Ok folks Scott and I have discus

We are only Days away from the Primary elections. I wanted to touch base with everyone on some last minute ideas. First and foremost is the importance of the Primaries in general. This election can make or break us in November. We cannot afford to let this go and hope for the best. Did you know that in the 2006 general election, Lathrop, you know the guy who filibustered us, won the 2006 general over Stothert by 14 votes! Imagine if you will, you were one of those 14 that did not vote and what a difference you could have made. The primary elections are notoriously overlooked by many. A small group of individuals working together can make a difference but you have to keep talking to your friends, neighbors, relatives … talk about our candidates and get them to the polls! If they cannot get there have them fill out an application for Absentee voting … they are available online. We need every vote we can get. This can make a huge impact on the committees in November as well. We could either hold a majority on the transportation committee or a minority … If a minority, we may not be able to even get a bill to the floor. That means another 2yrs treading water, even if we have a majority of votes on the floor! We cannot afford to wait and see who will take office we have to work to guarantee we have a voice!

All of us should be going to our next meetings planning to discuss these issues … making sure all the signs are up for every potential candidate. Ask yourself, have you talked to all your friends, relatives, etc? When you stop in the local pub for a night out, do you mention the elections and the candidates? Do you see an ABATE flier with the candidates names everywhere you go? I personally took fliers this last weekend with me on a run for my wife’s birthday and was amazed how many were not up! I actually ran out of fliers and had to go back with more. They are available on the website, print them and keep them with you when you ride. Are you making plans to vote and get others to the polls with you? There has been plenty of information and ideas circling in the last months on the website and through emails. Use it!! You and only you can make a difference to this organization. Your voice will never be heard sitting on the couch watching the election results.

I call on every ABATE member to take action now. Go to your next meeting make sure information is getting out there on the candidates. Do not rely on anyone else to do it! If you think something is being overlooked at a meeting, stand up and be heard.

Now for the elections themselves, it is up to each and every one of us to Vote! Do not expect people to vote … make sure they vote! Carpool to the polls if you have to. Make a ride with your buddies and hit each of their polling booths, if you all have different ones. Make phone calls to anyone you can think of and remind them. People will say, eh it’s only the Primary elections … but we know different.. Do you want to go to the polls in November with no one to vote for? You may as well stay home for the November elections if you don’t vote in the Primary, there may not be anyone to vote for!

The choice is yours Vote and be heard or sit at home and polish your helmet!

Todd C. Miller

State Coordinator, ABATE of NE Inc.

ABATE of Nebraska

402.440.8756

District 15 is on the move they have met with Tyson Larson and like what he had to say … They are making posters/fliers and getting his name out in the district! Tyson was intern for Adrian Smith when he carried our bill before so he knows a lot about our cause and the statistics.

Great job guys!

Todd C. Miller

State Coordinator, ABATE of NE Inc.

ABATE of Nebraska

402.440.8756

District 6 ABATE on the move!

This just in from district 6 ABATE … they have set up a weekly web update for the candidates in their area … it will update every Wednesday! They are posting on their site what events the candidates have upcoming and what help they are asking for. They had 2 of the candidates attend their last meeting Sunday. They had

Senator Krist district 10 and challenger Comstock district 8 … and it sounds as if it made a great impression on both sides … a quote from Senator Krist’s campaign manager “Your group and what they are doing make me feel proud to be a part of Bob’s campaign. You (ABATE) demonstrate how the system works and I appreciate your under recognized charitable contributions.” He also sent off a check to Dana for the Mags for Military effort. They were very touched by that. It sounds like the membership is very psyched and ready to chip in on the campaigns including an informal campaign kick of for Senator Krist at the Ice House on Monday the 19^th …

I would very much like to hear from the rest of the districts as to what you are getting done …. For those of you that do not have an election or Primary concern in your area … just an update on how the Yard Sign campaign is coming for Senator Fulton. I would like to know where they are being distributed etc. Send all the information to me and I will get it out to the group and on the website! If you are lending a hand to another district I want to know that as well.

I would even like to hear any anecdotal stories regarding discussions you have in your favorite hot spots talking about ABATE and the elections, registering people to vote etc …

I challenge each district to send me something … let’s get it out there and let the rest of the state know what you are doing!

Todd C. Miller

State Coordinator, ABATE of NE Inc.

ABATE of Nebraska

402.440.8756

What Can You Do For ABATE?

I hear it all the time “what can I do?” I am just one person, I won’t make a difference. I want to tell you right now that is absolutely BS! Over the last year ABATE of Ne has made some great strides to be heard and seen not only here in Ne but all over the country. Spot said it right; other helmet states are keeping an eye on us and using us for an example of what to do next. States without helmet laws are cheering us on. We have a group of warriors for motorcycle rights out there and it is you!

