As U.S. secretary of agriculture, Johanns attended 38 events recommended by the White House Office of Political Affairs headed by Karl Rove, according to the committee report.

Most of the travel costs for Rove-generated events were paid with federal funds, the report stated.

Answering a question posed by a panelist during the debate monitored on radio station KRGI’s Web site, Johanns said he believes it would be “a great idea” to ban the use of taxpayer funds by the White House for such activities.

Kyle Michaelis, blogger at New Nebraska Network, notes:

Johanns has just conceded that his actions on behalf of the Bush White House were unethical and should have been illegal. Still, he did nothing at all to stop this operation when he was in a position to do so, instead playing willing accomplice to Karl Rove's corrupt political agenda.

Lilibet Hagel, the wife of GOP Sen. Chuck Hagel, is endorsing Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama this morning, an unusual public pronouncement for the low-profile Mississippi native and one that could stir speculation about her husband's presidential preference. [...]

His wife said her pick is not personal. "The fact is, we're in two wars, two of the longest we've ever been in. We've run up a third of our nation's debt in just the past eight years. We're in the biggest financial crisis since the Great Depression," said Lilibet Hagel. "This isn't anti-McCain. This is pro-Obama. I'm just convinced he's the right person."

A while back, I noticed that whenever I clicked on the link from my website to Adrian Smith's Congressional website, I'd get the following message:

Not Found
The requested URL was not found on this server.

I'm sure others have noticed this as well if they've tried.

...

I got my response today. Some of it is technical, and I don't understand it, but what the tech wrote is very clear in explaining what they found (emphasis is mine):

The problem isn't with your link. It's with THEIR server. It's rejecting (giving a 404) when the link comes from blogspot. He's blocking requests when it comes from bloggers.

State parties will publish their delegate selection rules and clearly explain how to participate in the summer of 2007.

Nebraska Democratic Party
1327 H Street, Ste. 200
Lincoln, NE 68508
800-677-7068 (toll free)
402-434-2180 (local)
402-434-2188 (fax)

District-Level Delegates: 16
At-Large Delegates: 5
Pledged Party Leader & Elected Official (PLEO) Delegates: 3
Unpledged Delegates: 7
TOTAL Number of Delegates: 31

Alternates: 4

TOTAL DELEGATION SIZE: 35

System type: Caucus

State convention page: Available
State plan: Plan Available (PDF)
State filing form: Not available online. Please contact the state party to receive a copy.

** This information is prepared by the DNC's Office of Party Affairs and Delegate Selection and may be subject to change. For more information, please call 202-863-8000.

Also very cool on the NDP Blog, pictures from the latest State Central Committee Meeting.

“Democrats are energized and organized heading into Election Day,” said Democratic National Committee Press Secretary Stacie Paxton. “Democrats across the country are ready for change and are knocking on doors, making phone calls and getting their neighbors to the polls. Democrats are offering the American people a new direction that includes a real strategy for victory in Iraq, economic policies that benefit America’s working families and an end to the Republican culture of corruption in Washington.”

Democrats' enthusiasm is energizing get-out-the-vote efforts across the country. A few examples include:

• Nebraska: In Nebraska, Democrats broke vote by mail records, and are successfully targeting drop off voters. Of the ballots already cast, 46 percent were cast by Democrats while only 41 percent came from Republicans. The Nebraska Democratic Party has also made 120,000 phone calls and knocked on 30,000 doors this last week alone.

• Tennessee: This year, for the first time ever, Democrats outpaced Republicans in early voting totals, as Tennesseans set a record with over 860,000 early votes cast. Democrats increased our performance by 35 percent since 2004, which is 15 percent better than the Republicans.

• Oregon: Oregon is the only state in the country with all vote-by-mail elections. Historically, Republicans have out performed Democratic turnout in mid-term elections. In 2002, registered Republicans voted at a rate four perecentage points higher than Democrats. This year, however, as of November 4th, nearly 45 percent of registered Democrats have cast their ballots compared to just 42 percent by registered Republicans. Furthermore, the Democratic Party of Oregon has registered roughly 127,000 additional new Democratic voters this cycle. Of all the votes cast, over 44% are from registered Democrats, compared to 38.2% for the Republicans.

• Iowa: Thousands of volunteers across Iowa made 150,000 phone calls and knocked on 75,000 doors this past weekend.

• Arizona: In Arizona, more than 2,000 volunteers made over 100,000 volunteer calls and knocked on over 25,000 doors over the weekend in preparation for Election Day.

