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McCain: Nebraska not a gimme

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BY DON WALTON / Lincoln Journal Star

Wednesday, Jul 16, 2008 - 10:24:35 pm CDT



STRATEGIC AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM — Sen. John McCain said Wednesday he’s not taking red-state Nebraska for granted, recognizing the competitive nature of its divided electoral votes.

“I consider every state in play,” the presumptive Republican presidential nominee said during an interview at a high-dollar fundraising event that garnered more than $700,000.

Story Photo
Sen. John McCain shakes the hands of employees outside Werner Enterprises in Omaha on Wednesday during his visit to Nebraska. (Cody Duty)

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“I am very confident I can win here,” McCain said, “and we will compete here.”

Nebraska has not voted Democratic in a presidential race since 1964, but recent polls indicate that Democratic Sen. Barack Obama has moved within single digits of McCain in both the 1st Congressional District, which includes Lincoln, and metropolitan Omaha’s 2nd District.

Under Nebraska’s divided electoral vote system, the winner of each congressional district receives a presidential electoral vote.  The other two votes go to the statewide winner.

McCain said he believes Nebraskans ultimately will embrace his views on Iraq, energy and economic policy.

“I was willing to stake whatever political ambitions I had” on support for a surge of U.S. combat troops into Iraq at a time when that was not popular, he said.

The surge has been successful, he said.

“Violence is down and al-Qaida is on their heels, although not defeated.”

Obama opposed the surge, McCain said, “and still fails to acknowledge its success.”

McCain said he is aware of Nebraskans’ concerns about high gas prices and lagging development of domestic energy production, including alternative forms of energy.

His energy plan embraces increased domestic oil drilling offshore, nuclear power, alternative energy and alternative fuels, he said.

Earlier in the day, McCain said, he received a firsthand report on the impact of high fuel prices when he visited Werner Enterprises, an Omaha trucking firm.

“We need a gas tax holiday,” said McCain, who has proposed a summer suspension of federal gas taxes.

If gas taxes were suspended for a year, Werner executives told McCain, the company could save as much as $40 million in diesel fuel costs.

On other topics, McCain said Sen. Chuck Hagel remains “one of my dearest and best friends” despite his decisions not to endorse McCain and to associate himself with Obama by accompanying the presumptive Democratic nominee on a trip to Iraq and Afghanistan.

Hagel had served as national co-chairman of McCain’s presidential campaign in 2000.

“Chuck and I have a disagreement on the war in Iraq,” McCain said. 

“I respect his views.  He’s an independent spirit. 

“Unlike Sen. Obama, Chuck has an informed opinion (as) a very experienced national security expert,” McCain said.

Later, Hagel’s office issued a statement expressing the Nebraska Republican’s “deepest respect and highest admiration for Sen. McCain built on many years of friendship.

“That will not change.  Their friendship transcends disagreements on policy.”

About 300 contributors attended a series of receptions at the aircraft museum along Interstate 80 near Ashland on Wednesday, according to Hal Daub of Omaha, chairman of McCain’s Nebraska campaign.

The money raised in Nebraska is targeted for McCain, the Republican National Committee and the GOP campaign in four swing states.

Some of the money will flow to Colorado, Minnesota, New Mexico and Wisconsin.

Bob Caldwell of Lincoln, president and CEO of Hampton Enterprises, described Wednesday’s event as one of the most successful political fundraisers in the state’s history.

“I was just taken aback by the enthusiasm of the crowd,” he said, describing the event that was closed to the press.

“I think it will really provide momentum for John McCain. I think it shows Republicans are ready to work hard to elect him.”

Caldwell said McCain talked about “two things very dear to my heart: fiscal responsibility and the responsibility, judgment and experience required to lead our country.”

Gov. Dave Heineman and GOP Senate nominee Mike Johanns also addressed the crowd, Caldwell said.

During the interview conducted in a showroom full of military aircraft, McCain said the exhibits “remind me of some my dearest and best friends who were pilots” in the Vietnam war.

McCain was a naval aviator who was shot down and imprisoned for six years.

As the interview concluded, McCain asked about Tom Osborne.

“I love Tom,” he said.  “He’s one of the genuine Americans.

“I’m glad he’s back as athletic director.”

McCain supported Osborne’s bid for the Republican gubernatorial nomination in 2006. 

Osborne, whom McCain knew as Husker football coach before his election to the House of Representatives, lost that race to Heineman and is now University of Nebraska athletic director.

