Stenberg Touts Conservative Credentials in Bid for Nelson’s Senate Seat

Nebraska State Treasurer Don Stenberg may be 14 months away from the primary, but he is already gearing up for his bid for Ben Nelson’s U.S. Senate seat. Speaking to grassroots activists, he described his experience and policy positions in an effort to build early support for his candidacy.

Experience

• ·         Master’s of Business Administration, Juris Doctorate (Law).
• ·         Aide, legal counsel for Nebraska Governor Charles Thone (1979-1983).
• ·         Nebraska Attorney General (1991-2003).
• ·         Ran for Senate 1994, 2000 (advanced to general election), 2006.

Fiscally Conservative

• ·         As Treasurer, recommended a 13% budget cut for the department.
• ·         Saved $100k in Nebraska budget by eliminating long term care savings program.
• ·         Saved $200k in Nebraska budget by updating child support disbursements.
• ·         Opposes Obamacare for its cost, among other things.
• ·         As Attorney General, budget grew only 3%, compared to AG Bruning’s 12% growth.

Pro-Life, Pro 2^nd Amendment

• ·         Pled case at U.S. Supreme Court Stenberg v. Carhart (530 U.S. 914 [2000]) to restrict partial birth abortion.
• ·         Lost 5-4 but later with Justice Alito on the bench a similar case won 5-4.
• ·         Received A or A+ ratings from NRA for supporting the right to keep and bear arms.
• Supports Constitutionally Limited Government
• ·         Fought lawsuits against the Federal Government regarding one-size-fits-all regulations, i.e. Western Nebraska drinking water.
• ·         Fought state elimination of religious references. Ten Commandments display in Plattsmouth was challenged; in defense, Stenberg gave a tour of the Capitol and its many existing religious references.
• ·         Supports a Repeal Amendment.
• ·         Opposes EPA takeover of CO₂ regulation.

Where to Cut the Budget?

• ·         Cut failing programs first.
• ·         Department of Education – the “education experiment has failed”.
• ·         The one school district that is actually supposed to be run by Congress (DC) is an example of where ED is taking America.
• ·         End subsidies to TV, radio, and Planned Parenthood.
• ·         For starters, Congress should be able to quickly scale back to 2008 spending levels.

Foreign Policy

• ·         National Defense is the main purpose of the Federal Government (economic cohesion between the colonies was the secondary purpose of the Constitution, he said).
• ·         Said terrorism is the main threat abroad. Agreed that it is a moving target that requires constant adjustment.
• ·         Does not want to see U.S. forces deployed any longer than they need to be (he specifically mentioned European bases).

Dependence on Foreign Oil

• ·         It is affecting America’s freedom and prosperity.
• ·         We need to “get regulations out of the way”.
• ·         Expand domestic supply of oil by drilling offshore (govt is restricting permits).
• ·         Expand domestic production by allowing new refineries to be built.

Immigration

• ·         Is concerned about the security risk of the porous border.
• ·         Is not opposed to legal immigration but notes that the system needs to be fair.
• ·         Opposed to amnesty.
• ·         Enforcing the laws already on the books would reduce illegal immigration.

Are So Many Federal Police Forces Necessary?

• ·         DHS was meant to consolidate some of the forces.
• ·         Elimination depends on the situation – they all have different legal responsibilities.
• ·         Intelligence services need to improve.

Sound Money

• ·         Concerned about the money printing and deficits.
• ·         Foresees a risk of inflation.
• ·         Supports an audit of the Federal Reserve.
• ·         On state measures to allow competing currency, he has concerns about the states’ ability to issue currency as well as the low quantity of hard currency in existence.

Leadership in the Senate

• ·         Stenberg leans on his long conservative record for credibility.
• ·         Pre-Tea Party, he was known as a hard-line conservative.
• ·         Would focus on his “not Ben Nelson” status in the Senate to make positive changes.

Stenberg’s Top Senate Priorities

• 1.       Repeal Obamacare.

a.       Too costly.

b.      Will lead to rationed care.

• 2.       Limit Spending.

a.       No bailouts.

b.      No earmarks.

                                                               i.      Because of the wasted money.

                                                             ii.      Because of the corruption risk.

                                                            iii.      Noted that Jon Bruning negotiated a $500k earmark through Ben Nelson.

• 3.       Oppose new taxes.

a.       JFK, Reagan, and Bush all cut taxes, resulting in improved economic conditions.

b.      Foresees Obama raising capital gains after two years (Bush tax cuts expiring).

• 4.       Require Congressional approval of major regulations (as opposed to bureaucrats, i.e. EPA).

• 5.       Pass the Repeal Act.

Conclusion

Whoever wins the Republican primary will have the chance to unseat Senator Ben Nelson, whose popularity has plummeted since casting the crucial 60^th vote on Obamacare. In light of this, Nelson will have a much more difficult time getting re-elected but in order to carry the general election the Republicans must select the best candidate to face off with Senator Nelson. At this time Stenberg’s opposition consists of Attorney General Jon Bruning and Businessman Pat Flynn but the field may grow. Nebraska Campaign for Liberty will continue to keep an eye on this important race.