You probably wonder why a Detroit native living in deep Blue San Francisco cares about the race fo Mayor of Lincoln, Nebraska. Well, like kos and others, I know how important, I understand how important it is to the Democratic Party and the progressive movement to regain those vast swaths of red between Woodward Avenue and Lombard Street. I also realize that a "permanent progressive majority" is not going to happen overnight. So, here I am, looking from state to state, city to city, for folks running on the local level who have potential to become state and national figures. And Chris Beutler is one of those folks.
Just to repeat a little of his biography:
Chris Beutler is a native Nebraskan, who has devoted his life to serving the City of Lincoln and the people of Nebraska...
As a development consultant for the City of Lincoln, Chris raised millions of dollars for the City’s Parks and Recreation Department. Beutler’s work was key to the renovation of the Sunken Gardens - - restoring one of Lincoln’s crown jewels.
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.
The primary is Tuesday and Chris will likely make it through along with his Republican opponent, Ken Svoboda. However, a strong showing by Chris will put them back on their heels and give us momentum going into the May general election. While Lincoln already has a Democratic mayor and it would not be a "pick-up", Beutler's election is crucial in providing us with a person who, I believe, has a potential to be on a national ticket. I thank you for your attention and ask that you help in any way you can to keep this star rising.