2007-2009 Senators
(The Senators are listed in order of Legislative District number from top to bottom)
For the same info in an easily downloadable .pdf file: click HERE
To send an email to every Senator in Nebraska: click HERE
Sen. Lavon Heidemann
(District 1, Elk Creek)
ABATE
of
Home Address:
62058 719 Rd., Elk Creek, NE 68348
Office: Room 1004, State Capitol, Lincoln, NE 68509, phone
(402) 471-2733, fax (402) 479-0901, E-mail: lheidemann@leg.ne.gov
Elected to Nebraska Legislature: 2004
Committees: Appropriations
Biography: Born Oct. 24, 1958, in Pawnee City.
Education: Graduate of
Family: Wife, Robin. Children: Jared, Mikayla
and Bryan.
Occupation: Farmer.
Member: Local fire district board; St. Peter’s
Former: Elk Creek Public Schools Board of Education.
Voted “YES” on LB70 in
2005
Sen.-elect Dave Pankonin
(District 2,
ABATE
of
Home Address:
Office:
Room 1529, State Capitol,
Elected to
Committees: Banking, Commerce and Insurance; Health and Human Services
Biography:
Born Dec. 1, 1951, in
Education: Graduate of
Family: Married Lori Chaee, July 12, 1975;
two children: Paul and Stephanie.
Occupation: Owner and president, Pankonin’s,
Inc.
Former: Louisville Mayor; Louisville City Council (president);
Louisville Public School Board; UNL College of Business Administration Alumni
Board (president); Nebraska United Methodist Foundation Board of Directors;
Nebraska United Methodist Church Council on Finance and Administration
(chair).
Member: Home State Bank Board of Directors,
Honors and awards: UNL Innocents Society, 1973; UNL College of Business
Administration Alumni Leadership Award, 1985; UNL Alumni Association Young
Alumnus Award, 1987.
I
think the compromise that State Sen
Sen. Gail Kopplin
(District 3,
ABATE
of
Home Address:
Office:
Room 1008, State Capitol, Lincoln, NE 68509, phone (402) 471-2627, fax (402)
479-0903, E-Mail: gkopplin@leg.ne.gov
Elected to Nebraska Legislature: 2004
Committees: Education; Natural Resources
Biography: Born May 20, 1939, in
Education: Graduate of Peru State College (B.S.), 1966;
Family: Wife, Mary Lou. Children: Janette, Thomas and Deborah.
Occupation: Retired school administrator.
Member: St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Gretna Chamber of Commerce,
Gretna Business Association, Gretna Optimists Club.
Former member:
Voted “NO” on LB70 in 2005
Sen.-elect Pete Pirsch
(District 4,
ABATE
of
Office:
Room 1404, State Capitol,
Elected to
Committees:
Banking, Commerce and Insurance; Judiciary; Intergovernmental Cooperation
Biography:
Born Oct. 28, 1969, in
Education: Graduate of Omaha Central High School, 1988; University of
Virginia, B.A. (government), 1992; University of Nebraska College of Law,
J.D., 1997; University of Nebraska-Omaha College of Business, M.B.A., 2005.
Family: Married Lori Pirsch, Sept. 17,
2004.
Occupation: Criminal prosecutor for the city of
Former: Vice-president, PBC, Inc.
Member: Nebraska Crime Commission Board; Board of Trustees, S.I.D. 337
(elected); St. Vincent de Paul Church; Boy Scouts of America (volunteer); Big
Brothers/Big Sisters of the Midlands (volunteer); Omaha Bar Association
(Public Service Committee); Nebraska State Bar Association; Omaha Jaycees;
Omaha Chamber of Commerce Young Professional Council; Rotary Club; Knights of
Columbus.
No
Response
Sen. Don Preister
(District 5,
ABATE
of
Mailing Address:
4522 Borman St., Omaha, NE 68157
Office: Room 1206, State Capitol, Lincoln, NE 68509, phone
(402) 471-2710, E-mail: dpreister@leg.ne.gov
Elected to Nebraska Legislature: 1992, 1996, 2000, 2004
Committees: Committee on Committees (vice chairperson);
Agriculture; Business and Labor; Revenue
Biography: Born Dec. 23, 1946, in Columbus.
Education: Graduate of St. Francis Elementary and
Occupation: Greeting card manufacturer, Joy Creations.
Military service:
Member: Optimist Club (former president, board member); Q Merchants;
South Omaha Business Association; South Omaha Neighborhood Association;
Veterans for Peace; Nebraska Sustainable Agriculture Society; American Legion;
Eagles; South Omaha Environmental Task Force; Audubon Society; Sierra Club.
Former: Scout and Explorer post leader; Keep Omaha Beautiful
volunteer;
Voted “NO” on LB70 in 2005
Voted “AGAINST” cloture
Sen.-elect
John E. Nelson
(District 6,
ABATE
of
Home Address:
Office: Room 1118, State Capitol, Lincoln, NE 68509, (402)
471-2714, E-mail: jnelson@leg.ne.gov
Elected to Nebraska Legislature: 2006
Committees: Appropriations
Biography: Born Dec. 29, 1935.
Family: Married Judy Nelson.
Occupation: Attorney.
No
Response
Sen. John Synowiecki
(District 7,
ABATE
of
Home Address:
Office: Room 2004, State Capitol, Lincoln, NE 68509, phone
(402) 471-2721, E-mail: jsynowiecki@leg.ne.gov
Appointed to Nebraska Legislature: Appointed Jan. 7, 2002, to
replace John Hilgert, who resigned; elected 2002,
2004
Committees:
Biography: Born Nov. 28, 1963 in
Education: Graduate of
Family: Father of three.
Occupation: Program Director for Governmental Relations, Catholic
Charities.
Former: Probation Supervisor,
Honors/awards:
Present and former membership: Chicano Awareness Center, Chemical
Dependency Advisory Committee, 1997-99; All Saints Grade School Athletic
Sports Club, Parish Council, 1994-95; President of Council, 1995;
Nebraska-Iowa Referee Association, 1993-Present; Midwest Officials
Association, 1997-present.
