Nebraska
Five Nebraska legislative candidates have already raised more than $100k • Nebraska Examiner
LINCOLN — The price of mounting a credible bid for the Nebraska Legislature keeps rising, with 2023 fundraising tallies hinting at 2024 being another banner year for six-figure races.
Five candidates for the $12,000-a-year job had already raised more than $100,000 in 2023, a pre-election-year — a number that shows an accelerating trend from recent years, based on year-end fundraising reports from the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission.
For the 2020 election, a record 27 Nebraska legislative candidates raised more than $100,000. For races in 2022, 20 raised $100,000 or more. As recently as the 2010s, only seven or eight candidates raised that much for most legislative elections.
Bostar leads the pack
State Sen. Eliot Bostar of Lincoln, a Democrat in the officially nonpartisan Legislature, led in funds raised in 2023, with $205,000. That pushed his campaign cash on hand to $255,000, including money raised in previous years.
Much of that money came from trial lawyers, family members, some of the top Lincoln-area Democratic donors and a conservation-related political action committee that listed him as executive director. Bostar’s campaign spent about $38,000 in 2023, mostly on helping other candidates.
Asked about the push for earlier fundraising, Bostar said he learned the hard way in 2022 that estimates about what it would take to win in his district were low.
In that race against Republican Jacob Campbell, the two candidates raised and spent at least $600,000 combined, one of the costliest legislative races in Nebraska history.
“I think I estimated too low the first time around, and I didn’t want to make that mistake again,” Bostar said.
On March 1, the deadline to file to run for office, the Republican who had filed to run against Bostar, Philipe Bruce, withdrew from the race. That left Bostar funded for an election fight that might not come, an outcome he said he did not expect.
Asked what he might do with the money, he said he didn’t expect to run unopposed and hadn’t thought much about it yet. Senators are limited to serving two consecutive terms.
He said he understands people who question raising and spending so much money for a seat that pays like a part-time job. But he says candidates run to help others, not for the pay.
Bosn leads newcomers
State Sen. Carolyn Bosn of Lincoln, appointed by Gov. Jim Pillen to replace former State Sen. Suzanne Geist of Lincoln, raised the next most at $140,000 and had $125,000 in cash.
She had help from the family of Tom Peed of Sandhills Publishing and many major GOP donors statewide. Her campaign reported spending about $15,000, mainly on consulting.
Bosn, a former Lancaster County prosecutor, said she attended meetings, visited businesses in her district, spoke to constituents and built relationships. But, she said, she was “very shocked when the six-figure numbers came in.”
“I was surprised at the amount that some races cost,” she said.
Her likely opponent, Nicki Popp, raised $23,000 and had $9,400 in cash. Her donors included State Sen. Jane Raybould of Lincoln. Popp, who is registered nonpartisan, spent $16,000, mostly on consultants.
Day, Aguilar raising big for tough races
Incumbents facing tough election fights this fall were next, with Democratic State Sen. Jen Day of Omaha raising $113,000 and listing $74,000 in campaign cash.
She had help from the family of University of Nebraska Regent Barbara Weitz and State Sen. Tony Vargas of Omaha. Day spent about $50,000, mostly on campaign operations.
She faces two GOP candidates in right-leaning District 49. Bob Andersen raised $29,000 and had $17,000 in cash. Caleb Muhs raised $26,000 and had $16,000 in cash.
Andersen got help from former Nebraska gubernatorial candidate Charles Herbster and spent $11,000. Muhs got help from the political action committee supporting Nebraska realtors and spent $13,000.
Grand Island State Sen. Ray Aguilar, a Republican, raised $110,000 and listed $100,000 in cash on hand for his central Nebraska race.
Aguilar, who is serving his second stint in the Legislature after having been term-limited, said he has talked with some of his colleagues about how much these races cost.
“You start to wonder where all this will end,” he said. “It’s expensive.”
One of Aguilar’s opponents, former State Sen. Dan Quick of Grand Island, reported raising $85,000 and listed $72,000 in cash.