• Minnesota: Since last Wednesday, Democrats in Minnesota have run nearly 5,000 volunteer shifts to mobilize voters. They have over 60 staging locations around the state for Election Day with over 5,000 volunteers recruited for Tuesday alone. ]]> http://www.democrats.org/a/2006/11/democratic_mome.php http://www.democrats.org/a/2006/11/democratic_mome.php Election 2006 Mon, 06 Nov 2006 13:58:13 -0500 The Nebraska Democratic Party was featured on Kos today:

  Much has been said about the DNC's 50 state strategy under Chairman Howard Dean, but in order to truly grasp this major shift in the way Democrats are doing business, one only has to look as far as the great state of Nebraska to get the real story.

  ...

  Following Governor Dean's election as DNC Chairman, the Nebraska Democratic Party was one of the first to enter into a partnership with the national organization. The 50 State Strategy has been critical in our efforts to rebuild the party from the ground up. A communications director, campaign/field director and two field organizers were hired by the DNC to facilitate party building and campaign activities.

  ...

  There is no doubt - the Nebraska Democratic Party is stronger than ever and our best days are ahead of us. When we look at the DNC's 50 State Strategy, we know that if Nebraska is any indication of what's happening in the rest of the country, then the future of the national party is looking bright.

  Folks in Nebraska that need election related information can find it here.
  ]]> http://www.democrats.org/a/2006/10/50-state_strate_27.php http://www.democrats.org/a/2006/10/50-state_strate_27.php Blog Fri, 27 Oct 2006 17:27:01 -0500 The Omaha-World Herald endorses Scott Kleeb in NE-03:

  Two young men are vying to succeed U.S. Rep. Tom Osborne in Nebraska's 3rd Congressional District. Given the unseasoned nature of both candidates, there is a degree of uncertainty about how either would do in Congress.

  One candidate, Scott Kleeb, stands out as the better choice. The reason: his fundamental strength - a strength of intellect, a strength of eloquence, a strength of stability.

  When pressed aggressively, Kleeb's opponent, State Sen. Adrian Smith, falls back on sound bites and slogans. When pressed under the same conditions, Kleeb draws on different resources - mental focus, breadth of analytical ability and an unshakeable internal steadiness.

  Such strength could serve Kleeb well in Congress. Such strength provides him the potential to be a lawmaker respected for making a constructive difference.

  As many 3rd District voters know, Kleeb has an unusual background as a cowboy/scholar - a real-life ranch hand who also earned stellar academic credentials, above all for his study of how the American West and cattle country in particular are connected to the world economy.

  A most unusual individual, certainly. But even though he is a Democrat (and no Democrat has represented western Nebraska in Congress since 1961, despite several close general elections), Kleeb has shown himself to be thoroughly familiar and comfortable with the cultures and communities of the district...

  ...Scott Kleeb deserves election this year. If voters extend him that enormous privilege, from his strength, positive results could arise for the 3rd District. His potential should not be doubted.

  ]]> http://www.democrats.org/a/2006/10/ne-03_kleebs_fu.php http://www.democrats.org/a/2006/10/ne-03_kleebs_fu.php Blog Mon, 16 Oct 2006 15:52:00 -0500

  Scott Kleeb is running to represent Nebraska's 3rd Congressional District. Tonight, his newest ad will premiere on Nebraska TV, but you can check it out here first.

  The gap between Scott and his extreme right-wing opponent, whose special interest money and special interest agenda, including a anti-ag platform, isn't the kind of leadership Nebraskans want, is closing fast.

  When responding to a recent poll, “if the election were held today,” 41 percent of definite voters said they would vote for the Republican candidate and 37 percent said they would vote for Scott Kleeb. The margin of error for the entire sample is ±4.87%.

  Nebraska Democrats have been working hard to turn their state blue. The state party has worked to organize Democrats in every county and isn't ceding a single square mile of the "red" state to the GOP and have embraced the 50-State Strategy.

  As Governor Dean said,

  By this time, you're usually narrowing the number of races and pulling funding away from people who can't win. We've got people who were not on the radar of either the [Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee] or the [Republican National Congressional Committee] and they have a chance.

  People like Scott Kleeb, Gary Trauner in Wyoming, Larry Grant in Idaho, Tim Walz in Minnesota who are all running to win in Districts that the conventional wisdom would never have put in play, but who could end up being our sweetest victories on November 7th.

  Work for victory with other Dems as we kick-off the final stretch of the cycle at the 50-State Turnout.
  

  ]]> http://www.democrats.org/a/2006/10/first_look_scot.php http://www.democrats.org/a/2006/10/first_look_scot.php Blog Fri, 06 Oct 2006 10:00:30 -0500 Nebraska Democrats debuted their version of the 50-State Strategy - the 93-County Strategy - over a year ago, and it's paying off.

  From Nebraska Democratic Party Executive Director, Barry Rubin:

  A new poll conducted by national polling firm Penn, Schoen & Berland Associates September 20-21 shows that the 3rd District congressional race is up for grabs as we enter the last six weeks of the campaign.