Voted “NO” on LB70 in 2005
Voted “AGAINST” cloture
Sen.-elect Tom White
(District 8,
ABATE
of
Home Address:
Office:
Room 1117, State Capitol,
Elected to
Committees: Business
and Labor;
Biography:
Born Oct. 26, 1956, in
Education: Graduate of
Family: Married Barbara White, Aug. 17, 1984; two children: Logan and
Reilly.
Occupation: Attorney.
Former: truck driver; painter; construction worker.
Member: St. Cecilia’s Cathedral Parish; Ancient Order of
Hibernians; Nebraska Horse Council; 4-H; Field Club of Omaha Board of
Directors, president.
Oppose (Against Helmet Mandate)
Sen. Gwen Howard
(District 9,
ABATE
of
Home Address:
5512 Howard St., Omaha, NE 68106
Office: Room 1208, State Capitol, Lincoln, NE 68509, phone
(402) 471-2723, E-mail: ghoward@leg.ne.gov
Elected to Nebraska Legislature: 2004
Committees: Education; Health and Human Services
Biography: Born June 24, 1945, in Douglas County.
Education: Graduate of
Family: Married David Howard (deceased); Children: Carrie and Sarah.
Foster child: Jessica.
Occupation: Social worker and adoption specialist.
Member: Accredited by the National Association of Social Workers;
accredited by the
Voted “NO” on LB70 in 2005
Voted “AGAINST” cloture
Sen. Mike Friend
(District 10,
ABATE
of
Home Address:
Office: Room 1212, State Capitol, Lincoln, NE 68509, phone
(402) 471-2718, E-mail: mfriend@leg.ne.gov
Elected to Nebraska Legislature: 2002
Committees:
Urban Affairs (chairperson); General Affairs; Judiciary
Biography: Born Oct. 4, 1961, in
Education: Graduate of Millard Senior High School, 1980; attended
Kearney State College, 1980-82; graduate of Creighton University (B.A. in
journalism), 1985; attended Creighton University School of Law for one year.
Family: Married Jacqueline K. Williams, July 10, 1992; four children:
Megan, Andrew, Elizabeth and Caroline.
Occupation: Writer/editor, First National Bank of
Member: administrative committee, St. James Catholic Church; Knights of
Columbus.
Voted “YES” on LB70 in
2005
Sen. Ernie Chambers
(District 11,
ABATE
of
Home Address:
3116 N. 24th St., Omaha, NE 68110
Office: Room 1107, State Capitol, Lincoln, NE 68509, phone
(402) 471-2612
Elected to Nebraska Legislature: 1970, 1972, 1976, 1980,
1984, 1988, 1992, 1996, 2000, 2004
Committees: Agriculture; Business and Labor; Judiciary;
Executive Board; Reference
Biography: Born July 10, 1937.
Publicly
argued against LB70
Voted “NO” on LB70 in 2005
Voted “AGAINST” cloture
Sen.-elect Steve Lathrop
(District 12,
ABATE
of
Office: Room 1117, State Capitol,
Elected to
Committees:
Business and Labor; Judiciary; Urban Affairs; Rules
Biography: Born April 1, 1957, in
Education: Graduate of
Family: Four children: Alison, Rachel, Maureen and Nicole.
Occupation: Attorney.
Favor (For helmet mandate), I have seen the mandatory
helmet law save riders from brain injuries.
Sen. Lowen
Kruse
(District 13,
ABATE
of
Home Address:
Office:
Room 1021, State Capitol, Lincoln, NE 68509, phone (402) 471-2727, E-mail:
lkruse@leg.ne.gov
Elected to Nebraska Legislature: 2000, 2004
Committees: Appropriations (vice chairperson)
Biography: Born in Howard County (Boelus),
1929.
Education: Graduate of Boelus High School;
Nebraska Wesleyan University, B.A.; Garrett Seminary, Northwestern University,
master’s degree.
Family: Wife, Ruth; two children: Doug and Jorika.
Occupation: Retired pastor.
Member: Miller-Park-Minne Lusa
Community Association (president); North Omaha Kiwanis (president-elect);
Lions International. Volunteer in construction and housing
rehabilitation in
Former: Executive minister, Omaha First United Methodist Church;
director of ministries, Nebraska United Methodist Churches; superintendent of
churches in northeast Nebraska; pastor in Buffalo, Custer and Douglas
counties; railroad wheelhouse employee; farmer; programming participant for
MADD; consultant for new church development; programming participant for
community development, adult education and youth work. Board of trustees:
Published works:
“DID NOT VOTE” on LB70 in
2005
Sen.-elect Tim Gay
(District 14, Papillion)
ABATE
of
Home Address:
Office:
Room 1522, State Capitol,
Elected to
Committees: Banking, Commerce and Insurance; Health and Human Services
Biography:
Born July 9, 1964.
Family: Married Tonee Gay; three children:
Matt, Kathryn and Nicholas.
Occupation: Investment advisor.
No
Response
Sen. Ray Janssen
(District 15, Nickerson)
ABATE
of
Home Address:
210 Cedar St., P.O. Box 159, Nickerson, NE 68044
Office: Room 1116, State Capitol, Lincoln, NE 68509, phone (402)
471-2625, E-mail:
rjanssen@leg.ne.gov
Elected to Nebraska Legislature: 1992, 1996, 2000, 2004
Committees: General Affairs (chairperson); Revenue; Urban Affairs;
Building Maintenance
Biography: Born July 5, 1937, in Hooper.
Education: Graduate of
Family: Wife, Nancy; three children: Nick, Michael and Nola.
Occupation: Grocer.
Military service:
Member: Nickerson Volunteer Fire Department; Lions Club; Hooper
Commercial Club; Elkhorn Valley Golf Club (past president).
Former: president, Nickerson Public School board; president, Logan View
Junior-Senior High School board; Nickerson Village Board member.
Voted “YES” on LB70 in
2005
Sen.-elect Kent Rogert
(District 16, Tekamah)
ABATE
of
Home Address:
Office:
Room 2011, State Capitol,
Elected to
Committees: Business and Labor; Government, Military and Veterans Affairs; Urban Affairs; Intergovernmental Cooperation
Biography:
Born Sept. 15, 1972, in Blair.
