Monday, December 06, 2010

Candidating

Nebraska Lieutenant Governor Rick Sheehy was featured in the New York Times last week in a story about the nation’s Lt. Governors.

Well kind of.

He was listed first anyway, and got the large photo, standing behind Governor Dave.

Sheehy’s chunk in the article was...
How does a lieutenant governor shake hands with the governor? He clasps firmly and extends two fingers up the governor’s sleeve to check for a pulse. “We teach that here,” said Lt. Gov. Rick Sheehy of Nebraska, displaying the proper form. “I check the pulse of my governor every day. But my governor was a lieutenant governor, so he says stop.”
The story was about the country’s chief ribbon-cutters at the NLGA New Member - Executive Committee meeting that was held in Omaha -- and that most, if not all, members strive to one day be Governors themselves.

And though 2014 is a waaays off, we always like to throw it open to see who will be interested in this gig.

We have a few ideas.

You?

***

The Washington Post political blog, The Fix, listed those U.S. Senators most likely to not run for re-election in the 2012 election.

And coming in at number five...Ben Nelson!

Chris Cillizza notes,
“Nelson will be 71 on Election Day 2012 and, given what he's up against, may decide to step aside.”
Hmm.

By the way, while Jon Bruning is gearing up, we still understand that the GOP lineup is far from closed. Don Stenberg is considered by many to be in, though we would note it isn’t clear who would run his camp.

We heard the name Rex Fisher thrown around as a candidate.

State Senator Deb Fischer of Valentine still may be interested, and may have some backing.

Then, of course, there is the only actual announced candidate , Pat Flynn.

And kids, there are some who believe that if there is a multi-multi-candidate primary, it may not be a cake-walk, or even favor, Jon Bruning.

Just what we hear.

***

And you will notice that, for the benefit of the non-Omahans, we are burying the Mayor Suttle Recall news at the bottom of this post! (Don’t say we never do anything for you.)

So the Mayor was on with KFAB’s Scott Voorhees this morning, and had a few interesting tidbits:

1) After Voorhees plead with the Mayor to have Vince Powers or the Forward Omaha folks return his calls, Suttle promised he would ask them to do so -- but only to Voorhees and not "some of his colleagues".

You will remember that KFAB’s Tom Becka, Gary Sadlemyer and Jim Rose all reportedly signed the petition to recall the Mayor.

So in other words, No Scoops for You!

2) And FWIW, the Mayor twice wished Voorhees “Merry Christmas” -- right smack in the middle of Hanukkah.

Oh vey.

3) And we will let others argue out whether the deposition statements of the circulator meant that he was being paid “by the signature”.

But we would only point out that it is purely plausible that the circulator was told that he needed to step up getting more signatures or he wouldn’t be hired-back for the next round. Now if that is illegal -- and we don’t think it is -- then maybe they have a case.  To an extent.

But we continually hear Vince Powers saying that it how clear it is that absolutely there is definitely fraud without a doubt, positively.

Overselling much there Vince?

Only two more weeks of this uncertainty!

58 comments:

NE Voter said...

Huh?

Sen. Nelson resign BEFORE the 2010 election?

Huh?

Makes no sense.

Street Sweeper said...

Hmm. Point taken.
Make that, "most likely to not run for reelection in 2012."

Anonymous said...

SS, what is with you and your war on Christmas?

Street Sweeper said...

Hey cowboy, last time I checked, when Jesus was on the radio in his day, he was wishing people Happy Hanukkah!

(And if for some reason that wasn't the case, I don't want to hear it from you "historians".)

GeosUser said...

n the KFAB "interview" this morning, when Scott "Mr. Softball" Voorhees managed to gather enough testosterone to ask Mayor Moron if he knows the supposed paid-by-signature circulator, Aida jumped on and tried to end the call right there. I wonder if Voorhees negotiated with Aida on what questions he'd be allowed to ask and why Voorhees didn't bother to tell listeners that Aida was on the call along with Mayor Moron. I assume she was holding up posters with approved answers keeping His Honor from actually responding to any not preapproved questions. Becka will replay the interview at 6 PM tonight. I wonder what he will say about Aida's unidentified participation???