  When asked who they would vote for “if the election were held today,” 41 percent of definite voters said they would vote for Adrian Smith and 37 percent said they would vote for Scott Kleeb. The margin of error for the entire sample is ±4.87%.

  Considering the margin of error and the high percentage of undecided voters – this race is most definitely in play. The poll was conducted among 405 likely voters in Nebraska’s 3rd congressional district.

  Obviously, this is exciting news in one of the most Republican-leaning congressional districts in the country. Not only is it exciting for the people of greater Nebraska, it is a clear sign that voters are tired of politics as usual throughout the state and nation.

  Kleeb is a candidate I have been watching since early in the cycle. I profiled him and stand by my words:

  Scott Kleeb, a forth generation Nebraskan, educated at Yale University, who got his doctorate studying the history of cattle ranching, who lives and works on a ranch and who says:

  "We need young people coming back to our state. Folks who get their education and come back to the communities that they're from. That's exactly what I'm doing."

  Scott Kleeb is a unique candidate who can give Republican opponent Smith a real run for his money.

  Check out his newest ad, here.

  And it's not just Kleeb. Nebraska Democrats say their time "is now" and are running to win.

  Nebraska Democrats already have a dozen events for the 50-State Turnout. Find one in your state.

  ]]> http://www.democrats.org/a/2006/09/50-state_strate_20.php http://www.democrats.org/a/2006/09/50-state_strate_20.php A 50 State Strategy Fri, 22 Sep 2006 16:56:42 -0500 Nebraska Democrats Moving Up:

  Working their way back. Nebraska Democrats have been at it since a disastrous 2002 election when they were buried by record margins in Senate and gubernatorial races.

  Road kill.

  In 2004, they made great strides in terms of organization, fund-raising and candidate recruitment, but had no breakthrough victories to show for it.

  But Democrats approach the 2006 general election in a strong position to help Ben Nelson defend his Senate seat. And they’re fielding competitive candidates in the gubernatorial scrap and in at least two House contests.

  (We wrote about those candidates and their growing momentum, here.)

  Nebraska Democrats have been organizing a 93-County Strategy in their state and doing the hard work necessary to turn every county blue.

  This week they released their "State of the Party" report for 2006 to detail their progress.

  Some achievements to celebrate:

  • Since 2002 the NDP has tripled its budget.
  • The NDP has managed to revitalize the local party infrastructure. 95% of Nebraska Democrats live in counties with county parties.
  • County Parties have held 68 local conventions in 2006 - up from 36 during the 2004 Presidential cycle. In the past year they've also identified over 3,000 new volunteers!
  • The NDP has also made investments in their technology - growing their e-mail list exponentially, developing a top-notch and popular web site, compiling an up-to-date voterfile and a growing database of donors and activists.
  • The NDP is now a resource for candidates throughout the state, providing a full range of tangible services, including: strategic planning, an automated in-house call center, and assistance with direct mail and message development.

  The success of the Nebraska Democratic Party is a testament to the 50-State Strategy and the benefit of investing in the infrastructure of the Democratic Party from coast to coast.

  For too long we have ceded territory to the GOP, and focused our efforts on a handful of battleground states. It was time for a change. Governor Dean's belief in supporting a nationwide infrastructure is only the beginning of a resurgence of The Democratic Party in places like Nebraska, where common sense Democrats now have a support system for their campaigns and local activists have a place to turn.

  We've seen similar patterns emerging in Wyoming, where Gary Trauner is surprising everyone with his campaign for the state's sole Congressional seat. We've seen the success of Democrats in Kansas and Montana as well - two states that seem redder than red, but that have wildly popular Democratic Governors and increasingly strong, active state parties.

  This is just the beginning.

  
  

  ]]> http://www.democrats.org/a/2006/08/nebraska_democr_1.php http://www.democrats.org/a/2006/08/nebraska_democr_1.php Nebraska Mon, 07 Aug 2006 13:48:23 -0500 In Nebraska, third district Democratic candidate Scott Kleeb is attracting voters from all political parties.

  "It's not about partisan politics," he said. "I'm being supported by Republicans, Democrats and Independents. I got a call from Scottsbluff where a woman had organized an event, asked me to be there and I was greeted by 80 Republicans," Kleeb said.

  Kleeb and his staff attribute his popularity to a variety of things, including his active list of about 1,000 volunteers excited to help the campaign in any way. By gaining support from an aggressive grassroots campaign he feels that he gain support from all around and fully represent the people of Nebraska.

  ]]> http://www.democrats.org/a/2006/08/ideal_candidate.php http://www.democrats.org/a/2006/08/ideal_candidate.php Nebraska Wed, 02 Aug 2006 15:23:42 -0500 Momentum, that is.