Kauth preps for SW Omaha fight
The final early member of the six-figure fundraising club for 2024 is State Sen. Kathleen Kauth of Omaha, who serves parts of southwest Omaha. She raised $101,000 and had $57,000 in cash.
She received help from Herbster and Attorney General Mike Hilgers. Kauth spent $52,000 in 2023, largely on consultants and campaign operations.
She told the Examiner that legislative races in Douglas County are getting more expensive every election cycle. She estimated that her race could cost $180,000 to $220,000, without outside spending.
“That is an astonishing number,” she said.
Her top Democratic opponent, Mary Ann Folchert of Omaha, raised $51,000 and had $24,000 in cash on hand. She received help from some top local donors, including Michael Yanney. Folchert spent $31,000 in 2023 on fundraising and other campaign operations.
Ballard, Derner raise for tough Lincoln race
State Sen. Beau Ballard, who was appointed to his northwest Lancaster County seat, appears to be headed for a tough first election. He raised $89,000 and had $83,000 in cash on hand.
One of his top supporters is Hilgers, the senator he replaced in the Legislature. Ballard’s campaign spent about $8,100 in 2023, mainly on operations.
His likely opponent, Democrat Seth Derner, raised $61,000 and listed $52,000 in cash. He got help from the Omaha-based Weitz family and the union representing electrical workers.
Of all the legislative candidates, Omaha lawyer Tracy Hightower-Henne, a Democrat, spent the most in 2023. She is among several candidates running to represent northeastern Douglas County.
She spent nearly $63,000 last year, reports show, including more than half on a parade entry during Native Omaha Days in North Omaha.
McDonnell, Slama leaving with big war chests
One of the most interesting tidbits from last year’s legislative fundraising documents is the handful of senators not running again who are leaving office with significant sums.
Chief among them is State Sen. Mike McDonnell of Omaha, who has been considering a run for Omaha mayor. He raised $22,000 in 2023 and had $277,000 in cash. Unions helped him.
State Sen. Julie Slama of Dunbar raised $53,000 and amassed $146,000 in cash. The lawyer announced right before the deadline for incumbents to run that she would not run for re-election.
She has said she wants to focus on being a new mom. Political insiders have said she might run for a different statewide office later, such as secretary of state or treasurer, an office she applied for last year when it became vacant.
Other senators leaving with major cash on hand include Vargas with $101,000, State Sen. John Lowe of Kearney with $46,000, Sen. Tom Brewer, who represents north-central Nebraska, with $28,000, and Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Omaha with $15,000.
Vargas is running for Congress in the Omaha-based 2nd Congressional District for a seat held by Republican Don Bacon. Vargas narrowly lost to Bacon in 2022.
The Nebraska primary is May 14. The top two vote-getters, regardless of party, advance in the officially nonpartisan races to the general election in November.
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A Kearney, Nebraska, man who loves the giant Big Boy 4014 suffered a small fracture to his spine when he fell off a ladder trying to climb into the cab of the locomotive during its historic whistle-stop tour on Thursday.
Trevor Allen Bentley told Cowboy State Daily that he was about to fulfill a longtime dream of riding inside the cab of the world’s largest operating locomotive.
He was climbing on the outside of the Cheyenne-based locomotive and had one more step to go on the five-rung ladder to get into the cab when he fell backward about 8 feet, landing hard on the ground.
A 16-second video posted (see below) shows the heavyset man, wearing a bright yellow construction vest, jeans and tennis shoes, gripping the handles on either side of the ladder and struggling to get up to the last step.
After a few seconds, he slips and falls to the ground, landing on his back between the train tracks.
Three others nearby, also in bright-colored vests, were at Bentley’s side immediately. Instinct seemed to kick in as they attempt to help him sit up.
Bentley said he was able to sit up and that he wanted to get up right away.
“I felt fine,” he told Cowboy State Daily on Friday. “Obviously, I was sore. But I just wanted to get up.”