I have seen many an election won or lost by just a few votes in the primary’s all it takes is a solid group of people working together to assure one more like minded candidate makes it to the general election. A very great many people don’t even vote! Can any of you even imagine that? Not voting when you have the chance to change the whole outcome of an election? We are a political organization, we believe in the right to choose! If you don’t want government to continue to make decisions for you affecting your rights, you had better vote!

Now we need you!

Start now talking to all your friends, relatives and fellow bike organizations, get them registered to vote. Connie has graciously added the link on the state website to register. It only takes a few minutes and you can print it off and mail it in. Heck start some voter registration drives at your events! While you have them there, talk to them about the candidates in your area that believe in helmet repeal. I cannot stress enough how important name recognition is for a lot of voters. Some will come to the polls to vote on one particular area and know nothing of any other candidates … they will simply check the box of the one who sounds familiar! Well let’s make sure the one that they have heard of is the one we want in office! This can be an easy task … put up yard signs, posters or just start chatting about them. Don’t stop till the elections are over. We may not have won the war yet … but we can sure win the next battle!

We need you!

Todd C. Miller

State Coordinator, ABATE of NE Inc.

ABATE of Nebraska

402.440.8756

Hopefully you have all read the email or checked the website involving the focus on the primary elections. I am sure that may of you have noticed that all of the primaries that have three or more candidates are in the Eastern one third of the state. Well if you live West of Highway 81 here is a plan for you.

During this last attempt on LB200 we made a few deals one of which included Senator Tony Fulton from Lincoln . In visiting with Tony he was able to see his way clear to support us and did so on the floor during debate as well as convinced a few other to come along. In return, we said we would try and assist in his bid to run for State Treasurer. It’s time to put up! Tony is from the Lincoln area and well regarded and known in that area. West of Lincoln he is about as well known as what exit you get off of to get to Virginia Beach . We need to help him change that. In the State Treasurers race there are three Republicans on the ballot for the primary election. Only one makes it through. We could get ourselves some big time political clout if we get this guy a win in the primary. He knows a bunch of people in and around the capital and could be a huge help to us if we can get him elected. Trust me, people will take notice.

I have spoke to Rick his campaign manager several time as well as the Senator on this and they are pumped for the help. What I would like to do is have them deliver to me or to the BOD meeting in Kearney about 1000 yard signs as well as some posters and other items. We can divide them up by district and get put up or out in key areas with in each of our districts. Roughly that’s less then 80 sings per district but I am sure they have more if you need them.

This is key in districts 10, 13,12,3 and 4 to get these up and get the word out. It’s just as important in the other districts as well and can be done in conjunction with the primary efforts already in progress. He needs to win the East too.

We need to make this happen for the guy to prove that we are for real and it’s far better to have us across the table then locked outside.

Please email me if you have any questions.

Scott

Ok folks Scott and I have discussed the campaigns and primary elections and starting today here is our primary focus … Scott has done most of the legwork … below is his message. There will be more to come as we learn more about certain races and we have some plans for those districts out west with less to do in the primary right now … stay tuned!

Todd C. Miller

State Coordinator, ABATE of NE Inc.

ABATE of Nebraska

402.440.8756

There has been an explosion of new candidates filing over the last few days so I am still in the process of getting with several of them. Some, I am waiting for their response.

That said here is what I believe to be the best approach.

We need to attack this in steps the first of which is the Legislative primaries with 3 or more candidates. There are 9 of those across the state and involve 5 of our ABATE districts. Outlines of those races will follow late in the email.

The primary is May 11^th so between now and then we need to do the following:

(NOW) Each ABATE district needs to focus it’s membership to register to vote as well as all of their friends and eligible family. Many of these races especially in the primaries are won by just a few votes. 50 to 100 people voting in a block which may not usually can swing an election. I would start at the next meeting encouraging people to get registered with in the next few weeks. Remember, the Legislative race in non patrician, it makes no difference your party affiliation, the top two vote getters move on.
(after BOD the 14^th) District legislative officers and District coordinators should be the link between the candidates we are supporting in your districts. Make contact with these folks and find out what help they may need.
(after BOD the 14^th) As advised by the candidate’s office, plan some organized efforts to get the word out. As an example, offer to rally some people to put up yard signs some Saturday or hand out hand bills at an event.
(after BOD the 14^th) Make sure you talk up the candidate to people who may not be in ABATE but are sympathetic to us. The owner of the Pump and Pantry on the high way that would like to see more business travel through for instance.
(now but pick support candidates after BOD) For districts like 6 and 2, I would recommend creating several groups that focus on certain races. 2 and 6 have several key primary races.

The reason to wait on some of the above until after the BOD is that we want to make sure we are supporting the right person in the election. Some of these folks run for anything and everything and have no shot of winning. We need to make those determinations on the 14^th. I would ask that each of the District coordinators review the candidates in their areas before the BOD meeting.

The key Primary races are as follows and outlined by District:

Legislative District 6 ABATE D6

John Nelson is the Incumbent and sided with us late in the game. I think he is our best choice. George Westphal and Todd Frazier just entered the race late and I am still checking.