Education: Graduate of
Occupation: Farm business consultant.
Former: sales representative.
Member: Tekamah Lodge 31 A.F. and A.M.;
Oppose
(Against helmet mandate)
Sponsor LB253
Sen. L. Patrick Engel
(District 17,
ABATE
of
Home Address:
401 E. 31st St., South Sioux City, NE 68776
Office: Room 2010, State Capitol, Lincoln, NE 68509, phone
(402) 471-2716, home (402) 494-3266, fax (402) 479-0917, E-mail:
lengel@leg.ne.gov
Appointed to Nebraska Legislature: Sept. 1, 1993, to replace
Kurt Hohenstein, who resigned; elected 1994, 1996,
2000, 2004
Committees: Executive Board (chairperson); Reference
(chairperson); Appropriations; Legislative Peformance
Audit
Biography: Born May 18, 1932, in South Sioux City.
Education: Graduate of South Sioux City Public Schools; University of
Nebraska-Lincoln.
Military service: Served as an intelligence officer in the U.S. Air
Force.
Family: Wife, Dee; five children: Kathie, Kim, Jeff, Julie and
Michael.
Occupation: Retired insurance agent for State Farm Insurance.
Member: Knights of
Former: grand knight and district deputy, Knights of Columbus;
member, St. Michael's School Board; member, South Sioux City School Board;
Dakota County commissioner.
Voted “NO” on LB70 in 2005
Voted “AGAINST” cloture
Sen. Mick Mines
(District 18, Blair)
ABATE
of
Elected
to Transportation Committee
Home Address:
Office: Room 2028, State Capitol, Lincoln, NE 68509, phone
(402) 471-2618, fax (402) 479-0918, E-mail: mmines@leg.ne.gov
Elected to Nebraska Legislature: 2002
Committees:
Banking, Commerce and Insurance (chairperson); Government, Military and
Veterans Affairs
Biography: Born June 21, 1950, in
Education: Graduate of
Family: Married Katie Fate, Jan. 22, 1983; two children: Laini
and Billy.
Military service:
Occupation: Vice President of External Relations, HunTel
Systems Inc.
Member: Nebraska Diplomats, Inc. (former president); Nebraska
Industrial Competitiveness Alliance; Nebraska Independent Telephone
Association (former president); Nebraska Economic Developers Association;
Blair Country Bible Church; Blair Rotary Club; Rebuilding Together –
Washington County; Blair Family YMCA; American Legion Post 154; Jeffrey K.
Mines AMVETS Post 20.
Former: mayor, City of Blair; council member and president, Blair City
Council; president, League of Nebraska Municipalities; president, Blair Area
Chamber of Commerce; Gateway Development Corp.; Ak-Sar-Ben
diplomat; steering committee, National League of Cities Small Cities Council
and Public Safety/Crime Prevention.
Honors and awards: Cargill Dow Friend of Industry Award; Metropolitan
Area Planning Association Citizenship Award.
Co-Sponsored
LB70
Voted “YES” on LB70 in
2005
Co-Sponsor LB253
Sen. Mike Flood
(District 19,
ABATE
of
Elected
Speaker of the House
Address:
105 South 2nd Street, Norfolk, NE 68701
Office: Room 2103, State Capitol, Lincoln, NE 68509, phone
(402) 471-2929, fax (402) 479-0919, E-mail: mflood@leg.ne.gov
Elected to Nebraska Legislature: 2004
Committees: Enrollment and Review (chairperson); Banking,
Commerce and Insurance; Judiciary
Biography: Born Feb. 23, 1975, in Omaha.
Education: Graduate of the
Family: Wife, Mandi.
Occupation: Broadcaster/lawyer.
Member: Board member, Lavitsef Inc.;
board member, Norfolk Rotary Club (former president); sponsor, Norfolk Youth
Leadership Council; legal counsel, Madison County Agricultural Society; board
member, Nebraska Broadcasters Association; board member, Norfolk Community
Healthcare Clinic; board member, Madison Community Club; board member,
Nebraska/Madison County Bar Association; admitted to practice, U.S. District
Court – District of Nebraska.
Former member:
Voted “YES” on LB70 in
2005
Sen.-elect Brad Ashford
(District 20,
ABATE
of
Home Address:
Office: Room 1103, State Capitol,
Elected to
Committees: Judiciary (chairperson); Education; Committee on Committees
Biography:
Born Nov. 10, 1949, in
Education: Attended Westside High School; Gustavus
Adolphus College; Colgate University, B.A., 1971;
Creighton University School of Law, J.D., 1974.
Family: Married Ann Ferlic, Aug. 27, 1993;
three children: John, Ellie and Tom.
Occupation: Attorney, businessman.
Former: Omaha Housing Authority (director); Commission of Industrial
Relations (judge); Metropolitan Entertainment and Convention Authority
(founding member); Omaha Housing Authority Board of Directors (chair);
Salvation Army Advisory Board.
Member:
Favor (For helmet mandate)
Sen. Carol Hudkins
(District 21, Malcolm)
ABATE
of
Elected
to Transportation Committee
Home Address:
Office: Room 1406, State Capitol,
Elected to Nebraska Legislature: 1992, 1996, 2000, 2004
Committees: Rules (chairperson); Natural Resources;
Transportation and Telecommunications
Biography: Born Feb. 21, 1945, in North Platte.
Education: Graduate of
Family: Husband, Larry; two children: Janet and Kathy.
Occupation: Farmer and medical transcriptionist.
Former: Malcolm School Board chairwoman; Malcolm United Methodist
Church recording secretary; Lancaster County Home Extension Council and
Lancaster County Extension Board officer; 4-H leader; Malcolm School Booster
Club president; Malcolm Parent-Teacher Organization officer.
Member:
Voted
LB 70 out of Committee
Voted “YES” on LB70 in
2005
Sen. Arnie
Stuthman
(District 22,
ABATE
of
Elected
to Transportation Committee
Home Address:
Office: Room 1120, State Capitol, Lincoln, NE 68509, phone
(402) 471-2715, fax (402) 479-0922, E-mail: astuthman@leg.ne.gov
Elected to Nebraska Legislature: 2002
Committees:
Health and Human Services; Transportation and Telecommunications; Executive
Board; Reference;
Biography:
Born June 25, 1941, in
Education: Graduate of
Family: Married Nancy Sanley, June 30,
1962; four children: Jeff, Todd, Amy and Eric.
