For those of you who missed our adventures last time, my name is Kevin "Cheese" Bieging, Scott Kleeb's "body man" extraordinaire, and yes that's me standing in front of the world famous Carhenge in Alliance, NE.
Now I know some of you may be wondering: just who is that guy, and what is he doing posing for a picture in front of one of the world's most beautiful monuments to one of America's most beautiful inventions? Well, it's a long story, but it all starts with our four day, fifteen event Panhandle Progress Tour. Yesterday was day two, as we continued to blaze our trail west and reach out to voters from all different backgrounds, communities and perspectives.
Read coverage of our tour in the Sidney Sun Telegraph
Breaking the Ice in Bridgeport
We started the day with a couple of retail events in Bridgeport. First stop was the Meadowlark Inn and Restaurant, where we were greeted with open arms and a hearty meal. Scott sat down for a long conversation with a couple who have a son serving in Iraq, talking about the need to develop a sensible strategy to honor the commitment of our troops. Scott talked so long, in fact, that we were a little late in getting to our second event of the day: a meet-and-greet at the Heritage Nursing Home.
This is a picture of Scott talking with Marie, an enthusiastic supporter who joked about becoming the first Kleeb campaign organizer in Bridgeport. I don't know, from the looks of the crowds we saw today I'd say she might have some competition for the job.
Bringing it Home in Alliance
We were headed towards Alliance with a little time to spare, so we decided to take a little detour to see Carhenge. After our little sight-seeing expedition, we landed at the IAM Local 602 Hall for a rally with local union members. Scott talked about his recent visit to Irwin Industrial Tool in De Witt. Irwin Tool was founded by a local blacksmith who invented the Vise Grip in 1924, and ever since the town has beeen one of the biggest names in tool production worldwide. In a town of about 570, 340 people work for that factory. Unfortunately, word has it that the plant is closing and production is being shipped overseas, all to save just a fraction on overall costs.
Scott talked about the need to support fair trade policies and to invest programs that keep and create good paying jobs right here in Nebraska.
An Evening in the Park
After the union rally, we headed to Alliance's Central Park for dinner and a meet-and-greet with supporters. There, Scott ran into Dick, an old friend of his mom Joann who was her date to the high school senior prom. Dick showed Scott some photos from the good 'ole days and Scott put him on the phone with Joann to catch up.
Scott took a question from the audience about what they could do to get more people engaged. He talked about the need for more action at the community level, and challenged everyone in the room to find five people to bring into the campaign. You could tell the audience was really pumped and he got a standing ovation at the end.
Scott also took a question from Ramona, an old friend, asking how he was getting by on the campaign trail. "Are you staying in hotels, or do you still sleep in the back of the pickup truck?" she laughed. Scott assured her that he wasn't doing either, hopping from house to house and saving the hotel money for greater purposes. This campaign is all about fiscal responsibility.
Hop from house to house we did, as we stayed in a very comfortable bed thanks to a very loyal supporter last night. It's a great feeling to have friends every where that you go.
Speaking of which, I've got to go to our next event. Remember to check back in for another update tomorrow, and please send a contribution to Scott Kleeb for Senate today. It really is because of contributions like yours that we're able to be out on the road reaching so many voters in the first place. You just have to see Scott talk to voters to know that we have a real shot at an upset in the Cornhusker state.
Until tomorrow, from the traveling Kleeb campaign
Jessica (press), Kevin (body man), and Laura (field)