He said he was more embarrassed than anything, “because the Big Boy attracts a show.”
He guessed a few hundred people had turned out to see the Big Boy at the station.
It also was raining, a factor Bentley said likely contributed to his slip.
Ride Of A Lifetime Dashed
Bentley, who works for the online news site CentralNebraskaToday.com, had planned to ride Big Boy 4014 on its approximate 40-mile leg between Kearney and Grand Island, Nebraska, documenting the trip on video for the outlet.
He said he had emailed Union Pacific to request the ride, which the railroad granted.
In a social media post he shared after the fall, he wrote, “A boyhood dream got dashed as I fell 8 feet off of Big Boy 4014 before I got the ride of a lifetime.”
He later told Cowboy State Daily he has been a train enthusiast all his life. He had been in the Big Boy cab before, he said, “which is why I thought I could do it.”
“I just couldn’t get that last step in,” he added.
30-Minute Delay
Big Boy was already running behind schedule when it pulled into the Kearney station, said Bentley. His fall caused an added 30-minute delay.
North Platte resident James Burns said he frequently visits the tracks and had decided to follow Big Boy from North Platte to Kearney.
He was at the stop, taking pictures of Big Boy 4014 when Bentley fell, though he told Cowboy State Daily he did not see the fall. He also confirmed the incident caused an approximate 30-minute travel delay.
The fall sparked a lot of speculation on social media, with comments ranging from prayers that Bentley was OK to sharper criticisms of Bentley’s attempt to climb aboard. One such criticism was his wearing tennis shoes rather than work boots.
Bentley was taken via ambulance to CHI Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney and said he was released later that day.
‘No Fault of UP’
He was home resting when he spoke with Cowboy State Daily via phone Friday.
“I’m just stiff more than anything,” he said, adding that he hopes to be back to work next week. “I am just extremely lucky.”
Bentley wanted to make it clear that his fall was no fault of Union Pacific or anyone but himself. He said what happened was a total accident and that’s why he signed a waiver with UP about riding in the locomotive.
“I do not fault them in any way, shape, or form,” he said. “I don’t want to put a blemish on their tour. It was no fault of Union Pacific. It was on my own accord.”
Union Pacific publicly responded to the incident in a 16-word statement: “We are glad the person is OK and appreciate the concern we’ve heard from rail fans.”
Contact Kate Meadows at kate@cowboystatedaily.com
Kate Meadows can be reached at kate@cowboystatedaily.com.
OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – First Alert 6 has the headlines you need to know to get your Friday started.
One hurt in Friday morning crash on I-80 in Omaha
One person was taken to the hospital after a crash Friday morning on Interstate 80 in Omaha.
The crash happened shortly before 6 a.m. on I-80 westbound near 72nd Street. Cameras show the car is completely flipped upside down.
Traffic is being impacted Friday morning, as the far left lane remains blocked.
Police dispatch says initial reports show the victim’s injuries are considered serious.
Nebraska softball defeats Arkansas in extra innings at WCWS
Ava Kuszak hit a two-run home run in the 10th inning as Nebraska defeated Arkansas 5-3 Thursday night at the Women’s College World Series. The victory marks the Huskers’ first WCWS win since 2002.
Jordy Frahm pitched all 10 innings for Nebraska, striking out nine batters. Hannah Coor also homered for the Huskers. Nebraska advances to face Alabama on Saturday at 6 p.m.
The fourth-seeded Huskers are making their eighth WCWS appearance and first since 2013. Six players on the roster are Omaha natives who developed through Nebraska Gold Softball.
Papillion native Frahm earned NFCA Player of the Year honors this season. Gretna’s Alexis Jensen also earned All-American recognition.
The WCWS runs through June 5. The full tournament bracket can be found here.
Nebraska baseball to open NCAA regional Friday
The first Lincoln baseball regional in nearly two decades will begin on Friday.
Nebraska hosts South Dakota State, Ole Miss and Arizona State in the double-elimination pod, hoping to advance to the program’s first super regional since 2005.
