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Cost of aff. action campaign passes $1M

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BY MELISSA LEE / Lincoln Journal Star

Tuesday, Oct 14, 2008 - 11:46:17 am CDT

The cost of the battle over affirmative action in Nebraska has officially passed the $1 million mark.

The latest campaign finance reports from the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission show the Nebraska Civil Rights Initiative, which is sponsoring the proposed ban on race- and gender-based affirmative action, has raised $644,000 and spent $634,000.

Meanwhile, Nebraskans United, the group opposing the ban, has raised $392,000 — including $1,000 from University of Nebraska-Lincoln Chancellor Harvey Perlman — and spent $380,000.

Story Photo
UNL Chancellor Harvey Perlman

That brings the price tag of the affirmative-action campaign to more than $1 million — with Election Day still three weeks away.

Cash-heavy campaigns over contentious issues aren’t new.

In 2000, for example, supporters and opponents of a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage spent nearly $1.1 million getting the issue on the ballot and campaigning over it. Voters overwhelmingly approved the ban.

A 2006 battle over a proposed state spending lid reached seven figures as well. The lid failed.

“Almost anything that deals with taxes or ideology tends to draw in a lot of money,” said Frank Daley, executive director of the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission.

The Nebraska Civil Rights Initiative would amend the state’s Constitution to prohibit racial and gender preferences in public hiring and admissions decisions.

Supporters say the initiative — which mirrors those already approved in California, Washington and Michigan — is necessary to ensure equality for all Nebraskans.

Opponents say it will dismantle programs that level the playing field for traditionally underrepresented groups. Many NU leaders have come out against the ban, saying it would endanger programs and scholarships that help diversify their campuses.

In addition to Perlman, Nebraskans United has received $25,000 from the NU Foundation.

Two Nebraskans United members have filed a lawsuit in Lancaster County District Court alleging petition circulators for the Nebraska Civil Rights Initiative committed widespread petition fraud. The fraud, Nebraskans United says, invalidates tens of thousands of signatures collected to get the affirmative-action ban on the ballot.

A judge’s ruling on the lawsuit is expected soon. If the lawsuit succeeds, votes on the measure won’t be tabulated.

An affirmative-action ban is also before Colorado voters this year. A poll released Tuesday indicates the measure would pass with a 63 percent approval rate.

Reach Melissa Lee at 473-2682 or mlee@journalstar.com.


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Lincolnite wrote on October 14, 2008 12:02 pm:
" The people overwhelmingly support this as evidenced by the amount of signatures and the expected vote total in November. Let the people be heard. What are you afraid of? "
Outside the Box wrote on October 14, 2008 12:12 pm:
" It's interesting that the bulk of the money supporting this "cause" has come from out of state, yet the those opposing it are people who actually live and work here.

No one has ever explained why this is a problem in Nebraska, why we need the noble Mr. Connerly to ride in on his stallion and save us from the perils of AA (as opposed to a Nebraskan), or why we shouldn't tell him to keep his nose out of our affairs.

If anybody can answer these questions, I'll be happy to listen. "
Lincolnite wrote on October 14, 2008 12:42 pm:
" Can we see the text of the ban again? I don't care how much it costs, it is ridiculous to legislate morality. Let the best person for the job get the job, regardless of race, color, creed, or gender. "
James wrote on October 14, 2008 1:38 pm:
" So the anti-affirmative action group has spent almost twice as much money on the issue than the groups opposing the ban. This is big money coming from out-of-state to try to influence higher education in Nebraska, all in an effort to convice people that racism does not exist. Well, unless you have been living in a cave during the last two weeks, racism is alive and well in this country...and last time I checked only 6% of the students at UNL were hispanic or minorities. So where is the preference? It does not exist, except in the minds of the small minds afraid of change. The news is that change is coming, whether or not the initiative passes. That's the reality...get used to it. "
anti- wrote on October 14, 2008 1:46 pm:
" If Perlman is against it then I am for it. Thanks Harv for a reason to vote yes on this issue. "
One thing is certain wrote on October 14, 2008 2:39 pm:
" while we all lose no matter which way this goes, Ward Connelly is making some money off this deal. "
Justice wrote on October 14, 2008 2:50 pm:
" I cannot believe the UN Foundation donated money to this issue. That is an organization that should be non-partisan. Whose money was donated to the foundation that was used? How can I know my money was not used? For now on, I will not be making any donations to the UN Foundation and would urge all others to follow suite. "
Someone wrote on October 14, 2008 3:10 pm:
" Seems "Outside the Box" is limiting themselves to "Within the State of Nebraska"... would you deny the advice of a doctor who isn't a Nebraskan? Are you not voting for a President because none of the candidates are from Nebraska? Are you forgetting that there is a whole world, full of ideas and information, outside of Nebraska?

I live and work here, am originally from here, am a proud Nebraska minority, and will still support a man who has dedicated his life to fighting affirmative action and the unintended discrimination and detriment it causes -- even if he is NOT from here. I don't care where the money comes from or how much it costs. Affirmative action has begun contributing to the demise of promising minorities, and has outlived its usefulness.

Start listening to some sources outside of this great state, look at the recent (within the last ten to twenty years) statistics on the usefulness of affirmative action, ask a minority or two (even from other states) how they feel about preferences, and do some research on the other states who have dismissed affirmative action, and maybe you'll be able to explain it to yourself. "
nemo wrote on October 14, 2008 7:26 pm:
" Wow Someone. Thank you. I've been wrestling with this one. Obviously affirmative action has been very useful and beneficial. I wonder what the university is really worried about-the diversity of it's campus or money? "
downtroden wrote on October 14, 2008 9:52 pm:
" Affirmative action basically says that if you are a minority, you can't do it on your own. Tell me how this beneficial to anyone! "
Outside the Box wrote on October 15, 2008 8:39 am:
" To Someone:

Thank you for the detailed and insightful response. I understand and respect your opinion on why the admendment may be needed.

The sticking point for me all along is that is looks and feels like Ward Connerly is trying to buy the democratic process in Nebraska and several other states. I think people in California would gripe if a Nebraskan started a petition saying they could only buy Nebraska beef. "
CS wrote on October 15, 2008 8:41 am:
" Who cares? Nebraskans are so famously stingy with a dollar im surprised anything gets done. It still has to be voted on here. Most of the bills in Washington DC don't originate here, either, but that doesn't stop you from voting on it. "
Gerard Harbison wrote on October 15, 2008 9:21 am:
" Since the last report in August, Nebraskans United have raised $67,000. $65,000 has come from three large out-of-state donors: Teresa Heinz Kerry's Tides Foundation, the NAACP, and the NEA, the country's largest teachers' union. I guess, since the petition-blocking effort failed, the in-state donations they're so proud of just dried up, probably because Nebraskans know that if we get to vote on this initiative, it will pass. "
nemo wrote on October 15, 2008 10:10 am:
" I'm not saying it is still useful, I said it has been beneficial. Don't tell me you believe that at one time in this country those of certain races and backgrounds were not discriminated against. It has helped, but I believe maybe it is past it's usefulness, sort of like unions. "
E Jr wrote on October 15, 2008 12:24 pm:
" Note to "downtroden": Lack of affirmative action means that if you are a white male, you will get the job even if you are less qualified. (Please note that I am a white male.) "

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