Anonymous said...

Vince Powers = sore loser.

Some say he is still Ticked Off about Bush/Gore in 2000. Is that what is eating poor Gilbert Grape:)

Did we here this past week the 1.3 Billion budget shortfall is now under $900M for the next Biennial cycle? What happens if the Gov and Leg hold spending to less than 10.3%? I would expect $600M in savings right there. The balance can be taken out of HHS and Education, leaving a balanced budget and no new taxes right?

Anonymous said...

It's almost comical Don Stenberg is planning to get in a senate race after screwing tony fulton out of the treasures office.

Anonymous said...

Oybershter in himmel! I do believe Sweeper accidently let a clue slip. Whatever will Rabbi Aryeh have to say about that?

Anonymous said...

Are we suggesting Rick Sheehy will run for governor?

I think Rick's happy being the #2 guy, and will take his government experience into a nice private sector position at the end of his run.

Anonymous said...

To conduct an effective interview doesn't require crawling down someone's throat. Voorhees did fine and at the very least kept open the door to communication via KFAB.

Give it a break Geouser and have some nog or stop eating your Wheaties moist.

Nick Naylor said...

I think Rick would be an excellent governor but I would like to see who else considers it.

In the mean time, Will someone save Don from himself and stop him running for Senate for the 4th time? It's embarrassing.

Anonymous said...

I heard Jim Suttle is the driving force behind Christmas.

Anonymous said...

Rick would be great at either way.

BUT if Steny doesn't get the nod for Senate, you can be sure he will put a play in for GOV. With Steve Lathrop there to give him a bit of a challenge.

Mia said...

So the real question about the Senate race that no one has addressed is who would the Dems run if Nelson retires? Thoughts? I can't think of anyone except some past sacrifical lambs (i.e. Kleeb, Meister, maybe even Stormy Dean). I suppose it is possible that some new 5th Tier candidate could emerge to carry the torch for the new generation of NE Dems sacrifial lambs. And based on their recent candidates, who seem to be getting younger and younger with even less experience, it would probably be some kid who just graduated high school.

Anonymous said...

Just saw a video of Vince's key witness...

Bahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!

(breathe)

Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!

See you at the polls in January.

Poor Tony said...

I bet Tony Fulton feels like a chump, being forced by the Republican party bossses to chickenshit attacks Nesbitt instead of Don "Skeletor" Stenberg, then find out that he was going to run for Senate and didn't really want the Treasurer's position you would have loved.

He violated Ronald Reagan's #1 rule and has nothing to show for it.

Anonymous said...

My mistake, he violated Reagan's "11th Commandment"

Thou shall not speak ill of another Republican.

Anonymous said...

Oh snap!! Nebraska Watchdog has a video of a paid petitioner admiting under oath he was paid per signature.

Anonymous said...

hey republicans you got caught cheating again. Nothing new there. What a bunch of sore losers the republicans are. No wonder they are in bed with the wall street crowd. I hope you are proud.

Anonymous said...

Juan Baca seems rather credible for a pothead day laborer.

Captain Toke said...

How much pot did Gary and Ace promise this guy? Oh yea, he's credible!

Anonymous said...

State Sen Seve Lathrop is the NDP's best hope to replace Nelson. You will see so many of his firm's commercials across the state in the coming months. He will even try to become a farmer just like EBN. The NEGOP had better wakeup on this one and get him out of position him.

So how much money is Vince Powers getting for all his legal work and from what funding source? Can Suttle use Campaign funds?

Anonymous said...

Oh shoot, NEGOP just got busted paying petitioners per signature, screwed up the whole recall, and now they don't have a candidate for Lincoln Mayor's race.

It's so much fun watching the NEGOP staple their nuts to their chairs again.

Anonymous said...

Oh yeah, these organizers who have been busted in all these other states for these types of shenanigans are much more credible than a student with no reason to lie.

Anonymous said...