The Huskers open the weekend with the Jackrabbits on Friday at 3 p.m. The game will be streamed on ESPN+. The Rebels and Sun Devils play at 8 p.m.
Nebraska defeated South Dakota State 5-4 in a close midweek game on March 4. The Jackrabbits (24-31) made an unlikely run to a Summit League championship as the No. 4 seed to earn their place in this weekend’s regional.
STB pauses Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger proceedings
The Surface Transportation Board has accepted Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern’s updated merger application but is seeking more information before a full review.
The agency ordered an Environmental Impact Statement under federal environmental law and requested details on nine issues, including passenger rail, market-share projections and service assurance plans. Responses are due by July 27.
The EIS process will include at least 12 in-person public meetings and several virtual sessions.
In a release Thursday, Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern called the move “an important step forward” as the deal continues to advance.
Shareholders have backed the merger, and Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen has endorsed it.
NU Board of Regents to hold emergency meeting Friday
The University of Nebraska Board of Regents is set to hold an emergency meeting Friday.
A notice sent to First Alert 6 does not state why the meeting was called.
According to the notice, the only business on the agenda is a motion to go into a closed session.
First Alert 6 is told the session is private to protect people who have not requested a public meeting to discuss confidential real estate acquisitions.
Farnam Street to close Friday morning for streetcar work
Farnam Street in Omaha is scheduled to be temporarily closed Friday morning for work in the streetcar project.
The closure is set between Turner Boulevard and 33rd Street for streetcar track concrete placement. Work is expected to begin at 6 a.m. and go until 10 a.m.
City officials say the street will reopen once the last truck has finished.
The full streetcar system is still on track to open by fall 2028.
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Will Bolt and Nebraska baseball are not interested in overlooking South Dakota State on Friday afternoon.
Even after earning the program’s first regional host bid since 2008, the Huskers made it clear Thursday that advancing is top of mind. Home-field advantage inside Haymarket Park should help, but taking advantage of the opportunity in front of them remains the goal.
With the Big Red preparing to begin what it hopes becomes a deep postseason run, Bolt and several players addressed the media following Thursday’s open practice. Here’s everything they had to say.
Electing to Throw Carson Jasa in Regional Opener
Nebraska’s ace is getting the nod, despite the fan base raising somewhat of a concern over the decision. For Bolt and his team, it comes based on respecting their opponent on Friday afternoon.
“He’s been our most consistent pitcher all year long,” Bolt said. “We feel like he gives us the best chance to set the tone for the weekend. No matter who you’re playing this time of year, it’s three wins to win the tournament. And we feel like he gives us a really good chance tomorrow to set a great tone for the entire weekend”.
Bolt continued by saying the decision was made far before the Huskers found out they’d host. About a month before postseason play began, Nebraska switched up its pitching rotation. Now, even after exceeding expectations, they’ll stick with the plan.
“We feel like sending Jasa out there is our only option,” Bolt said. “At the end of the day, respect your opponent. South Dakota State’s coming in here to beat us. So, our best bet to win the game tomorrow, in our opinion, is to throw Carson Jasa”.
Timmerman’s Confidence in Huskers Pitching Decision
NU’s players fully understand the decision made by the coaching staff, especially knowing the kind of challenge South Dakota State is expected to present. The two programs met back in early March, when the Huskers narrowly escaped with a victory. Entering Friday, Nebraska expects a similar battle.
“No matter who’s on the mound, everyone in the dugout, everyone in the bullpen has the utmost confidence in each and every person,” Tucker Timmerman said. “But, Carson, especially, we all love going out and watching him throw. His stuff’s electric. He gets everybody going in the dugout. He’s everyone’s No. 1 fan. So it’s great to have a guy on the mound like that to start us off on a weekend”.
The decision to start Jasa has the full backing of the locker room. With Omaha serving as the ultimate goal, nobody inside Nebraska’s program is under the impression that getting there will come easily. That much is clear.