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


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scout swimmer wrote on July 16, 2008 8:13 pm:
" Hagel the next Secretary of State. "

 Kim wrote on July 16, 2008 9:02 pm:
" Hagel certainly has intellect and passion for foreign affairs; he lacks proven negotiating skills. It is as likely Oprah would be Secretary of State as Hagel. Hagel has developed a friendship and would be a great catch for Obama, but there are other cabinet positions or even the Intelligence Agency that might be a better fit for Hagel. "

 Dennis wrote on July 16, 2008 10:43 pm:
" Where would anybody get the idea that McCain stands for fiscal responsibility? McCain's platform of tax cuts for the wealthy and an endless war in Iraq will only perpetuate the huge deficits run up by Bush and the formerly GOP controlled Congress. McCain, like Bush, supports the GOP policy of borrow and spend. "

 Was Caldwell making funny wrote on July 16, 2008 11:09 pm:
" "Caldwell said McCain talked about “two things very dear to my heart: fiscal responsibility and the responsibility, judgment and experience required to lead our country."

What.......did he promise a COMPLETE REVERSAL of GOP deficit spending policies developed under Reagan and passed down from Bush to Shrub?

Of course, the 300 attendees are so upper crust they could care less....they don't feel the middle class pain. But, at least they let a little trickle down now and then.....just last month 300 dollars trickled down. I had to give it to my fuel credit card though.

Oh, and that $300?.......that's right, deficit spending. Just fired up the printing press and saddled our progeny with even MORE DEBT! How many trillions has the GOP racked it up to now?

I'm sorry to sound so cynical, but when a GOP bigshot says he's all about fiscal responsibility, I just roll my eyes. Yeah right. And I'm all about a return to gas prices pre-W. "

 Don wrote on July 16, 2008 11:13 pm:
" McCain is a good guy. I wish he had stuck to his straight talk but he has not. He is doomed to lose because of the horrible mistakes of his party in the last 8 years and he does not deserve it.He will go down in flames through no fault of his own. "

 DOC wrote on July 17, 2008 6:26 am:
" Okay class, we know that every state is in play. We are still awaiting a conservative to appear. We say, nuts to you Obamma and John, we have seen your record. Where is the guy on the white horse? "

 jj wrote on July 17, 2008 7:47 am:
" The dems will cry about gas prices, but what will they say when Obama raises taxes if he's elected, life will just get more expensive. Get the facts before you start running your mouths. Most of the major economists in this country have stated that the best candidate to help the economy would be McCain.
As for oil prices, obviously we need to start finding our own resources. Republicans in office (over the last 30 years) have always wanted to open drilling in Alaska (in the frozen tundra) where there is enough oil that we wouldn't have to buy from Saudi Arabia for 50 years, but each time it gets voted down by the democrats in congress. Obama is a good public speaker, but he will not properly help this country. The last thing the citizens of this country need to worry about is the national debt, as we are still one of the wealthiest countries. "

 ok wrote on July 17, 2008 7:56 am:
" Obama will never win in NE. NEVER "

 Just to note wrote on July 17, 2008 7:59 am:
" If Nebraska is not a "gimme", John McCain is in big trouble. McCain is brighter than the man in charge at the present time, but this is a low standard of comparison. Love Hagel or hate Hagel, he can at least think for himself. McCain's time was 8 years ago. Too bad the Republican party didn't see it that way. I'd be willing to bet that we would have been much better off with McCain than Bush for the past 8 years. "

 Chandra wrote on July 17, 2008 8:12 am:
" McCain’s smear of Obama was a deceptive ploy; Obama has the same access to intelligence as Hagel. Plus, he has a good working relationship with his peers who professionally discuss matters. McCain lives in an encapsulated world that often appears to be isolated from reality. That is dangerous for Congress and the nation without him even sitting in the Oval Office. MCCain tries to make up believable spin, but his deceptive tactics only show the emperor wanna be has no clothes. "

 DOC wrote on July 17, 2008 8:12 am:
" McCain's problem is that he is just not very intelligent. He admits he knows little about the economy. His foreign policy knowledge seems to be even worse yet. With the civil war and the strife in Iraq, he doesn't even know the difference between Shiites and Sunnis. Graduating near the bottom of his class at the academy and...wait a sec, he is perfect for Nebraska voters. No worrys. "

