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We endorse Johanns for U.S. Senate

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Tuesday, Oct 07, 2008 - 12:58:15 am CDT

During Mike Johanns’ political career, the Journal Star has endorsed him for various offices starting at the local level on up to the statehouse.

We’ve never regretted it.

We feel confident about endorsing Johanns’ bid for the U.S. Senate.

Story Photo
Mike Johanns

Johanns would represent Nebraskans with fiscal prudence, common sense, civility and integrity.

One of his strengths is his hands-on knowledge of agricultural policy. Johanns just finished a nearly three-year stint in Washington as U.S. secretary of agriculture. This background, matched with his thorough understanding of the needs of Nebraska agriculture, positions Johanns to be exceptionally effective in Congress in helping the state’s farmers and ranchers.

It’s worth noting that as agriculture secretary, Johanns fought for reform of farm policy that would have benefited family farmers and reduced the cost of farm subsidies.

The reform Johanns proposed in farm policy — unfortunately, he was thwarted in the end by entrenched interests — exemplified the fiscal conservatism that Johanns has put into practice at every level of government.

Johanns wields a budget knife with extraordinary competence. His proposed budgets as governor, which came at the time of one of the biggest revenue shortfalls in the state’s history, were masterful displays of prioritization.

Johanns has promised to support giving the president line-item veto authority — regardless of which party the president might represent. Also, he said, “I will support a complete revision of the earmark process to ensure transparency. Earmarks have been added in the dead of night, and it is wrong and must come to an end.”

In the Senate, Johanns would be an effective voice for an energy policy that combines new drilling for oil with more reliance on renewable fuels, wind energy, electric vehicles and nuclear energy. He says he would support more research into cellulosic ethanol, which could be made from plants such as switchgrass.

Johanns supports the U.S. mission in Iraq. He believes troop levels should continue to decline as stability improves but wisely rejects “artificial” deadlines. He also thinks it is time for Iraq to begin paying for a greater share of reconstruction costs.

Also vying to replace Sen. Chuck Hagel are Democratic candidate Scott Kleeb and Green Party candidate Steve Larrick.

Johanns stands out with a proven record that inspires trust that he will be effective in Washington in addressing Nebraska priorities, and in addressing national problems ranging from misguided spending to energy policy. He wins the Journal Star’s endorsement for the U.S. Senate.

 


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Bob wrote on October 7, 2008 5:13 am:
" Since he isn't qualified to make a run for president perhaps he will hang on to this job for a while. Unless he bails for more money as a lobbyist... "

 Zoomie wrote on October 7, 2008 6:48 am:
" Gee, why am I not surprised! The editorial staff talk a good game, but whenever it comes time to actually endorse, they invariably go with the GOP candidate. And while you may have never regretted your choice of Johanns in the past, those of us who think a politician should actually fulfill his term and job have only ever been disappointed by the ex-mayor, I mean ex-governor, I mean ex-Ag Secretary...How many years will it be before he's the ex-Senator, moving onto yet another position? "

 JD wrote on October 7, 2008 6:50 am:
" Good call. No time for unproven leadership. "

 MarkyMark wrote on October 7, 2008 7:15 am:
" There's the mainstream Conservative media again. "

 timmy wrote on October 7, 2008 7:22 am:
" Brought to you from the same great minds of a newspaper that TWICE endorsed George W. Bush! The last thing this nation needs is more years of the same worn out Republican mantra of no regulation and free corporate reign that has driven this once great nation straight into the dirt. The Republicans are masterful at winning elections, and (other than catering to the desires of corporations and the wealthy) entirely incompetent when it comes to governing. This nation is in desperate need of change, and Nebraska has a great opportunity to bring fresh, energetic intelligence to Washington in Scott Kleeb. What a disappointment that the LJS has once again put forth its tired establishment blather rather than embrace the opportunity to move the state and the nation forward out of its present catastrophe. "

 Rushville Native wrote on October 7, 2008 7:23 am:
" That is six year term. You know the man can't last on a job that long. So the important issue is who you recommend to appoint to finish out the term when Johanns quits. "

 esad wrote on October 7, 2008 7:23 am:
" You mean he will do a good job until a better one comes along!! "

 DownEducated wrote on October 7, 2008 7:31 am:
" For having so much experience and years in office to act he sure does say he will do a lot. It’s going to be tough to fight for family farms, ethanol subsidies and research, and alternative energy earmarks IF his party wins the white house and line item vetoes all of them (who will he blame than?). "

