (waaaay outside) to win, right?

And you can guarantee that Heineman won't take it easy. The former Airborne Ranger will prepare like he's running against Bob Kerrey and Ben Nelson combined (who will both jollily support Boyle).

And Boyle?

Heck, he'll eat it up. Did you see the pic of him last summer after his abortion-truck dust up?


Basically, he got a ticket for blocking an anti-abortion truck with graphic images, with his car. So the local Dems turned his $54 fine into a fund-raising party -- with Boyle posing for mugshots on the invite, but a'la Nick Nolte (wet hair, Hawaiian shirt...).

Running for Governor is an afterthought after something like that. Will Boyle play along? Hell yes he'll play along!

He'll get to be the center of attention. He'll get to pump out the Dem talking points and glad-hand and slap backs. And all the Dems will super-appreciate him for it. It'll be the final "victory" lap of his career (without the victory, of course).

Here's the only thing we'd caution: Have you seen the guy lately? Not exactly the picture of health. We'd challenge him to walk across the state, but are a little afraid of the results.

He has given himself until February to wait for someone else to get in...er...to make up his mind.

See ya on the trail, Mike.

Nelson: The worst thing I could do...

Nebraska Senator Ben Nelson has stated that he was not threatened with closure of Offutt Air Force Base, nor offered pork packages, to vote for the Senate Health Care re-form bill.

Nelson declared:

My vote is not for sale - period.

But...later...in an OWH article, Nelson said the following:

"I’m not sure whether I’ll be able to support a bill . . . but not trying to help Nebraskans would be the worst thing I could do."

Remember that line in that line in the sand on the Stupak-like abortion language?

Erased.

Recall that declaration about no government-run plans?

Rescinded.

You see, Nelson has just given him self an out, saying,

"...the reality of the status quo cannot be ignored and doing nothing means more Nebraskans will be forced into bankruptcy because of unaffordable medical bills, more will lose their health insurance and more will see their health insurance premiums rise."

Is this change of heart due to meetings with the President and his advisers and being leaned on by Bob Kerrey and the boys?

The spotlight may be getting just a little to warm for the Benator.

Is this Nellie's flop-sweat moment?

We continue to watch...

Dems change the subject with Terry

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee is on the attack against Nebraska 2nd District Congressman Lee Terry and four of his Republican colleagues. The group includes Joe "You Lie!" Wilson (SC-02).

The DCCC has come up with a radio spot knocking Terry and the others for a recent vote regarding TARP spending.

Hear it here:



Now first, note that this "buy" is for $1,725 on KFAB -- a paltry amount. If they were really serious about attacking Terry, it would have been more like $10K. Instead they're looking for the free-media angle in the MMM and...blogs like this (dammit!).

But if you were the Dems where your President's popularity has sunk at Titanic-like speed, support for the Health Care re-form bill has collapsed, and Democrat House incumbents are dropping like flies, what would you do?

Why you would harken back to the Bush administration and try to change the subject as quickly as possible!

Of course the GOP notes that the opposition to this Nancy Pelosi-Barney Frank bill was BI-partisan. Among other things, Terry voted to end TARP and get the money paid back to the Treasury.

But frankly, we're a little surprised that the DCCC still thinks spending any money against Lee Terry is going to get them anywhere.

The 2nd District Electoral win last year was based on a cult-of-personality candidate (who has fizzled) and new-voter turnout. That ain't gonna happen with Democrat Tom White, no matter how many ads they try to drop into the 2nd.

Then again, maybe the DCCC is just spending the last few bucks they can on offense before they're permanently on defense in places where House Dems are retiring and the possible other 30 seats the GOP may pick up.

Don't be surprised when the DCCC gravy train soon ends its slippery run to Nebraska's 2nd District.

The Swaying of Ben

From Michelle Malkin this morning:

A Hill source says to pay attention to Sen. Ben Nelson. He is reportedly being threatened with closure of an air force base if he doesn’t fall in line and will be offered a “blank check” bribe bigger than Sen. Landrieu’s.