Military service: Air National Guard.
Occupation: Farmer and livestock feeder.
Member: chairman, Platte County Supervisors; board of directors,
Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce; board of directors, Columbus Hospital
Board; Nebraska Workforce Development Board; Region IV Mental Health Board;
East Central Health Department; Nebraska Pork Producers; Christ Lutheran
Church.
Former: chairman, Platte County Ag Society; chairman, County Extension
Board; chairman, 4-H Council; chairman, National Young Farmer; president,
Nebraska Pork Producers; chairman, National Pork Board.
Voted
LB 70 out of Committee
Voted “YES” on LB70 in
2005
Sen. Chris Langemeier
(District 23, Schuyler)
ABATE
of
Home Address:
Office:
Room 1202, State Capitol,
Elected to
Committees: Banking, Commerce and Insurance; Government, Military and Veterans Affairs; Intergovernmental Cooperation
Biography:
Born in Schuyler.
Education: Graduated from
Family: Wife, Kerri. Children: Jakub and
Aaron.
Occupation: Real estate broker.
Member: Schuyler Chamber of Commerce (president, 2002); Schuyler
Economic Development Committee; Schuyler Chamber Ambassadors; membership
committee, American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers; president,
Schuyler Rotary Club; Schuyler Sertoma Club;
volunteer, Colfax County Recycling Facility; St. Augustine’s Catholic
Church; Knights of Columbus, fourth degree (past community director).
Former member: director at large, Lower Platte North Natural
Resources District (two terms); treasurer, Lower Platte North NRD (past
projects committee chairman); representative of Lower Platte North NRD,
Nebraska Association of Natural Resources Districts; Colfax County 4-H
Council, Colfax County 4-H, 10 years.
Voted “YES” on LB70 in
2005
Co-Sponsor LB253
Sen.-elect Greg L. Adams
(District 24,
ABATE
of
Home Address:
Office:
Room 1403, State Capitol,
Elected to
Committees: Education; Government, Military and Veterans Affairs; Committee on Committees
Biography:
Born Feb. 6, 1952, in
Education: Graduate of Wayne State College, B.A. in education, 1974,
Masters in education, 1975.
Family: Married Julie A. Epke, Oct. 8,
1992; three children: Heather Loveless, Shawn Levitt
and Sarah Adams.
Occupation:
Former:
Member:
Favor (For helmet mandate) Presently, I stand in favor
of helmet usage in
Sen. Ron Raikes
(District 25,
ABATE
of
Home Address:
3221 S. 76th St., Lincoln, NE 68506
Office: Room 1110, State Capitol, Lincoln, NE 68509, phone
(402) 471-2731, E-Mail: rraikes@leg.ne.gov
Appointed to Nebraska Legislature: May 15, 1997, to replace
Jerome Warner, who died; elected 1998, 2000, 2004
Committees: Education (chairperson); Revenue; Education
Commission of the States; Midwestern Higher Education Compact Commission
Biography: Born March 11, 1943, in Lincoln.
Education: Graduate of
Family: Wife, Helen; three children: Heather, Abbie
and Justin.
Occupation: Farmer.
Member:
Former: member, Nebraska Economic Forecasting Advisory Board,
1983-87.
Voted “YES” on LB70 in
2005
Voted “AGAINST” cloture
Sen.-elect Amanda McGill
(District 26,
ABATE
of
Home Address:
Office:
Room 1115, State Capitol,
Elected to
Committees: Enrollment and Review (chairperson); Business and Labor; Judiciary; Urban Affairs
Biography:
Born March 21, 1980, in
Education: Graduate of
Occupation: College services representative, New Digital Group.
Former: television reporter at KOLN/KGIN in
Member: Junior League of
No
Response
Sen. DiAnna Schimek
(District 27,
ABATE
of
Elected
to Transportation Committee
Home Address:
6437 Lone Tree Drive, Lincoln, NE 68512
Office: Room 1124, State Capitol, Lincoln, NE 68509, phone
(402) 471-2632, fax (402) 479-0927, E-mail: dschimek@leg.ne.gov
Elected to Nebraska Legislature: 1988, 1992, 1996, 2000, 2004
Committees: Government, Military and Veterans' Affairs
(chairperson); Business and Labor; Urban Affairs; Committee on Committees
Biography: Born March 21, 1940, in Holdrege.
Education: Graduate of
Family: Husband, Herbert; two children: Samuel Wolfgang and Saul
William.
Member: Soroptimists; PEO; Southwest
Business and Civic Association; Martin Luther Home Advisory Board; Exon
Library Foundation Board; first vice-chair, Midwest Legislative Conference of
the Council of State Governments; Mortar Board community adviser and honorary
member, 1999; past president and secretary, Lincoln Senior Center Foundation
Board; past member of boards of directors for First Security National Bank,
Women in Community Service Home for Girls, and Nebraska Repertory Theatre;
member, 1990 and 1999 YWCA Tribute to Women Committee; former board member of
NCSL Women's Network; Democratic National Committee, 1976-88.
Honorary member: Delta Kappa Gamma, 1998.
Awards: YWCA Tribute to Women Award, 1992.
Voted “NO” on LB70 in 2005
Voted “AGAINST” cloture
Sen.-elect Bill Avery
(District 28,
ABATE
of
Home Address:
1925 E St.,
Office:
Room 1016, State Capitol,
Elected to
Committees: Education; Government, Military and Veterans Affairs
Biography:
Born Feb. 7, 1942.
Education: Married Ann Harrell.
Occupation: Retired professor.
Former:
Circulation promotions manager, Knoxville News Sentinel,
Member: First Plymouth Congregational Church; American Academy of
Political Science; International Studies Association (International Political
Economy Section); Lincoln Chamber of Commerce; Lincoln Independent Business
Association.