 Phil Montag wrote on October 7, 2008 7:54 am:
" Nebraskans sure do have an unhealthy respect for authority figures when they fail to hold quitters and failures like Mike Johanns accountable and re-elect bums like him. Nebraska needed him when he was Sec. of Ag, but instead he had a different agenda in mind that caters to his own ego. Nebraska doesn't need him now. "

 Greg wrote on October 7, 2008 8:19 am:
" So LJS endorses Johanns. No surprise there. It's just the latest chapter in the long-running policy of the LJS to support any Republican candidate, no matter how pathetic his qualifications or performance (see: George Bush). One can hardly wait for the LJS endorsement of McCain/Palin. Johanns has been nothing but a Bush/Neocon lapdog throughout his career. He supported Bush's disastrous adventure in Iraq. He opposes stem cell research in promising areas. He opposes abortion even in cases of rape and incest. The LJS lists a number of Johann's positions which they say reflect his qualifications for the job. But if you read the endorsement carefully, you see that he was unsuccessful in getting most of these positions incorporated into the realm of policy, even though he was part of a Republican controlled administration. And yet LJS fantacizes that he will be "effective in Washington" in what will no doubt be a situation in which the White House and Congress will be controlled by the Democrats. It makes no sense to send a politician to the Senate who has demonstrated his ineffectiveness even in an amicable environment into one which will be hostile to his Neocon ideology. Come on, LJS, give us a break. "

 Eric wrote on October 7, 2008 8:26 am:
" If he was half as good of a Governor as he says he was then why do so many things need fixing? Why didn't he fix them then? And how long before he finds a higher paying job again? "

 WCG wrote on October 7, 2008 8:29 am:
" Wow, the Journal Star endorsed the REPUBLICAN! Can you believe it? How odd! They haven't done this since,... since,... since the LAST election. And that turned out so well, didn't it?

And NOT ONE WORD about the Bush administration? You're just going to ignore all that? Typical. Johanns is not just a staunch Bush supporter, he was actually part of the worst administration in U.S. history. Fiscal prudence? Heh, heh. You've got to laugh. How can you attach those words to ANY Republican these days, but especially one who has been right in the middle of this mess?

And at the same time, he wants to keep our troops in Iraq,... at more than $10 billion - BILLION, not million - every single month? That's 'fiscal prudence'? Meanwhile, we're losing the war in Afghanistan because we don't have the troops (and we're destroying our own military by trying to make them do too much).

An 'effective voice' on energy? That would be nice, if it were true. So why has he been quiet all these years? The Republicans have been in power for eight years (longer than that in Congress, and MUCH longer than that in Nebraska). So why hasn't Johanns ever done ANYTHING except promote corn-based ethanol, which only exists because of those lovely government subsidies. Yeah, in farm states, I guess we're against all government payments that don't come direct to us, huh?

I would be deeply embarrassed for the Journal Star, if not for the fact that they've already embarrassed themselves far more in 2004. It's hard to do much worse than that. But I WILL be embarrassed with Nebraska, if we 'stay the course' when the direction has been completely downhill. The Republicans couldn't have done more to destroy our country if they'd been trying. It's just incompetence, of course. They didn't really MEAN to do all this damage, I'm sure. But it hurts just as bad. "

 kcars wrote on October 7, 2008 8:33 am:
" What a joke! It is interesting that if you really watch Johanns' ads it is like he is running on Obama's campaign platform. Renewable energy, education, health care. These are things that Johanns has never cared about and now, suddenly, he is going to champion these causes in the Senate for Nebraska. I sure hope he does, but I doubt he will. All of you conservatives reading this need to take a second look. Either you know he is lying or you know that he will be ineffective in getting these policies to get through any committee in Congress. Well, at least ineffective for a year or two, until the next "job opportunity" comes calling. "

 Elitist wrote on October 7, 2008 8:41 am:
" Typical liberal media bias from a far-left wing newspap... Umm, wait, what? Oh yeah, the LJS also endorsed Bush Jr. both times. I'd consider the LJS a pretty middle-ground rag, so this doesn't spurpise me, but I wish people would see this and get off their liberal media bandwagon. "

 Cowboy George wrote on October 7, 2008 8:44 am:
" Don't get me wrong, I am all for lower taxes, but look what he did to Lincoln when he was mayor. He is most responsible for our 150 million dollar road and infastructure gap. Just plain irresponsible. He really didn't do much for farmers when he was rubbing elbows with his buddy GW Bush at the White House, but I guess he was smart enough to get out of Washington before he was linked to much to GW. I guess it wouldn't be the end of the world if he was elected but I don't agree with all of his positions. "

 Mr. Goodsense wrote on October 7, 2008 8:55 am:
" My comments from two years ago still stand: Kleeb needs to get a job for at least 5 years and then serve locally.

