Carter says his experience sets him apart

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By ANNA JO BRATTON / The Associated Press

OMAHA, Neb. — Second District congressional candidate Richard Carter says the people of Nebraska win in a contested primary.

“And hopefully I will, too,” jokes the 30-year-old Democrat, who’s running against Jim Esch for the chance to challenge Republican incumbent Rep. Lee Terry in the general election

Carter, a captain in the Air Force Reserve and an economics professor, said in an interview with The Associated Press that his first campaign for public office is going “full throttle” in the month leading up to the May 13 primary. The winner will face Terry, who is seeking his sixth term.

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Nebraska Second District congressional candidate Richard Carter, works in his campaign office Saturday April 12, 2008 in Omaha, Neb.(AP)

Nebraska Second District congressional candidate Richard Carter, works in his campaign office Saturday April 12, 2008 in Omaha, Neb.(AP)

Carter said his knowledge and experience — especially in economics, military affairs and education — make him the best candidate. He’s working full-time at Metro Community College, teaching four economics classes, while campaigning.

Carter speaks in economic terms about health care: “I believe in the free market. You’ve got to have competition.”

While he said some people will always need government help, “if we nationalize medicine across the board ... we’ll eliminate creativity and competition.”

That position puts him at odds with the two Democratic presidential candidates, who have both say they have a goal of providing universal coverage.

Carter said his experience in the Air Force, which included flights over Iraq and Afghanistan, gives him an understanding of what troops need. He’s happy to see other veterans running for Congress across the country, whether Democrats or Republicans.

“The Republicans need some leaders who understand the war,” Carter said.

Carter supports withdrawing troops from Iraq while maintaining a rapid response force that could be mobilized quickly from nearby countries.

Gen. David Petraeus, the top U.S. commander in Iraq, is trying to make the best of a bad situation, Carter said, and “we need to give him a better situation to work with.”

A debate Tuesday will match Carter and Esch, a 32-year-old attorney

who has spent the past two years working for his family’s real estate company. Esch had said he wouldn’t run this year, but changed his mind in February and jumped in the race.

Even as a teacher, Carter said he’s still getting used to the public speaking.

“I’m more nervous talking to these groups than I was when I was being shot at,” Carter said.

Carter’s biggest challenge now is getting his name out to people and raising money, a necessary evil in his mind.

“I know you need money to win the race,” he said. But with the economy hurting and people struggling, he said it’s disheartening to see a race where two or three people spend millions of dollars to win.

He plans to hold a fundraiser before the primary where half the money raised will go to charity.