Former member: Lincoln Public Schools Needs Committee; Lincoln Public
Schools Bond Committee; Common Cause Nebraska, chair; Common Cause National
Governing Board; Democratic National Committee; Vote Nebraska Initiative Task
Force; Habitat for Humanity; Boy Scouts of America.
Honors and awards: Who’s Who Among
America’s Teachers; several awards for outstanding teaching.
No
Response
Sen.-designate Tony Fulton
(District 29,
ABATE
of
Home Address:
Office:
Room 1019, State Capitol,
Appointed to
Committees: Appropriations
Biography:
Education: Graduate of Auburn Senior High, 1990; University of
Nebraska-Lincoln (B.S. in mechanical engineering), 1997; attended Kansas
Newman University, Wichita, Kan., philosophy; attended Mount St. Mary’s
University, Emmittsburg, M.D., theology.
Family: Married Judy Vandewalle, June 13,
1998; five children: Thomas, Augustine, Bede,
Bernadette and Basil.
Occupation: CEO, Guardian Angels Homecare; professional engineer.
Former: Consultant for Alvine
Engineering; director of sales, Johnston Boiler Company; application engineer,
Energy Recovery International.
Member: Lincoln Chamber of Commerce (Public Policy Committee);
Lincoln Caregiver Education Group (founding committee); Better Business
Bureau; Lincoln Independent Business Association; St. Peter’s Catholic
Church (director, Godparent Catechesis; Youth Ministry Board; Godparent weekly
youth group leader); Knights of Columbus (first degree member); American
Society of Mechanical Engineers.
Former member: 2005 White House Conference on Aging (Nebraska
delegate); Coalition for Older Adult Health Promotion (Chair of Legislative
Review Committee; president); Lincoln Area Agency on Aging Senior Companion
Program (Advisory Board member); Lancaster County Republican Party (Platform
Committee Chair); Nebraska State Republican Party Convention (elected
delegate); University of Nebraska Students for Life (treasurer).
Not
Asked
Sen.-elect Norm Wallman
(District 30,
ABATE
of
Office: Room
1528, State Capitol,
Elected to
Committees: Agriculture; Business and Labor; Natural Resources
Biography:
Born Feb. 6, 1938, in
Education: Graduate of
Family: Married Pat Wallman, Jan. 20, 1973;
two children: David and Amy.
Occupation: Farmer, agribusinessman. Formerly
involved in construction, retailing and trucking.
Military service:
Former:
Member: Norris School Board; American Legion Post 253;
No
Response
Sen. Rich Pahls
(District 31,
ABATE
of
Home Address:
16550 Dorcas St., Omaha, NE 68130
Office: Room 1401, State Capitol, Lincoln, NE 68509, phone
(402) 471-2327, fax (402) 479-0931, E-mail: rpahls@leg.ne.gov
Elected to Nebraska Legislature: 2004
Committees: Banking, Commerce and Insurance; Government,
Military and Veterans Affairs
Biography: Born Aug. 7, 1943.
Education: Graduate of
Family: Wife, Lyn. Children: Morgan and Jake.
Occupation: Retired.
Member: Millard Business Association; board of directors, Western
Trails Homeowners Association; Tangier Shrine.
Former member: Board of trustees, S.I.D. 266; board of directors,
Children’s Museum; board of directors, Millard Optimists; board of
directors, Nebraska Parent Teacher Association.
Voted “NO” on LB70 in 2005
Sen.-elect Russ Karpisek
(District 32, Wilber)
ABATE
of
Home Address:
Office:
Room 1523, State Capitol,
E-mail: rkarpisek@leg.ne.gov
Elected to
Committees:
Agriculture; General Affairs; Government, Military and Veterans Affairs;
Biography:
Born July 20, 1966, in Friend.
Education: Graduate of
Family: Married Jill Chaloupka, June 30,
1990; two children: Tyler and Stephanie.
Occupation: Owner of Karpisek’s Meat
Market.
Former: Mayor of Wilber (1994-2006); Nebraska Association of Meat
Processors (president).
Member: Wilber Lions Club; Wilber Sportsman Club; Wilber-Clatonia
Alumni Band; Wilber Area Community Foundation; Wilber United
FAVOR (For helmet mandate) This is a
tough question for me. My heart says to let them ride w/o helmets, but my
head says, they should wear them. Right now I would have to be in favor
helmets.
Sen. Carroll Burling
(District 33, Kenesaw)
ABATE
of
Home Address:
Office:
Room 2107, State Capitol, Lincoln, NE 68509, phone (402) 471-2712, E-mail:
cburling@leg.ne.gov
Elected to Nebraska Legislature: 2000, 2004
Committees: Agriculture; Business and Labor; Government,
Military and Veterans' Affairs
Biography: Born Nov. 25, 1934, in Hastings.
Education: Graduate of
Family: Wife, Bonnie; four children: D’aun
Best, Darla Knight, Dan Burling and David Burling; seven grandchildren.
Occupation: Retired farmer.
Member: Board of directors, Kenesaw Rural
Fire District; volunteer, Nebraska Department of Corrections; volunteer
chaplain,
Former member: Nebraska Farm Bureau, board of directors, 1986-98; Kenesaw
Board of Education, 1972-82, president 1980-82; Co-op Service Board of
Directors, 1971-80, president 1978-80; Adams County Farm Bureau, board of
directors 1957-84; foster parent, 1956-66.
Voted “YES” on LB70 2005
Sen.-elect Annette M. Dubas
(District 34,
ABATE
of
Home Address:
54906 N. 180 Ave.,
Office:
Room 1115, State Capitol,
Elected to
Committees: Agriculture; General Affairs; Natural Resources; Rules
Biography: Born Feb.
5, 1956, in
Education: Graduate of
Family: Married Ronald Dubas, Nov. 15,
1975; four children: Ronald David, Daryl, Clint and Deanna Dubas
Ebmeier.
Occupation: Farmer/rancher.
