For those of us who were heartbroken when Scott Kleeb fell just short of getting elected in NE-03, we have yet another opportunity to strike deep into the heart of Red Country and turn it just a little bluer. Primary Day for Lincoln, Nebraska Mayor is just a few short weeks away on April 3 (general election in May) and Chris Beutler is a progressive voice that prairie voters can endorse cast their votes for.
Chris Beutler is a native Nebraskan, who has devoted his life to serving the City of Lincoln and the people of Nebraska.
Chris attended Yale University, where he played football for the Bulldogs and graduated in 1966. Heeding the call to public service by President John F. Kennedy, Chris joined the U.S. Peace Corps and taught children in Turkey. Chris is veteran of the Armed Forces. He served in the U.S. Army from 1969 to 1971, rising to the rank of First Lieutenant....
Beutler was elected to the Nebraska Legislature in 1978, representing Central Lincoln’s 28th District. He was re-elected in 1982. He returned in 1990 and was re-elected in 1994, 1998 and 2002.
During his Legislative career, Chris was a champion for campaign finance reform. He led the effort to reduce the influence of big money in campaigns and increase the power of Nebraska citizens at the ballot box. Chris led the successful 2006 court case that resulted in Regent David Hergert being removed from office for violations of Nebraska’s campaign finance laws...
Beutler has been a leader on the environment, enacting key water and anti-pollution legislation. He advocated successfully for education finance changes that boosted state support of classroom teachers and reduced educational reliance on property taxes. He was a strong supporter of business incentives that improved Nebraska’s business climate and led to the creation of thousands of new jobs and new investment.
And in case you are wondering if he is a serious candidate, not at all. Many have already decided that he is a good investment.
Campaign finance reports indicate Chris Beutler is winning the money war in the race to be Lincoln’s next mayor. So far.
Lincoln voters will elect a new mayor in May. The leading contenders are former senator Beutler, a Democrat, and Councilman Ken Svoboda, a Republican.
According to reports filed with the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission, Beutler had raised about $140,700 for his mayoral race through the end of February, compared to nearly $124,000 reported by Svoboda. Beutler reported having about $93,000 in cash on hand to spend, compared to $38,000 for Svoboda.
This guy is a serious candidate, but someone with the potential to one day be elevated to Congress or a statewide office. This is also a race where a little bit of cash can go a long way (I plunk down my $50 yesterday). This guy has the potential, I believe, has a tremendous future ahead. Perhaps we ar looking at a potential candidate from the heart of "Red America". But first, he needs to get elected in May, and I urge everyone to dowhatever they can to make this possible.