 MarkyMark wrote on July 17, 2008 8:15 am:
" JJ says if we vote Democratic, life will get more expensive. He is absolutely right. I voted for Democratic president last election and Holy Cow, did life get more expensive. "

 Barack is inexeperienced wrote on July 17, 2008 8:21 am:
" McCain's service to our country, impressive resume, and proven ability to reach across the aisle are no comparison to the Chicago "street organizer" who has been in the U.S. Senate only 16 months and passed only ONE bill. If there wasn't such a media love affair with the "street organizer," this race wouldn't be close. "

 ellen wiederholt wrote on July 17, 2008 8:25 am:
" jj: You are right, the last thing we need to worry about is the national debt....the Pres. hasn't for the last 8 years, why start worrying now "

 Outside the Box wrote on July 17, 2008 8:27 am:
" With all due respect to Mr. Walton (a fine political reporter), the headline of "Nebraska not a gimme" is completely cheapened by McCain's belief that "all states are in play".

That kind of talk reminds of when T.O. used to say that the game against Pacific was going to be a real struggle - then we'd win by 60.

I wish Mr. Straight Talk had the courage to tell the truth: "I think Nebraska is a lock, unless I lose the 1st or 2nd District. Regardless, I'm here to get some cash to buy TV ads for the true battleground states." "

 Ricky wrote on July 17, 2008 8:31 am:
" Please Mr. Obama win the Presidency and please MIZZOU kick the crap out of the Osborne/Hawks Cornhuskers.
We can't let the Neo Cons control the Huskers any longer.

ricky from omaha "

 Flip Flop wrote on July 17, 2008 8:37 am:
" McCain says he isn't taking Nebraska for granted but the money he raised here isn't even staying in the state! What's that called again? "

 Is there a difference wrote on July 17, 2008 8:47 am:
" Hey, 11:09 pm, did you notice that it's not just the Pubs but the Dems that are all about "firing up the printing press?"

Pelosi and crew would like a second round of "stimulus" checks. But I suppose that initiative is the Republicans fault as well? Brainwashed the great Nancy Pelosi into their views?

If we were truly interested in "change" in this country, we'd vote out the entire lot of them, republican, democrat or whatever. But that will never happen. Save me the "change" rhetoric until that happens. "

 double talk wrote on July 17, 2008 10:21 am:
" Is McCain exhausted like Hillary or just plain old and forgetful?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEtZlR3zp4c&eurl=http://www.thingsyoungerthanmccain.com/page/3/

Some great debates

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnb2IrsU1Cg&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ioy90nF2anI&feature=related "

 fistbump wrote on July 17, 2008 10:46 am:
" Rich people paying McCain to keep their taxes low

The trickle down theory is BS! Why don't they spend more of that money paying taxes to get rid of some of this almost 10 trillion we owe, or to spend on health care, education, alternative energy, etc.

Iraq had no WMD's and no ties to the terrorists that attacked us. We know that Iran and North Korea are pursuing nuclear technology in order to develop WMD's and yet we do not rush to go to war with them. The war on terror is mostly being fought in Afghanistan, and we have largely ignored that war and Bin Laden, the person who did attack us. All so that we could get some of that oil, which finally happened about a month ago.

Deals With Iraq Are Set to Bring Oil Giants Back

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/19/world/middleeast/19iraq.html?_r=1&ref=todayspaper&oref=slogin "

 bobo wrote on July 17, 2008 11:26 am:
" JJ is right. People will cry about Bush and the stimulus package running up our debt, but what do those same people say about Obama thinking we should do another one. Oh that's right, those are the democrats that complain about all republican efforts (whether right or wrong), but when a dem does/says the same thing they hush up. If you haven't noticed, the reason of the natiional debt increasing is partly due to protecting our home turf. That's why we haven't been attacked since 9/11. Most of the fighting is currently taking place in Afghanistan, not Iraq. It's too bad so many people just listen to the democratic media channels and believe everything they hear. Go ask an Iraq war veteran what they saw or think about it. 99% will tell you we are doing the right thing. We probably could have avoided most of this if Clinton would have made a confrontation back in '93 instead of cowarding down, which is what Obama will do too. He's unproven and has never been a leader. Just look at what his work has done in Chicago, it's one of the most violent cities there is. "

 Lou wrote on July 17, 2008 11:33 am:
" I'm tired of hearing people say to spend our money on something better like healthcare, education, etc. Why should my tax dollars help pay for other peoples problems? Obama would just raise taxes, which would pinch our pockets more. Before long, he'd probably regulate our careers and incomes. Obama flip flops on his issues, especially when talking to different demographic groups. "

