Here's an exciting development in Nebraska: an Iraq veteran from Bellevue, Nebraska, is considering a challenge to Rep. Lee Terry. Terry defeated challenger Jim Esch by only 17,000 votes in 2006.
Omaha, Neb. - Richard N. Carter, a U.S. Air Force Reserve Captain with active duty combat experience in both Iraq and Afghanistan, will file Friday with the Federal Election Commission to form an exploratory committee. Carter, a Democrat, is considering a run for the U.S. House of Representatives in Nebraska's 2nd Congressional District.
"Nebraskans know that this country needs significant change," said Carter. "We are tired of the politics of division, fear, and intimidation. We are tired of politicians who march in lock-step with Washington party leadership in support of unpopular policies-policies which are not in the best interest of the American people."
"It's time for a new generation of leadership to step forward and change the direction this country is headed. My experience as a combat officer in the United States Air Force and my graduate work in economics have prepared me to be that kind of leader for the people of the 2nd district."
Carter earned a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Texas A&M prior to being commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Air Force. Following the September 11th attacks, Carter was assigned to Offutt Air Force Base until his separation from active duty in September of 2007. During his service he was deployed to numerous locations around the globe and flew combat missions in both Iraq and Afghanistan.
When promoted to executive officer in 2005, Carter's duties expanded to assisting in the supervision of 121 officers and airmen, as well as the operational responsibility for 12 combat aircrews. Captain Carter continues to serve as an Electronic Warfare Officer in the Air Force Reserve. During his active duty service, Carter earned a Masters in Economics from the University of Oklahoma. He is currently an instructor of Economics at Metro Community College.
The Richard Carter for Congress Exploratory Committee is actively seeking input from residents of the 2nd Congressional District. People interested in contributing to this dialog may go to http://www.RichardCarter2008.com for more information and to provide feedback.
Richard Carter will be a strong leader for Nebraska's 2nd Congressional District. We deserve better than Lee Terry. On issue after issue, from children's health care, to the war in Iraq, Terry has voted with his partisan masters and key contributors. It's time to give Nebraskans a voice in Congress.
This is a race that we can win. A new generation of leadership is what's called for. Richard Carter is exactly the type of candidate who can provide that leadership.