National Attention Set on Lincoln
Senior infielder Rhett Stokes enters his third postseason run with Nebraska, understanding just how different this year feels. After spending the last tw,o NCAA Tournament appearances traveling on the road, the Huskers now have the opportunity to play on their home field. Something they’ve been very successful at defending this spring.
“This year’s a lot different than the last two years,” Stokes said. “We’re obviously hosting this year, which is a big advantage to us and gives us the best chance to move on to the next round”.
As the top seed in the Lincoln Regional, the Huskers enter Friday with clear advantages on paper. Even so, NU understands how difficult advancing through the postseason is sure to be. While respecting the challenge South Dakota State presents, NU knows it’ll be expected to win.
The Huskers’ Resiliency Could Be a Factor
Nebraska has built its season on resilience. Time and time again, the Huskers have found ways to battle back, keeping themselves alive in games that at times appeared out of reach. That mentality could become a critical characteristic of the team as postseason play begins this weekend.
“We’re a team that’s never out of the fight,” Timmerman said. “That’s a huge thing when you’re in postseason play. Even though we could be down a couple runs, up a couple runs, we’re still going to be playing as hard as we can for as long as the game is going on”.
The Lincoln Regional is the only regional in the country featuring three ranked teams, underscoring just how difficult the path ahead could be for the Big Red. With Nebraska posting a 23-1 record at home this season, continuing that level of play inside Haymarket Park will likely determine whether they make it to the supers.
Why Nebraska Can’t Afford to Overlook SDSU
Despite the Huskers having already beaten SDSU earlier in the year, the Big Red can’t afford to go into the matchup overconfident. They know that early March is much different than late May, and they’ll need their play on the field to reflect that.
“It’s postseason baseball,” Stokes said. “Anything can happen; that’s the nature of it. You can’t treat any one opponent differently. They’ve made it here for a reason. They’re a good team, and they’re hot. I mean, they won the Summit League, so there’s no difference in how we prepare for tomorrow”.
NU will prepare as if the Jackrabbits are a great team. Because, to this point in their season, they’ve proved to be. They won’t sleepwalk their way to a victory, and they know it. That mentality will need to be carried with them through every one of their remaining games.
Expected Attendance at Haymarket Park
Postseason ticket demand has become a serious topic of discussion in recent weeks, but Nebraska’s focus remains centered on the games themselves. Even so, the Huskers fully expect Haymarket Park to provide one of the best atmospheres the venue has ever seen this upcoming weekend.
“I haven’t thought a ton about the number,” Bolt said. “I know that tickets sold out pretty quickly. There’s going to be standing room only everywhere you look. It’s going to be a great environment. I’m not sure how many they’re going to let in the doors; I guess as many as the fire marshal allows, is what I’ve been told. [We’re] excited to play in front of our fans, and to treat them to postseason baseball here in Lincoln”.
Excitement around the program has reached its highest since the move to the Big Ten. Now, the challenge becomes matching that energy on the field and rewarding the fans in attendance who cheer them on.
Nebraska’s game against South Dakota State is set for 3:00 PM CDT on ESPN+. The second game between Arizona State and Ole Miss will follow at 8 p.m. CDT on ESPN2.
The full schedule is below. All times are central.
Friday, May 29
- Game 1: #1 Nebraska (home) vs. #4 South Dakota State (away) 3 p.m.
- Game 2: #2 Ole Miss (home) vs. #3 Arizona State (away) 8 p.m.
Saturday, May 30
- Game 3: Game 1 Loser vs. Game 2 Loser 2 p.m.
- Game 4: Game 1 Winner vs. Game 2 Winner 7 p.m.
Sunday, May 31
- Game 5: Game 3 Winner vs. Game 4 Loser 2 p.m.
- Game 6: Game 4 Winner vs. Game 5 Winner 7 p.m.
Monday, June 1
- Game 7: Game 6 Winner vs. Game 6 Loser (if necessary) TBA
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