He's not ready to lead the city dog catcher's office. "

 as ag secretary wrote on October 7, 2008 9:05 am:
" As ag secretary he didn't reform anything - in fact he bailed from the position just as he had the chance to make a real difference. Right when they were developing the 2008 farm bill, which would determine commodoty support, conservation programs, food stamps for the needy, and all other USDA programs he decided it would be a good time to leave and run for another office. That in itself shows me his dedication to Nebraska as an agricultural state, my vote goes to Kleeb. "

 Old Guy wrote on October 7, 2008 9:06 am:
" With Johanns being nothing more than a Bush puppet it looks like Lincoln Journal Star is still endorsing that failed administration. Will they ever learn????? "

 kathy wrote on October 7, 2008 9:13 am:
" Why would anyone support Johanns??? He leaves job and job when it;s convenient for him!!! After the latest Washington financial fiasco, it;s time for new blood!! Johanns will be another career politician. He promises alot but doesn;t think Nebraskans are smart enough to realize he won;t accomplish or deliver. New jobs, now how will he accomplish that as a freshmen congressman. Do us a favor, Johanns and quit belitting Nebraskans!!! We know better!!! "

 Scott wrote on October 7, 2008 9:26 am:
" Big surprise. And reactionaries call the Journal "liberal" media. "

 mary wrote on October 7, 2008 9:42 am:
" Why? In times of economic craziness do we need a quitter to represent us in the Senate that is tied to the failed Bush economic policies? Johanns has not made Nebraska proud. He quits on his jobs which means he quits on all of us who he is representing. Vote for Kleeb, we deserve better leaders. "

 Mrs. Johnson wrote on October 7, 2008 9:47 am:
" Mike Johanns hasn't been able to finish any job he's started. He's been a rubber stamp for the failed Bush administration and he'll provide nothing but the same old same old. Oh I remember, didn't the Lincoln Journal Star endorse GW Bush too? It's time a real change this election. Kleeb represents a change for the better and away from the failed GOP ways. "

 Im glad wrote on October 7, 2008 9:48 am:
" LJS supports johanns. It follows everything I do. Now that they have supported him I will vote for kleeb. LJS has a habit of always backing a loser. I dont mean losing the election, proving to be a loser afterward. Just look at bush. Remember whoever ljs picks go with the other for better government. Spose this has anything to do with the rich possibly losing some tax incentives if the dems get in? "

 Woody7 wrote on October 7, 2008 9:48 am:
" Wow. I am shocked. A conservative media outlet picks a conservaive candidate? Well, endorse whomever you would like, but I for one am going to be voting for Scott Kleeb on Nov.4. "

 JB wrote on October 7, 2008 9:58 am:
" Endorse Nebraska's number one quiter. What job will he want next? He has already been programed by the right-wingers, that is where he got his "plan". "

 Its too bad wrote on October 7, 2008 10:39 am:
" its too bad Kleeb is such a nice, family guy. Anyone with some moxie would crack the whip on Johanns and beat him easily. Kleeb is just not hard-nosed enough to BEAT Johanns. Johanns couldn't excite a turnip. "

 Jimmy wrote on October 7, 2008 11:06 am:
" Yep, this is why Nebraska is SO FAR BEHIND other states and stuck in the "old times". You people are so afraid of change....vote Republican, vote Republican, vote Republican. You don't even listen to other idea's and views. It doesn't matter to you. All you do is, if they're Republican then we're voting for them. Wake up!! Do you not see what a Republican President has done to this country in the last eight (8) years? Republican's are closed minded with no change wanted!!! Everything should be and stay the same. Open your eyes Nebraska and get with the times!! "

 ted wrote on October 7, 2008 11:19 am:
" His opponent, Scott Kleeb is 32 yrs old, arrived in Nebraska 3 yrs ago, has never had a full time job anywhere. He has never run a business, a gov't office,has no budget experience for anything. Talk about unqualified to be a Senator, Kleeb should start with city or county gov't and learn something about public policy before he runs again. "

 get your facts wrote on October 7, 2008 11:54 am:
" Scott's entire family is from Nebraska. His family is one of the many that homesteaded our great state. He grew up overseas on a military base because his parents were teachers of military families. At least his wife and kids live here. Has anyone seen Ms. Johanns? We hear she is still back in DC. "

 Nina wrote on October 7, 2008 12:05 pm:
" This LJS reader thinks you're mistaken, and I endorse Kleeb, for agriculture, for character, and for Nebraska. "

