Larrick enters Senate race to end Iraq war

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By DON WALTON / Lincoln Journal Star

Pledging to turn the spotlight on the Iraq war and global warming, Steve Larrick of Lincoln said Monday he’ll enter the 2008 Senate race as a Green Party candidate.

Larrick plans to announce his candidacy on Sunday, standing on the north steps of the State Capitol, where a statue of William Jennings Bryan once resided.

“I believe Nebraskans want to end the war in Iraq and redirect our national resources toward building a just and sustainable economy that combats global warming and creates good jobs for all Americans,” Larrick said.

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Steve Larrick

Steve Larrick

Larrick, an elected member of the Lower Platte South Natural Resource District board, was a Green Party candidate for the 1st District House seat in 2004 and garnered 7,345 votes.

“Voters are increasingly upset with where the two major parties are taking this country,” Larrick said.

“Money is corrupting our politics. And voters, especially the young, are ready for a new direction in 2008.”

Larrick, a community development professional, said he chose the site where Bryan’s statue once stood because the famous Nebraskan was “a champion for peace.”

The statue was removed from the Capitol steps by a vote of the Nebraska Legislature in the midst of the Vietnam War, Larrick said. It had stood there for 20 years before it was abruptly moved in 1967, he said.

“I am running because I believe Nebraskans of conscience will vote to end this war in Iraq,” Larrick said.  And if he’s elected, he said, he’ll vote to bring U.S. troops home.

Larrick said he agrees with Republican Sen. Chuck Hagel’s call for direct talks with the government of Iran to seek peaceful resolution of disputes with that nation.

“There is no reason to be preparing for war with Iran or for World War III, as President Bush has recently stated,” he said.

Larrick said he supports public investment for jobs in energy conservation, public transportation, and renewable wind, solar and biomass energy systems.

Larrick, 55, has worked for the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization. He serves as president of the Lincoln chapter of the United Nations Association.

Reach Don Walton at 473-7248 or at dwalton@journalstar.com.