Former:
Member: District 2 Farmers Union (president); CCD teacher; Eucharist
minister; lector;
No
Response
Sen. Ray Aguilar
(District 35,
ABATE
of
Elected
to Transportation Committee
Home Address:
706 Grand Ave., Grand Island, NE 68801
Office: Room 1114, State Capitol, Lincoln, NE 68509, phone
(402) 471-2617, fax (402) 479-0935, E-mail: raguilar@leg.ne.gov
Appointed to Nebraska Legislature: June 9, 1999, to replace
Chris Peterson, who resigned; elected 2000, 2004
Committees: Intergovernmental Cooperation (chairperson);
Judiciary; Transportation and Telecommunications
Biography: Born Oct. 24, 1947, in Grand Island.
Education: Graduate of
Family: Wife, Susan Ann; nine children: Toni, Polly, Scott, Dean, T.C.,
Ali, Shelly, Audra and Jason.
Occupation: Self-employed, Commercial Cleaning Services.
Member: U.S. Senate Republican Conference Task Force on Hispanic
Affairs; Adult Basic Education Advisory Board; Governor's Blue Ribbon Panel on
Infant Mortality; Juvenile Detention Diversion and Probation Services Team;
Task Force on the Productive Integration of the Immigrant Work Force
Population; American Red Cross, Grand Island Little Theatre, St. Mary's
Catholic Church (lector, Eucharistic minister, religious education committee).
Minority advisory member to Nebraska Coordinating
Commission for Postsecondary Education.
Former: Grand Island City Council member, Hall County Leadership
Tomorrow, Lincoln School PTA president, Mayor's Youth Council member, Mayor's
Community Crime Commission member, Mayor's Vision Committee, Habitat for
Humanity.
Voted
LB 70 out of Committee
Voted “YES” on LB70 in
2005
Co-Sponsor LB253
Sen.-elect John M. Wightman
(District 36,
ABATE
of
Home Address:
Office:
Room 1019, State Capitol,
Elected to
Committees:
Appropriations
Biography:
Born Oct. 2, 1938, in
Education: Graduate of
Family: Married Janet L. Hyde, June 14, 1964; three children: John,
Jr., Jeffrey and Jill.
Occupation: Attorney, Wightman & Wightman Law Office.
Former:
Member: Dawson Area Development Board of Directors; Lexington Community
Foundation (director); United Methodist Church (lay leader, financial
chairman); Dawson County Bar Association; Nebraska Bar Association; Nebraska
Bar Foundation; Lexington Chamber of Commerce.
No
Response
Sen. Joel T. Johnson
(District 37,
ABATE
of
Home Address:
3216 19th Avenue, Kearney, NE 68845
Office: Room 1402, State Capitol, Lincoln, NE 68509, phone
(402) 471-2726, E-mail: jjohnson@leg.ne.gov
Appointed to Nebraska Legislature: July 1, 2002, to replace
Doug Kristensen, who resigned; elected 2002, 2004
Committees: Banking, Commerce and Insurance; Health and Human
Services
Biography: Born July 9, 1936 in St. Paul,
Education: Graduate of
Family: Wife, Jill K. (Nyquist) Johnson;
four children: Eric Johson, Elizabeth Westesen,
Lynn Fleming, Karen Johnson.
Occupation: Retired surgeon.
Former occupation: General surgeon.
Military service:
Former: Legislative committee member, Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce.
Member:
Publicly
argued against LB70
Voted “NO” on LB70 in 2005
Voted “AGAINST” cloture
Sen.-elect Tom Carlson
(District 38, Holdrege)
ABATE
of
Home Address:
Office:
Room 2104, State Capitol,
Elected to
Committees:
Banking, Commerce and Insurance; Natural Resources
Biography: Born Dec.
9, 1941, in Holdrege.
Education: Graduate of
Family: Married Margo Carlson, Aug. 24, 1963; three children:
Occupation: Financial advisor.
Former: college professor; football and baseball coach; Holdrege
District 44 School Board (1986-94); church board.
Member:
Favor (For helmet mandate)
Sen. Dwite Pedersen
(District 39,
ABATE
of
Elected
to Transportation Committee
Home Address:
21440 Shamrock Road, Elkhorn, NE 68022
Office: Room 1018, State Capitol, Lincoln, NE 68509, phone
(402) 471-2885, E-mail: dpedersen@leg.ne.gov
Elected to Nebraska Legislature: 1992, 1996, 2000, 2004
Committees: Committee on Committees (chairperson); Judiciary
(vice chairperson); Transportation and Telecommunications
Biography: Born Oct. 20, 1941, in Chamberlain, S.D.
Education: Graduate of Winner (S.D.) High School, 1960. Attended
Family: Wife, Priscilla; three children: Andrew, Michaela and Megan;
six grandchildren.
Occupation: Substance abuse counselor.
Former: accountant and business administrator for International
Harvester Co.; lounge/restaurant owner;
Member: Nebraska and National Associations of Alcoholism and Drug
Abuse Counselors; Western Douglas County Chamber of Commerce; Elkhorn Optimist
Club (charter member); Elkhorn Eagles Club; Elkhorn Lions Club; St. Patrick's
Catholic Church and Men's Club; Nebraska Child Care Workers' Association (past
president). Has worked with youth in trouble for more than 35 years; contracts
with Douglas County and the Nebraska Thoroughbred Racetracks to do
drug/alcohol education, counseling and treatment; has written, directed and
sponsored numerous adolescent alcohol/drug prevention retreats.
Voted
AGAINST LB 70 in Committee
Voted “NO” on LB70 in 2005
Sen.-elect M.L. “Cap” Dierks
(District 40,
ABATE
of
Home Address:
R.R. 1,
Office:
Room 2108, State Capitol,
Elected to
Committees:
Agriculture; General Affairs; Revenue; Committee on Committees
Biography:
Born July 2, 1932.
Education: Graduate of
Military service:
Family: Married Gloria L. Zoeller, Dec. 27,
1958; four children: Jon Martin, Thomas Lyle, Christopher Joseph and Mary
Stephanie.
Occupation: Rancher/veterinarian.