 Pat wrote on October 7, 2008 12:09 pm:
" Regardless of this being an Opinion section, is this really good in the philosophy of objective journalism? I can't say that I'm surprised this is who the paper backs, but is it really appropriate for a "news source" (loosely titled) to collectively back a candidate? I agree with people on this board who have mentioned Johanns' jumping from one post to another. Although, the alternatives aren't appealing either. Is this really the best that Nebraska can do? Chuck, stick around for another term or two! "

 rac wrote on October 7, 2008 12:23 pm:
" Ok, so the 50 liberals in the State of Ne are going to be upset for awhile, get over it. This is a RED state! BTW, I'd take 2 terms of GW over 1 term of Algore and 1 term of Mr. Hines, err., Mr.Kerry Swift-Boat anytime. "

 jboy wrote on October 7, 2008 12:24 pm:
" Oh, yeah. Ted, Kleeb should definately find a flunky job in some political setting so he can learn the ins and outs of maintaining the status quo in slime. Yes, sir, thats just what he needs. "

 E Jr wrote on October 7, 2008 12:33 pm:
" I am wary of anyone who so openly identifies himself as "conservative". That is a dangerous label to put on anyone because it implies so many bad things about a person. "

 Lincoln Taxpayer wrote on October 7, 2008 12:46 pm:
" To Ted
Were you talking about Kleeb or Obama, it fits both. "

 Matt G wrote on October 7, 2008 12:51 pm:
" Johanns - just a hop, skip and jump away from the next position, wherever that may be!
Johanns - where leaving an illegal quagmire qualifies as surrender!
Johanns - where fighting them over there means not fighting them over here in the cornfields of Nebraska!
Johanns - where "agricultural experience" means pandering to Big Corporate Ag
Johanns - where "renewable" energy means more nuclear power!
Vote Johanns 2008 - master of Republican doublespeak "

 Sigh wrote on October 7, 2008 12:57 pm:
" What a shock. The LJS endorsed Johanns! Just what we need right now: a quitter and a Bush clone in the Senate! Isn't it time for Mike Johanns to stop living off the public dole and get a real job himself? Thanks, but I'll take my chances on Kleeb. "

 Alan Clark wrote on October 7, 2008 1:01 pm:
" Kleeb taught at Yale and is a college professor. The way I was raised teaching is a noble profession, and I'm sick of Republicans patronizing teachers as if the education profession isn't real work. "

 Vodka Tonic wrote on October 7, 2008 1:21 pm:
" Well, Johanns may be a "quitter"...but at least he's has had a job to quit. I am sure all of you who are screaming about Johanns pursuing other elective offices before his term was up were screaming at Ben Nelson for being a "quitter" when he ran for the Senate midway through his term in 1996. Yeah, sure, I remember that huge outcry...NOT. "

 Really wrote on October 7, 2008 1:51 pm:
" SO LJS endorses Mr. Johanns, Big surprise here as the owners are friends of Mr. Johanns.
When has Mr. Johanns ever did anything he says he is going to do. Take the ban on Beef to Japan. He said it was going to be his #1 priority getting it reestablished.

Mrs. Johanns is most likely in Washington lobbing for Alltel. As she was a employee with them.

As for Mr. Klebb he is a teacher in Hasting college. So where does that mean he does not have a job. Talk about calling the kettle black. What does Mr. Johanns doing right now. Working where? Maybe he has a Paper Route for the Lincoln Journal Star and that is why they endorsed him.

I wish people in this state would just look his record and be truthful if he really has Nebraska at heart. I know that answer as he has proven it time and time again "

 ted wrote on October 7, 2008 1:59 pm:
" I've worked with college professors for 38 years. They are knowledgable about a few scholarly things, and not practical about running a budget or public organization. Why can't Kleeb start at the local level and gain some experience? "

 JimDandy wrote on October 7, 2008 2:37 pm:
" "Johanns just finished a nearly three-year stint in Washington as U.S. secretary of agriculture."

Is 'finished' really the right word to use with respect to any job Mike Johanns has started?

And to those of you stuck in the early 90's - please stop with the whole .... NOT thing. You sound like a junior high student. "

 C wrote on October 7, 2008 2:50 pm:
" There goes that biased right wing media "

 Custer County Nebraska wrote on October 7, 2008 2:53 pm:
" Comparing Johanns to the others running, it appears the only choice is Johanns. Say what you will about a newspaper and its staff, it is still up to each of us to make up our own minds and vote the way we feel and think. So blasting a newspaper staff may make you feel better, but Scott Kleeb has no experience in real agriculture, tending cows as a ranch hand and writing a paper about it is interesting. Not sure how it makes him the person to serve Nebraska and Nebraska agriculture in the Senate.