Legislative District 8 ABATE D6 (vacated by Tom White who is running for the US House and a good friend of ours)

Richard Ream, Burke Harr, John Comstock all entered late and I am still checking.

Legislative District 10 ABATE D6

Bob Krist is the Incumbent and our best choice.

Larry Bradley and Tim Lonergan are running against

Legislative District 14 ABATE D6 (vacated by Gay stepping down)

With in the last 5 days, Jim Smith, Don Todd, Ian Hartfield, and Teresa Whitehead have all stepped up to challenge. I have calls into each of them.

I will be able to get clarification on each of the above before the BOD.

Legislative District 16 ABATE D11

Kent Rogert is the incumbent and the best choice.

Debra Bosshart and Lydia Brasch need to go away it appears.

Legislative District 22 ABATE D4 (vacated by Suthman terming out)

Best choice so far is Paul Schumacher. He is an attorney (I think the old county) that said he is in support as of now.

Others running are Rebecca Rayman who will not call me back once I said who I was and Mike Moser who just joined the race.

Don’t feel left out D2 here you go with two humdingers.

Legislative District 26 ABATE D2

Amanda McGill is the incumbent and voted against us. She must go.

Tom Dierks said he could be convinced to support us but I am not sure if his dad Cap may have some influence but still an option.

Bob Van Valkenburg may be an option but he is pretty flighty. He is a 70 guy that runs a blog called according to van. It’s king of his take on life and I am not real sure how serious a candidate he really is.

My money is on Dierks.

Legislative District 30 ABATE 2

Norm Wallman is the incumbent and also needs to go.

Challenging is John Knabe and Robert Tiemann who just joined.

Knabe is calling me back and I just got contact info on Tiemann.

Legislative District 40 ABATE D15 and D4

Cap Dierks is the incumbent and also needs to go. He gets in to office by the skin of his teeth and is beatable.

Running against is Tyson Larsen who I think is a 22 year old guy in O’Neil with no phone yet and Adam Dea who I have a call into. I am still checking to see if I have the right contact info on Tyson.

What I need to know ASAP is what if anything you know about the folks mentioned above. Who are they, what is their standing in the community. Why would people know them and what are their chances of getting elected?

There are 7 other races that have 2 running but both will get to the general election in the fall. There are some key races in these 7 as well like Lathrope and Lillis for instance but all contestants in these races will make it to the general election in the fall. We need to focus on the primaries first. If we keep Rogert and Krist, lose Wallman and McGill, and add 3 more like minded folks that’s a net gain of 5 if we get them through the general election. After the primaries, the results for the 7 other elections will give us a great idea what shot we have in changing them and what effort we need to put behind it.

There will be a whole lot more come by the BOD in a few weeks but in the mean time get your folks motivated and registered and please email or call with your thoughts on candidates in your areas. Districts not involved in the primary, I would lend some help to other districts because come the general election, you may have your hand out as well..

Scott

Chart Legend

	Terming Out
	Against us
	For us

Dist #	Senator	For/Against	running?	challengers	for/against	comments
2	Dave Pankonin	Against	yes	Nate Louderback	For	need Louderback
6	John Nelson	For	yes	George Westfall		keep Nelson!
6	John Nelson	For	yes	Todd Frazier		keep Nelson!
8	Tom White - vacating office	For	no	John Comstock	For	Need Comstock!
				Richard Ream
				Burke Harr
10	Bob Krist	For	yes	Larry Bradley		need to keep Krist!
10	Bob Krist	For	yes	Tim Lonergan		need to keep Krist!
12	Steve Lathrop	Against	yes	John Lillis	For	Need Lillis!
14	Tim Gay - stepping down	Against	no	Jim Smith	For	Smith will support us!
				Don Todd
				Ian Harffield
				Teresa Whitehead
16	Kent Rogert	For	yes	Debra Bosshart		we need Rogert!
16	Kent Rogert	For	yes	Lydia Brasch		we need Rogert!
18	Scott Lautenbaugh	For	yes	Carl Lorenz		keep Lautenbaugh!
22	Arnie Stuthman - terming out	For	no	Paul Schumacher	For	Schumacher is our best bet!
				Rebecca Rayman
				Mike Moser
				Roy Zach
26	Amanda McGill	Against	yes	Tom Dierks	For	Dierks our best bet!
26	Amanda McGill	Against	yes	Bob Van Valkenburg
28	Bill Avery	Aginst	yes	Nancy Russell	??
30	Norm Wallman	Against	yes	John Knabe		Knabe
30	Norm Wallman	Against	yes	Robert Tiemann		Knabe
34	Annette Dubas	Against	yes	Brandon Hunnicutt	??
40	ML Cap Dierks	Against	yes	Tyson Larson	For	Tyson supports us!
40	ML Cap Dierks	Against	yes	Adam Dea		Tyson supports us!
44	Mark Christensen	For	yes	Tom Baker	??
46	Danielle Conrad	Against	yes	Chad Wright	For	have support email from Wright!