Former:
No
Response
Sen. Vickie D. McDonald
(District 41,
ABATE
of
Office:
Room 1104, State Capitol, Lincoln, NE 68509, phone (402) 471-2631, E-mail:
vmcdonald@leg.ne.gov
Appointed to Nebraska Legislature: Aug. 10, 2001, to replace
Richard N. McDonald who died; elected 2002, 2004
Committees: Intergovernmental Cooperation (vice chairperson);
Education; Natural Resources; Executive Board; Reference; Legislative Peformance
Audit
Biography: Born May 26, 1947 in Phillips.
Education: Graduate of
Family: Married Feb. 23, 2006; husband, Larry Harnisch;
four adult children: Kayleen, Shelly, Melissa and
Ryan.
Occupation: Account executive with Aon's
Worksite Solutions.
Former occupations: Financial advisor with INVEST at Commercial
Federal; financial services and investment representative, MetLife Financial
Services; investment and insurance manager, Grand Island Trust and Financial
Services; graduate assistant, Dale Carnegie; career agent, Farm Bureau
Insurance; loan processing and appraisal, Columbus Federal Savings Bank;
appraisal department, Superior Mortgage, Inc.; owner/operator, liquid
fertilizer business; retail sales.
Current and former community organizations: American Cancer Society
Heartland State Advocacy Committee; NCSL Women's Legislative Network Advisory
Board; Nebraska Ag Relations Council; Nebraska Area Health Education Center (AHEC)
Advisory Board; Nebraska Farm Bureau; United Way; Toastmasters; YWCA Board of
Directors; YWCA Woman of Distinction Committee Chairman; YWCA Investment
Policy Development Committee Chairman; Grand Island Chamber of Commerce
Governmental Affairs Committee; Grand Island Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors
Club; Grand Island Underwriter Board of Directors; Grand Island Area Council
for International Visitors; 4-H Club Leader, Hamilton County; Girl Scout
Leader; Central Nebraska Feeders Auxiliary President; Nebraska LEAD Alumni
Seminar coordinator; CSG BILLD Steering Committee; Advisory Council of the
Women's Legislative Network of NCSL; NCSL Homeland Security Task Force; ALEC
Homeland Security Task Force; ALEC Natural Resources Committee; Life
Underwriters Training Council Fellow.
Voted “YES” on LB70 in
2005
Sen.-elect Tom Hansen
(District 42,
ABATE
of
Home Address:
Office:
Room 1012, State Capitol,
Elected to
Committee:
Banking, Commerce and Insurance; Health and Human Services
Biography:
Born Nov. 8, 1946, in
Education: Graduate of
Family: Married Linda Hansen, June 3, 1967; two children: Marshall and
Eric.
Occupation: Secretary/treasurer, Hansen 77 Ranch LLC.
Former: Twin Platte NRD; Lincoln County Cattlemen; Lincoln County
Republicans; Nebraska Cattleman (president).
Member:
No
Response
Sen. Deb Fischer
(District 43, Valentine)
ABATE
of
Elected
Chair of the Transportation Committee
Home Address:
P.O. Box 54, Valentine, NE 69201
Office: Room 1101, State Capitol, Lincoln, NE 68509, phone
(402) 471-2628, fax (402) 479-0943, E-mail: dfischer@leg.ne.gov
Elected to Nebraska Legislature: 2004
Committees: General Affairs (vice chairperson); Agriculture;
Government, Military and Veterans Affairs; Education Commission of the States;
Midwestern Higher Education Compact Commission
Biography: Born March 1, 1951, in Lincoln.
Education: Graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (B.S. in
education), 1988.
Family: Husband, Bruce. Children: Adam, Morgan and Luke.
Occupation: Rancher.
Member: UNL Cather Circle; Sandhills
Cattle Association; Nebraska Cattlemen; Nebraska Cattlewomen; National
Cattlemen’s Beef Association; Society for Range Management; Sandhills
Area Foundation; UNL Chancellor’s Club; life member, UNL Alumni Association;
Cherry County Hospital Auxiliary; American Legion Auxiliary; PEO; Gamma Phi
Beta; life member, Nebraska LEAD Alumni Association.
Former member: Valentine Rural High School Board of Education
(president, seven years); commissioner, Nebraska Coordinating Commission for
Post-secondary Education; president, Valentine Rural High School Foundation; AgBuilders
of Nebraska; University of Nebraska President’s Advisory Council; UNL
Chancellor’s Committee of Visitors; past president and board of directors,
Nebraska Association of School Boards; Nebraska School Finance Review
Committee (two terms); National School Boards Association National Nominating
Committee; past president and executive committee, Class VI Regional High
School Association; public affairs committee, National Cattlemen’s Beef
Association; Nebraska Department of Agriculture’s Rural Rehabilitation
Review Board; board of directors, Nebraska Agricultural Leadership Council;
Governor’s Ag Advisory Council; Regional Board Member Federal Land Bank
Association; Governor’s LB 806 Task Force; Nebraska Judicial Nominating
Commission; Goals 2000 State Panel; Legislature’s Ad Hoc Committee on Public
Schools; Cherry County Visitor Promotion Committee; board of directors,
Valentine Area Arts Council; Cherry County School District #5 Board of
Education; Cub Scouts and 4-H club leader.
Honors and awards: NRD Farm and Ranch Conservation Award, 1999;
Nebraska Association of School Boards Lifetime Achievement Award, 1999;
Nebraska Rural Community Schools Association Outstanding Board Member Award,
1998-99; Nebraska Cattlemen Environmental Stewardship Award, 1995; Rangeman’s
Award, Nebraska Section Society for Range Management, 1994; NRD State
Grasslands Conservation Award, 1993; Holism in Action Award, Nebraska Branch
Holistic Resource Management, 1991; Kellogg Fellow, National Center for Food
and Policy Research, Resources for the Future, Washington, D.C., 1991; LEAD
VIII Fellow, Nebraska Leadership Program, 1988-90.
Voted “YES” on LB70 in
2005
Sen.-elect Mark R. Christensen
(District 44, Imperial)
ABATE
of
Home Address:
Office:
Room 1000, State Capitol,
Elected to
Committees: Banking, Commerce and Insurance; Natural Resources
Biography:
Born July 1, 1962, in Holdrege.