Uh I don't think the pot head is telling the truth. You want to hang your case on him go right ahead. See you at the Polls Gary.

Spicoli Baca said...

All I need are some tasty waves, a cool buds, and I'm fine.

Gop Insider said...

are you kidding me? Stenberg is running again?????

The only thing crazier than that is suttles pothead witness...

Anonymous said...

I think Dan Welch or Jean stothert should run for mayor.

Anonymous said...

oh snap the NDP is clueless, as usual. Just look at their massive gains in the last election, oh wait there weren't any, other than a school board pick-up.

Just who is this Vince Powers guy?

Oh and regardless of whether Suttle is recalled or not, he is toast. I'm sure Sen Cornett from Bellevue will get the wheel tax revoked. Then Suttle will have to raise the taxes elsewhere to pay off his union buddies.

Why for the love of God doesn't Warren and Dick just write a check to the City of Omaha to cover the diff?

Anonymous said...

Oh by the way how ya doing Mr Tom White? See you have been on here posting anon again.

It's not like you don't have the time on your hands:) Thanks for playing.

Anonymous said...

"Oh Snap" WTF! Who starts a post with that? Must be one of Gary's Student Democrats trying to impress his mentor.

Anonymous said...

Vince Powers is a Lincoln attorney (ambulance chaser) that has also been the NDP National Committeeman for several years.

Men on Film said...

That would be "2 snaps and a twisy"

Political Novice said...

I think Street Sweeper's explanation about Mr. Baca just being told to step it up is completely plausible. Perhaps it was just Mr. Baca's interpretation of what he was told that made him think he was being paid by the signature. After viewing the video I must say that I am now having my doubts especially in light of his (ahem) extracurricular activities. It will never happen but I think it would be interesting for him to submit to a polygraph test. I realize they are not infallible but if passing could certainly bolster his and Forward Omaha's case. One would certainly having to be careful with the wording of the questions however.

As a registered independent I don't owe allegiance to either party but try my best to make the best decision based on the facts as I know them. I know that some of you despise Daub on this forum however I voted for him in the last election simply because I felt he gave a better explanation in the media of how he was going to proceed if elected. That being said I did not sign the recall petition against the Mayor because I reserve that for criminal wrongdoing. I would have to concede that I think it highly unlikely that the 2000 plus extra signatures could be invalid.

But what do I know.

Anonymous said...

ambulance chaser? original. I guess you're a fan of fraud and corruption.

Anonymous said...

Vince Powers is the best attorney in the state. Maybe after he exposes how frightfully illegal the recall campaign has operated you'll remember his name in Omaha.

Anonymous said...

Juan Baca for Mayor!

Anonymous said...

juan baca for mayor?

how about chewbacca for mayor...

Anonymous said...

This is typical Republican sleeze, making this story about Juan Baca. He just tried to make an honest living, was told by his employer to take part in activity that he wasn't sure was legal, then got a subpoena and testified. If he's lying how do you explain the guy on camera saying he needed 10 an hour?

Anonymous said...

Smoking pot on duty is an honest living? He wasnt trying to hard was he?

Anonymous said...

When it's your EMPLOYER dispensing it? It's not right, but it's not dishonest. Maybe Jeremy Aspen shouldn't be hiring people who give drugs to their employees. Not sure how the pot jokes are an attack on Juan when it was the recall committee who was supplying it for him.

Anonymous said...

Hey 12:59PM: Question is how did those anti-recallers know to subpoena Juan? Lucky guess? Playing darts and it just happened to hit HIS name? Talk about dumb luck.

Anonymous said...

So Vince Powers in the Best the NDP has, hmm. Seems he got his hat handed to him by JL Spray.

But on to other interesting news..... the libs are ticked with their Patron Saint Barry...... oh the fun of it all.

Oh and tommy, how is it going with you and Ian these days? With all this time on your hands it's good to see you are back on the blog. We almost missed you.

Hey, maybe the NDP will get Vinny to run for something? Oh then again maybe not.......

Candidates said...