 Steve wrote on July 17, 2008 11:38 am:
" I can not believe anyone could vote for someone who's major political achievement is based on Project Vote. Obama is so inexperienced that calling him green behind the ears is an understatement. He is wasting your time with smooth talk. Sure he's a great debater, but the guys as left sided as you can get. I can cross party lines to get things done - HA - he's voted 96% with his party. I will pull our troops out of Iraq the day I take office - HA - you haven't even been to Iraq to make that assessment. I will lower your taxes - HA - your tax plan will actually raise taxes on ALL middle class Americans. I support alternative fuel - HA - when will they be ready to use, 10 years or 20 years down the road, what are you going to do TODAY. I support declining our nuclear weapons arsenal - HA - what are you thinking, just because we will other terrorist states will. Wishful thinking.

This guy is laughable and is not ready for the real world. It all sounds good in a debate and on television, but it's not reality. "

 Landon wrote on July 17, 2008 12:49 pm:
" McCain would give a fuel tax holiday to rich corporations but take away health care benefits to the aging population who already suffers because social security has not been providing a safety net. Bail out banks and mortgage companies who were reckless, but not help out the retired person. McCain advocates war and big business while threatening to take away help to needy small family farmers. There is a clear difference in parties. As for Obama, his “street smarts” are common sense that fortify his academic success. With McCain one senses, “Gloom, here we go again”. While with Obama one senses, “Our Nation can Rise and Change for the People!” . "

 Commander wrote on July 17, 2008 1:14 pm:
" One of my favorite quotes is "I was six when I realized I could run society better than the morons who are in charge". There are few Americans that don't think that. All that tundra oil? Our companies will just sell it to the Chinese at market value. Our taxes? They'll get higher either way. Our buying power? Little has or can be done to improve it. Conservitism has failed us for the last time. I would take inexperience with the possibilty of the unknown over the same old system that obviously hasn't done much good for me. I really hope Obama can take the First or Second District. "

 JB wrote on July 17, 2008 1:51 pm:
" Barry Goldwater and John McCain! Both from Arizona. Both out of step with America. Both to lose Nebraska. It only took 44 years! "

 six wrote on July 17, 2008 2:02 pm:
" When I was younger I thought that politics was for mature intellectuals. Now that I am actually paying attention, I find out how childish and petty it really is. Most people don't even pay attention to the issues, just things like is a fist bump a form of greeting for terrorists? Or he's not wearing a flag pin, now he is wearing one.

I really think that a big draw for the Republican party is that people don't like the government or paying taxes, so they vote for the guy that promises to keep their taxes low and have a smaller government. Even though our government has grown 80% in the past 8 years, and the national debt has grown 3 or 4 trillion in that same time period. Also, under the last democratic president we had budget surpluses, instead of increasing debt.

I object to the Republican tactic of fear-mongering, and how they played off of our post 9-11 fears to divert attention away from Osama, onto Sadam and the war over oil. I also do not like how most people believe that God is on somehow on the side of the GOP just because of the one issue of abortion. What about peace and taking care of those less fortunate? Doesn't God believe in those?

I realize that no one will probably be able to change politics, but I have to give kudos to Obama for neither taking any campaign money from lobbyists nor having them as paid campaign staff. I would rather have the guy that promises hope and not more gloom and doom. "

 JJbobo wrote on July 17, 2008 2:22 pm:
" jj and bobo couldn't be more wrong - obviously aren't reading and researching anything. Shameful. Anthrax after 911, remember? Course you don't. 1999-2000 Bush campaigned on same promise "major economists in this country say his plan best or economy." Yikes, list those losers, they couldn't be more wrong. Trickle-down no work so good, Lucy. Since this country borrows two billion dollars a day to pay on our debt, you can't really call that wealthy. The debt is very important, just not to your lost team. "

 like the obama supporters said wrote on July 17, 2008 4:14 pm:
" yesterday, 'if you like the economy, hire mccain' he's a bush in mccain clothing and the policies will continue to tank our economy. eventually it will get to the rich but they have the resources to weather the storm. "

 Hey Steve wrote on July 17, 2008 10:17 pm:
" You might enlighten us as to what Bush's major political achievement was when he was running for president? Oh that's right, gas was up $.15 per gallon and he was advising Clinton as to how he woud be jaw-boning with the Ay-Rabs. "

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