Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Proven, Tested, Trusted


All focus currently rests on the Presidential election, but I have decided to dedicate my next couple of columns to political races here in Nebraska. Many Nebraskan’s are not fully aware of the candidates seeking the position currently held by Republican Senator Chuck Hagel. The Republican Party’s candidate is Mike Johanns and the Democratic Party’s candidate is Scott Kleeb.
Johanns was Nebraska's 38th governor. During his six years in office, he promoted an agenda of tax relief, less government, building the economy, protecting families, and ensuring the health, safety, and success of Nebraska’s children. On January 21, 2005, Johanns was sworn in as the 28th Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, where for nearly three years he worked to expand foreign market access for U.S. producers and promoted the growth of the renewable fuels industry. Additionally, Johanns developed an in-depth Farm Bill proposal, which was submitted to Congress in January of 2007.
With the current state of the economy, Nebraskans are going to need a Senator who understands their needs and concerns. Johanns vows to fight to keep as many jobs as possible in the United States. Understanding the struggles of rural Nebraska, Mike will support job creation by encouraging rural development, investment in research, technology and infrastructure, and expand the economic opportunities by researching new ways to make our country energy independent.
Johanns often notes that “for too long our energy policy has been based on three words: No, no, and no. It’s time for an energy policy that says “yes” to America”. As Governor and Secretary of Agriculture, Johanns has made expanding renewable fuels a top priority. He sees corn-based ethanol not only as a temporary solution, but vital to ensuring our long term energy needs. Another area that Johanns believes Nebraskan’s need to and can be the leader in is research and construction of cellulosic ethanol research. Johanns wants to expand domestic oil and natural gas exploration, lower gas prices by streamlining the onerous refinery regulations, expand our energy supply through nuclear power plants, support the development and use of wind, solar, and battery-operated vehicles. All while promoting conservation and protecting our environment.
As Secretary of Agriculture, Mike Johanns traveled over to Iraq to visit Nebraska’s men and women in uniform. They told the Secretary that they believe in their mission, they are seeing progress, and that the situation is getting better, and that is why Mike Johanns does not agree with those advocating surrender and retreat in Iraq. Johanns believes we must support their mission and provide the tools necessary to get the job done. He opposes attempts to see artificial deadlines for the precipitous withdrawal of our troops; only signaling to the enemy to wait for us to leave. He believes that instead of the United States shelling out money, Iraq should use its oil money to pay for a greater and greater share of reconstruction and security.
In the areas of the economy, energy policy, and national security, Secretary Johanns has the experience and record to prove that he is the best option for properly representing the interests and ideals of Nebraskans. The above information and more can be found at http://www.mikejohanns2008.com/.

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