SS,

I’ll bite on your original post. Thank you for changing the subject from the Recall.

Nelson – will vote like a conservative for the next year (just like he did against Saturday’s vote to raise taxes), take a poll and if his negatives remain in the high 30s where they are now, will save himself the embarrassment (and the 2M he can keep in campaign funds) and won’t run.

Other Senate Candidates – there will be several in the GOP Primary they are just waiting to see what EBN is doing. These gigs only come up every so many decades. DEMs, no clue who will run, but with Obama in the WH and Reid in charge of the Senate, they should save their money.

Sheehy – won’t spend 10 years trekking the state on behalf of the most successful NE Governor in modern history only to go back to the private sector. He’s running for Governor in 2014.

Other Governor Candidates – if Stenberg doesn’t get into the 2012 Senate race, look for him to run for Governor in 2012. Say what you want about Stenberg, if you could capture at least 35% of the vote in a statewide GOP primary in NE, you’d keep running too. In the event Bruning doesn’t make it into the Senate, he’ll be running for Governor in 2014 (this was his original back-up plan to pulling out of the 2010 race, before the ‘Cornhusker Kickback’ when it was believed that only Heineman could beat Nelson in 2012).

Anonymous said...

I'd like to see where Vince got his "hat handed" to JL Spray.

I know both of them personally, they're both respectable men, I'd bet that even JL would admit Vince is a better attorney than he is.

Anonymous said...

Sounds like Vince doesnt have much of a case if he is better lawyer and still lost.

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Street Sweeper said...

What the hell is wrong with you people?

Anonymous said...

Great question Sweeper. Ya took the words right out of my mouth. I feel like I need a secret decoder ring for some of the posts.

Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...
Vince Powers is the best attorney in the state. Maybe after he exposes how frightfully illegal the recall campaign has operated you'll remember his name in Omaha.

12:40 PM, December 07, 2010


He's not even the best PI attorney, let alone the best overall. He's politically shrewd, though. And well-connected. And he's good at political hard ball which makes him well-suited to carry water for Suttle in this fight.

Anonymous said...

all you freakin' conservatives and all the people supporting the Recall are just AMAZING

Here you are, whether its the morning morons on KFAB or many of your comments are destorying the character of one Juan Baca.

This morning on KFAB they said he was smoking pot.

Need I remember you fools, that the very person you are discrediting was WORKING FOR YOU!

If it wasn't for the Juan Bacas of the world your little recall would have been a complete failure.

After election day you were nowhere near the amount needed so you have to hire a bunch of illegal out of towners and desperate people like Juan Baca to do your dirty work.

Oh here, go out in the freezing cold, $10 for every signature..

Give me a freakin' break

I would love to see Suttle stay in office for many years just to piss you guys off.

- J Danforth, Omaha progressive Republican

Anonymous said...

Hee, hee! That's funny!

Tell Juan "hi" for us at the next Forward Omaha meeting, Danforward.

Anonymous said...

I'm curious, how many other states have these recall clowns been busted doing this illegal stuff? What is Nebraska, like the 5th or 6th state now?

There's a reason that the recall process is designed the way it is, it's very difficult to get the required number of signatures operating within the law. Jeremy Aspen and Co. weren't able to do that.

Anonymous said...

Geez, if you're interested in statistics, look it up yourself, 11:04!

And you may have missed the news last Saturday - they got enough signatures.

Pol Observor said...

Suttle said his family — especially his wife, Deb, and their 9-year-old grandson — “are going through a tremendous problem right now” because of the recall.

Really Jim? A 9 year old is having issues with the recall! Does the kid even know what the mayor does? Using a child to attempt to get sympathy is sick and very transparent.

Animal lover said...

How is Suttle's dog taking the recall news? Has it come out of the coma yet?

Galikanokus said...

Pol Adv...
Suttles political team is very comfortable exploiting young children.

Anonymous said...

Suttle should really do some good deed for his 9-year old grandson.

Show the child his campaign commercials. Then say to the child,
<>, please do not grow up to be like me, a liar. Liars do not get to far with their lies.