  From The Omaha World-Herald:

  Democrats in Nebraska said Thursday that anger over the national debt and the GOP-controlled Congress has energized their congressional campaigns' fundraising.

  Maxine Moul of Lincoln and Scott Kleeb of Dunning trailed their Republican opponents in total dollars raised, but both raised enough in the second quarter this year to be financially competitive.

  Moul is trying to unseat U.S. Rep. Jeff Fortenberry in the Lincoln-based 1st Congressional District, while Kleeb is running against State Sen. Adrian Smith of Gering in western Nebraska's 3rd District.

  Maxine Moul:

  Moul, a former lieutenant governor, said voters are upset at the Iraq war, high gas prices and the nation's budget deficit.

  "There is a whole different mood out there. People do want to see a change," said Moul.

  Scott Kleeb:

  Kleeb said many voters in his district have voiced concern about the deficit. And although he's running in a GOP stronghold, Kleeb said, he has a chance because voters are searching for an independent voice in Congress.

  "There's a general frustration with the direction in which our country is going," he said.

  Nebraska - another place where the 50-State Strategy is going strong, with Democrats running throughout the state, up and down the ballot, to make a change. And, they're doing pretty darn well. Kleeb has more money in the bank than his opponent, and Moul is going strong too - raising more than twice as much as the 2004 Democratic challenger.

  And don't forget The Democratic Reunion - the Nebraska Democratic Party hosts an event for The Democratic Reunion on July 29th.

  ]]> http://www.democrats.org/a/2006/07/nebraska_dems_h.php http://www.democrats.org/a/2006/07/nebraska_dems_h.php Blog Fri, 14 Jul 2006 15:37:22 -0500 Republicans really know how to pick 'em. Nebraska held primary elections yesterday. In the 3rd district 1/3 of the people live spread across 85% of the land. According to the Almanac on American Politics, "The district is one of the nation's top-ranked ag districts, with more farms than all but one other congressional district and more cattle and calves than any other place in the nation."

  So the logical choice for Republicans? A Club for Growth backed businessman, who benefited from over a $100,000 in contributions from the group, which advocates strong anti-ag positions.

  Our choice? Scott Kleeb A forth generation Nebraskan, educated at Yale University, who got his doctorate studying the history of cattle ranching, who lives and works on a ranch and who says:

  "We need young people coming back to our state. Folks who get their education and come back to the communities that they're from. That's exactly what I'm doing."

  Scott Kleeb is a unique candidate who can give Republican opponent Smith a real run for his money. In a district that is considered an easy Republican win, Scott Kleeb is shaking things up.

  He was born and raised on an Army base in Vincenza, Italy. He earned a master’s degree at Yale and soon will have his doctorate. During college years he worked during summer vacations as a ranch hand in eastern Colorado and Nebraska. Today he is a part of the McGinn Ranch Co. near Dunning.

  So on the one hand we have Scott Kleeb, the intellect with a master’s degree in international relations. And then, on the other hand, there’s Scott Kleeb, who likes bull riding and can take down a cow at branding time.

  Kleeb [has] turned heads, prompting some Democrats to look optimistically toward the 3rd District campaign. This year, they may have a contender.

  At Monday’s forum Kleeb cleaned up well and he spoke well. At age 30, he is articulate and quotable.

  “Agriculture is not only the centerpiece of the economy in the 3rd District, it’s the centerpiece of who we are,” he said to the crowd of mostly farmers and ranchers.

  In the 3rd District, Republicans outnumber Democrats almost 2 to 1. If they vote the party line, Kleeb stands little chance of winning. If they vote for the candidate and not the party, it could be interesting.

  Nebraska Democrats are fighting hard to take back their state. There are great Democrats running for office in even the 'reddest' parts of the state. They recently re-launched their website: NebraskaDemocrats.org and have put work into developing their own version of the 50 State Strategy - the 93 County Strategy which is working to spread their message, organize and mobilize state-wide.

  ]]> http://www.democrats.org/a/2006/05/50_state_strate_13.php http://www.democrats.org/a/2006/05/50_state_strate_13.php Blog Wed, 10 May 2006 15:02:47 -0500 According to Rasmussen,

  At present, incumbent Democratic Senator Ben Nelson leads by 35-40 percentage points when voters consider match-ups with either former State Attorney General Don Stenberg or former Nebraska Republican Party Chairman David Kramer.

  Republicans used to call Ben Nelson a top tier target. But now they can't play offense anywhere, even in Nebraska.

  ]]> http://www.democrats.org/a/2006/04/nelson_cruisin.php http://www.democrats.org/a/2006/04/nelson_cruisin.php Nebraska Thu, 27 Apr 2006 17:00:29 -0500