Malkin also reports that after all the uproar, Senator Joe Lieberman is now cool with ObamaCare.

So does that leave only Nelson?

Vote for it and get not only pork, but the whole pig --- or shut down Offutt?

Whither Nelson?

**Update 11:45am**

Dan Perrin at Redstate is reporting that Reid's enticement to Nelson is $300-500 million in earmarks to Nebraska.

Just think of all the bridges to fields in Council Bluffs that could be built!

(H/T to Right Wing Professor.)

**Update 1:15pm**

From The Weekly Standard:

This is a "naked effort by Rahm Emanuel and the White House to extort Nelson's vote." They are "threatening to close a base vital to national security for what?" asked the Senate staffer.

**Update 2:15**

By the way, TIME Magazine also notes that former Senator, and current New Yorker, Cosmic Bob Kerrey (he of the bridge to a field), is also lobbying Nelson on his vote.

You'll remember that Kerrey also was the "last" on a big-deal vote back in his day. Kerrey's deciding factor back then? Not on the merits of the bill. No, Rockin' Bob spoke to Bill Clinton from the Senate floor saying,

"I could not and should not cast a vote that brings down your presidency."

So Bob's apparent advice to EBN? "Don't worry about tossing everything you've said you believe in. Just worry about Barack's Presidency..."

Medicare spot on Nelson

The "compliments" keep rolling in for Senator Ben Nelson.

Last we heard Senator Mike Johanns thanking Nelson for his promise to vote against ObamaCare if the abortion restricting isn't included.

Now "60 Plus" is running ads thanking Nelson for voting against Medicare cuts.

See it here:



Of course, there's that kicker...

"Thank Ben Nelson -- and tell him to keep fighting to save Medicare."

It's all about the follow-through, right kids?

MJ on EBN

Nebraska Senator Mike Johanns took to the Senate floor yesterday and made it all clear.

Just in case Senator Ben Nelson wants to weasel out of his commitment to vote against any Health Care Bill that contains anything less that the anti-abortion Stupak amendment, Johanns noted...

I applaud my colleague from Nebraska. I want to end my comments there. Senator Nelson has stood up on this issue and recently in an interview, he said this:

"I have said at the end of the day, if it doesn't have Stupak language on abortion in it, I won't move -- I won't vote to move it off the floor."

I think that's a courageous statement. I don't mind standing here and saying I’m very, very pleased to associate myself with Senator Nelson and Senator Hatch on this important amendment.

Of course Nelson's version of the Stupak Amendment did not pass the Senate -- going down 54-45.

So where does that leave Nelson?

We'll see if Harry Reid tries to chopper Nelson out of the corner he has painted himself into. Don't be surprised in the end, kids...

**UPDATE 9:50**

Uh oh...

Last week, Nelson said that unless his abortion amendment or language like it was added to the health bill, he would join a Republican filibuster against the measure. “That’s not negotiable,” he said at the time.

But his tone changed Tuesday evening, after his amendment was tabled. Nelson said only that the outcome “made it harder to be supportive” of the legislation. “We’ll just have to see what develops,” he said.

2012 is HERE

Tired of all the political commercials yet? Mike Johanns this and Ben Nelson that.

Well one man says BRING IT ON BABY!

Yes, Pat Flynn has filed paperwork with the FEC for Ben Nelson's 2012 Senate seat!

According to CQ Politics, Flyyn attributes much of his loss in the 2008 primary against Mike Johanns to a "late start."

Well no more!

Flynn will start his 2012 campaign NOW in order to "build an organization that can win."

Sure Flynn got just 22% against Johanns. And maybe the Schuyler investment adviser started out the 2008 effort focusing on the wrong subjects. And maybe Flynn could start at a lower office or another area of government before trying to jump directly to the major leagues of the U.S. Senate.

But you know what he's got? Gumption, that's what.

That and a REALLY big head start...