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Primary elections exist to help winnow the field of candidates within political parties. When there are incumbents running for re-election, the election-day results can be foregone conclusions — at least in part because same-party challengers often are individuals without much name recognition or financial support.
But this year’s primary for federal offices in Nebraska is a bit different given that the Nebraska Republican Party chose not to endorse the GOP incumbents.
That decision left many of the party faithful scratching their heads. And it continues a time when the state party finds itself in bit of upheaval.
We would be remiss if we did not offer our appreciation to those individuals who have chosen to run for federal office against incumbents. Choosing to have your name on a ballot — no matter how long the odds are against success — is an important part of the democratic process.
So, we believe it important to at least acknowledge that Arron Kowalski of Grand Island is a Republican challenger to U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer of Valentine. And that John Glen Weaver of Omaha and Mac Stevens of Bushnell are on the ballot with incumbent Sen. Pete Ricketts of Omaha.
In races for seats in the U.S. House of Representatives, 1st District Rep. Mike Flood of Norfolk is running against Michael Connely of York on the Republican primary ballot. Plus, 3rd District Rep. Adrian Smith of Gering is up against challengers John Walz of Hastings and Robert McQuiston of Holdrege.
While thanking them for interest in serving, it’s extremely unlikely that any of them will be hosting a victory celebration once election results are known. And that’s for good reason because we believe — and many Northeast and North Central Nebraskans join us in that belief — that all four of those incumbents are deserving of advancing to the November general election.
All four have represented Nebraska extremely well in Congress. Their views on issues are shared by a vast number of conservative voters in this corner of the state. They have taken stances on challenging topics. They have sought out input and feedback from voters as new issues arise. They have effectively sought to influence their fellow federal lawmakers on issues and policies important to the nation.
On May 14, votes for Sens. Fischer and Ricketts and Reps. Flood and Smith would be wise decisions for the betterment of Nebraska and the nation as a whole. Their conservative, common-sense representation that they have already demonstrated needs to be allowed to continue.
