From the New Nebraska Network:
Looking at the map objectively for Nebraska's nonpartisan, unicameral legislature, there are probably four top-tier races that should be on every Nebraska progressive's radar in the 2012 election. Three of these are open seats where we are well-positioned to replace a term-limited conservative State Senator with a hard-working moderate who can be trusted to lead with compassion and common sense - Kate Bolz in Lincoln's District 29, Rick Kolowski in Omaha's District 31, and Sue Crawford in the Bellevue-area's District 45.
The lone incumbent in this top tier is State Senator Ken Haar in Lincoln/Lancaster County's District 21 - a crucial voice we can't afford to lose who's only in any jeopardy because his transplanted opponent's ties to powerful special interests and SuperPACS suggest this race could get ugly in a hurry.
However, voters of every political stripe appreciate that it's Senator Haar who's single-most responsible for Nebraskans having any say at all in the siting of the Keystone XL pipeline. For or against the pipeline - for or against any of its proposed routes - it was Haar who refused to let the silence, inaction and empty posturing of our other elected officials be the final word for the entire state. That courage may have earned Haar some powerful enemies who'd like nothing more than to see him defeated, but it's also won him the trust of voters. Haar will win precisely because voters won't be swayed by negative attacks having seen that he's a man of character who will do what's right for Nebraska's future.
Of course, outside this top tier there are plenty of other important legislative races that present real opportunities to elect more progressive candidates. I won't explore each of these at the moment but must at least mention my own campaign in Lincoln's District 27. Running against incumbent State Senator Colby Coash, the Kyle Michaelis campaign is giving voters a clear and exciting choice - leaving no doubt about who I am and what I'll stand for in the Legislature.
Just take a look at the campaign's new online video, which has been getting a really great response:
This is actually the first in a series. From here, the Michaelis for Legislature campaign will delve more deeply into the pressing issues that matter in this election and the key differences with my opponent. I may post some of those videos here as they're released, but I'd otherwise encourage you to follow them at
www.KyleMichaelis.com and the Michaelis for Legislature
Facebook page. If you like seeing a candidate stand up for strong progresive values, you should also
make a contribution and help ensure we have the resources to win!