Education: Graduate of
Family: Married Kathy, April 15, 1995; seven children: Erica Fish, Emilee
Fish, Steven Fish, Isaiah Christensen, Ryelee
Christensen, Brooklyn Christensen and Malachi Christensen. Commodity
broker, landowner.
Former: Farmer/rancher.
Member: Wesleyan Church (lay leader, board member); Rotary; NRA;
National and Nebraska Corn Growers; WaterClaim;
Nebraskans First; Pheasants Forever; Quails Forever; Wild Turkey Federation;
Izaak Walton League.
I
believe in freedom of choice and I believe in personal & medical
responsibility. No helmet equals more tourism revenue for NE. No helmet also
equals more state expense being incurred because of more serious accidents. NE
citizens shouldn't bare the burden of uninsured motorcyclists.
Sen. Abbie
Cornett
(District 45,
ABATE
of
Home Address:
Office: Room 2000, State Capitol, Lincoln, NE 68509, phone
(402) 471-2615, E-mail: acornett@leg.ne.gov
Elected to Nebraska Legislature: 2004
Committees: General Affairs; Revenue; Urban Affairs; Rules;
Midwest Interstate Passenger Rail Compact Commission
Biography: Born Aug. 22, 1966, in
Education: Attended the
Family: Husband, Mark Stranglen.
Children: Victoria, Madison and Cameron.
Member: Bellevue Chamber of Commerce; Altrusa;
Optimists; retired status, Nebraska Association of Women Police; retired
status, Fraternal Order of Police.
Voted “NO” on LB70 in 2005
Sen.-elect Danielle Nantkes
(District 46,
ABATE
of
Home Address:
Office:
Room 1017, State Capitol,
Elected to
Committees:
Appropriations
Biography:
Born Aug. 5, 1977, in Seward.
Education: Graduate of
Occupation: Attorney.
Member: Lincoln YWCA Board; Community Development Taskforce (vice
chair); Nebraska Bar Association; Lincoln Bar Association; Volunteer Lawyers
Project.
Co-Sponsor LB253
Sen. Philip Erdman
(District 47, Bayard)
ABATE
of
Home Address:
Office:
Room 1022, State Capitol,
Elected to
Committees: Agriculture (vice chairperson); General Affairs; Health and Human Services; Nebraska Retirement Systems; Executive Board; Reference; Legislative Performance Audit
Biography:
Born April 7, 1977, in Scottsbluff.
Family: Wife, Cortney; daughter, Grace.
Education: Graduate of
Occupation: Real Property Appraiser.
Former occupation: Credit Analyst; Farmer; consultant for strategic
planning, Farmland Industries Inc.; youth leadership intern coordinator,
Farmland Industries Inc.; football recruiter, UNL Athletic Department.
Member: Cheyenne County Chamber of Commerce; Kimball/Banner County
Chamber of Commerce; Morrill County Farm Bureau; Alpha Zeta Honorary
Agricultural Fraternity; Gamma Sigma Delta Honorary Agricultural Fraternity;
charter member, Bayard FFA Alumni; Nebraska FFA Alumni; National FFA Alumni;
Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
Former: delegate, Morrill County Republican Convention, 2000-2006;
delegate, Nebraska State Republican Convention, 2000-2006; advisory board,
College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, 1999-2000; College of
Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources Curriculum Committee, 1999-2000;
founding member, Achievement, Leadership and Commitment (ACE) Program, UNL,
1997-98; state president, Nebraska FFA Association, 1996-97.
Cosponsored
LB70
Voted “YES” on LB70 in
2005
Co-Sponsor LB253
Sen.-elect John N. Harms
(District 48, Scottsbluff)
ABATE
of
Home:
Office:
Room 2017, State Capitol,
Elected to
Committees:
Appropriations
Biography:
Born Feb. 17, 1940, in Bayard.
Education: Graduate of
Family: Married Patricia A. Harms, July 6, 1963; three children: Stacy
Moore, Nick Harms and Suzette Luster.
Occupation: Retired.
Former: Western Nebraska Community College president (1976-2006);
McCook Community College president (1973-76); Dean of Instruction, Northeast
Technical College (1972-73); Dean of Instruction, Northeastern Nebraska
College (1970-72); Dean of Students, Northeastern Nebraska College (1968-70);
Director of Housing and Financial Aid, Chadron State College (1966-68);
Graduate Assistant, Chadron State College (1966); high school teacher, Gering
Public School (1962-65); Greater Nebraska Workforce Investment Board; Nebraska
Rural Development Commission; Combined Health Agencies of Nebraska Leadership
Council; Nebraska Educational Television Council for Higher Education; UNL
Arts Are Basic Advisory Board; National League for Nursing Council; Nebraska
Foundations for the Humanities.
Member:
Oppose (Against Helmet Mandate) I disapprove of people riding
motorcycles without a helmet, but I will defend their right to do it. Children
are a different matter. Parents and society have a responsibility to protect
children from undue harm. Mandated car sears and helmets for children in
certain activities are reasonable restrictions.
Sen. LeRoy
J. Louden
(District 49, Ellsworth)
ABATE
of
Elected
to Transportation Committee
Home Address:
Office: Room 2010, State Capitol, Lincoln, NE 68509, phone
(402) 471-2725, fax (402) 479-0949, E-mail: llouden@leg.ne.gov
Elected to Nebraska Legislature: 2002, 2004
Committees:
Banking, Commerce and Insurance; Natural Resources
Biography: Born Oct. 12, 1936, in
Education: Graduate of
Family: Married SharonAnn Green, March 27,
1999; six children: Lynn, Bryan, Dalene, Jon,
Jennifer and David.
Occupation: Rancher.
Member: Nebraska Cattlemen; Elks Club; Fraternal Order of Eagles;
Ellsworth Bowling Club; president, Sandhills
Independent Collection Membership Assoc.; District 3 board of directors,
Panhandle Rural Electric Membership Association; legislative committee,
Nebraska Rural Electric Association.
Former member: Sheridan County School Reorganization Board; secretary,
District 119 School Board; president, Area 11 Nebraska Stockgrower’s
Association, 1986; organized Ellsworth Bowling Club, 1962.
Voted “YES” on LB70 in
2005