Johanns has made some decisions I have not agreed with. But, the process we worked within and the consideration that was given to those of us opposing was open and honest. And I felt made with the best interest of all Nebraska with the information that was available.

Even with a better slate of candidates I would still have to give a lot of consideration to Johanns. Not because of party, but as pointed out in the article, he is someone that I can trust.

As a side note, Kleeb keeps us Central Nebraska (Custer County) folk in the spotlight by always being a native. As a native, I want to say thanks for giving us credit enough if we did not educate you in country school, public schools or at the college level. As listed above, Kleeb has made trust an issue of himself, claiming to be this down home, one of us, he needs to be himself and campaign on his own person and quit trying to be someone else. I think a lot more people in the 3rd district would vote for him if he could just be himself and not try to blend in. "

 PedroWalton wrote on October 7, 2008 2:58 pm:
" God, the Journal Star is so liberal. "

 Husker Neocon wrote on October 7, 2008 3:11 pm:
" Boy, did the Journal Star hack off the libs with this one.
Too bad they cant come up with an intelligent argument to support Kleeb other than "Bush Lied." I wonder who the libs will blame for problems they helped create after W is gone.
Good Choice! Johanns will be a great Senator "

 Why wrote on October 7, 2008 3:35 pm:
" Johanns has quit every job he has ever had. "

 Ned wrote on October 7, 2008 3:50 pm:
" This endorsement comes to you by the very same folks who told you to vote for George W Bush two (2) times in succession. Need more be said about their political judgment? "

 Not Again wrote on October 7, 2008 4:30 pm:
" I can't believe the Journal Star has fallen for this man that takes ambition more seriously than a job. He has continuously quit one job after another.
Instead of endorsing an obvious looser, The Journal Star should have endorsed some fresh new ideas. That being Scott Kleeb. "

 Johanns isnt a leader wrote on October 7, 2008 5:51 pm:
" Maybe they shouldn't have endorsed Kleeb but maybe they shouldn't have endorsed anyone --- I just wish there was one person out there that could tell me one thing that Johanns did to help the state when he was Governor. His budgets were a joke, he made the Unicameral the bad guy in everything, and then quietly thanked them later for doing the heavy lifting - such as tax increases. During his abbreviated term he started behavioral health reform that didn't work, did nothing while our developmental disability system broke, said juvenile justice was a "top priority" and did nothing, etc. And to the guy who said there wasn't an outcry about Nelson trying to end his term early to run for Senate - there was a huge outcry - HE LOST. "

 whatever wrote on October 7, 2008 6:05 pm:
" Say what you will but Johanns may be about the only bright spot nationally for the Republican Party. The economic news will continue to get worse and this probably the last time a Republican has a shot at the office of President. The demographics are rapidly changing and it simply doesn't bode well for the Republicans at all "

 DL wrote on October 7, 2008 6:37 pm:
" Johanns doesn't have a clue about what to do with this economic mess we are in. Johanns doesn't have a clue about the problems middle class Nebraskans face. In case you haven't noticed, Johanns really does not like to associate with common folks. He likes to keep his distance and not get too involved with the working class and their "messy problems." Johanns has his sights on big money and power. If elected don't expect much good to come from him.
What a quitter and what a user. This paper doesn't care much about the working class either. Just want to keep us down. Heaven forbid that you would actually endorse someone who might make a difference and be a true leader for Nebraska! I am disappointed! "

 JT wrote on October 7, 2008 8:04 pm:
" I guess the Journal Star figures that one of these times a Republican is going to come through for them and do a good job for Nebraska. I'm betting against it. "

 j83 wrote on October 8, 2008 12:21 pm:
" Johanns was a failure as Secretary of Agriculture and did little if anything. As Governor he did little if anything. What makes anyone he think that he will do more than little if anything? "

 Kathy wrote on October 21, 2008 1:10 pm:
" I will vote for Scott Kleeb. It doesn't surprise me that the LJS endorses the GOP. That is why I canceled my paper and rarely come to this site for my news. "

 Vicki Sullivan wrote on October 22, 2008 10:36 am:
" I feel strongly that the Journal and Star was wrong to endorse Johanns. He appears to be a quitter in order to further his political ambitions. I believe he quit being Mayor to run for Governor (although I do not remember him ever being Mayor). He quit Governor to cow tow to Bush as Ag Secretary, and has quit that to run for Senate. How long will he be in the Senate before he quits that? Kleeb is the best choice for the job. "

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