For those following the Nebraska U.S. Senate Race, it's been mostly a story of wait and see. Now it is turning into a story of selling out or standing up.
It seems as if Senator Ben Nelson, who one of the LEAST reliable votes on matters important to Democrats and Progressives, has been quietly pushing his buddy into the race. The problem with that? His buddy is a big 'ole Republican who decided that he couldn't beat former Governor Mike Johanns in the Republican Primary.
Further, there are rumors that Democrats in Washington are warming up to the idea that this guy might be worth the attention of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee because he's got deep pockets. Sure, money is great, but our party is one of ideals and isn't for sale to the person who can bring the most cash to the table.
We're still waiting to hear if Scott Kleeb will jump into this race. Scott the candidate supported by the grassroots in Nebraska. He surprised everyone by running an incredibly competitive race in the uber-conservative Third Congressional of Nebraska. Widely considered to be gunning for a rematch in the Third District, Senator Hagel's retirement has fueled speculation that Kleeb will enter the Senate race instead. This speculation has reached a fever pitch as former Senator Bob Kerry and Omaha Mayor Mike Fahey took passes on the race.
So far, Kleeb has played coy about his plans, but grassroots activists are working to build early support for him. There is a facebook group. There is a website. There are blog posts. And more blog posts.
No matter where you are, if you are interested in standing up to people who are willing to sell out our party for their rich Republican friends, then please take part in pledging to Scott Kleeb. Here, you can pledge money or volunteering time. Every dollar you pledge sends a big message to Ben Nelson that our party is not for sell. Every moment you pledge stands up to the politics of selling out our values.
This moment is bigger than one candidate being better than another. In this instance, there is a glimpse into the larger battle of what we want the Democratic Party to look like. We can sit back and allow Ben Nelson to replicate his reliably conservative voting record with his millionaire buddy or we can rally support for a progressive candidate that can win in a red State. The choice is ours.