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Bruning enters Senate race, assails Hagel

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By the Lincoln Journal Star

Thursday, Jun 07, 2007 - 07:22:47 pm CDT



Targeting Sen. Chuck Hagel as a man out of touch with Nebraskans, Attorney General Jon Bruning on Thursday strode into the 2008 Republican Senate race.

“I’ve chosen this path because conservative Nebraskans deserve a leader who will support and defend the principles and values of the Republican Party,” Bruning said.

Story Photo
Attorney General Jon Bruning announces his political plans to run for senate Thursday morning at the State Capitol with the support of his wife, Deonne, and children Lauren and Jack (left). (Heidi Hoffman)

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Bruning for Senate
U.S. Sen. Chuck Hagel
Jon Bruning

Party: Republican

Occupation: Attorney general, state of Nebraska

Age: 38. Born April 30, 1969, in Lincoln to Roger and Mary Bruning.

Residence: Lancaster County

Education: Graduated from Lincoln Southeast High School in 1987. Graduated with a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1990. Earned law degree from UNL in 1994.

Professional experience: General counsel for Vital Learning Corp. in Omaha, 1994-1997. Attorney in private practice.

Political experience: Vice president of University of Nebraska-Lincoln student government, 1989-1990. Elected as a state senator in 1996 and re-elected in 2000. Elected attorney general in 2002 and re-elected in 2006.

Religion: Attends First Plymouth Congregational Church.

Family: Wife, Deonne Niemack, two children.

Campaign Web site: www.jonbruning.com

Opinions on major issues

Expanded gambling: “I’m against it. I think it’s a poor way to fund government.”

Abortion: “I’m pro-life. I believe that life begins at conception.”

Death penalty: “I support the death penalty. I’m the guy who carried the bill to try to change the method of execution to lethal injection.”



The potential field

REPUBLICANS

Sen. Chuck Hagel: Biding his time. He’ll decide later whether to seek re-election.

State Attorney General Jon Bruning: Out of the blocks. He’s decided to confront Hagel, whether the senator is a candidate or not.

U.S. Ag Secretary Mike Johanns: Mum’s the word. He’s being promoted as a Hagel successor if the senator doesn’t run.

Former Omaha Mayor Hal Daub: At the starting gate. He’ll make his decision without regard to what Hagel does.

Businessman Tony Raimondo: Hagel goes first. The Columbus industrialist says he’ll jump in if Hagel stays out.



DEMOCRATS

Former Sen. Bob Kerrey: The 1 Percent Candidate. He’s taking a peek, but says there’s a 1 percent chance he’d get in if Hagel doesn’t.

Omaha Mayor Mike Fahey: Home sweet home. He may be more inclined to seek re-election as Omaha mayor than answer the Democratic knock on the door.

Former congressional candidate Scott Kleeb: Rushing the future. After impressive 2006 House bid, he’s viewed as a future face of Nebraska’s Democratic Party.

If he’s elected, the attorney general said, “we will restore conservative Republican leadership to this Senate seat.”

Hagel, he said, does not represent the views of Nebraskans when he opposes President Bush’s Iraq war policies, criticizes the president and pushes for immigration reform that opens a pathway to legal status for most of the illegal immigrants already settled in the United States.

Describing Hagel as “a temporary Virginian” who has not made a permanent personal commitment to Nebraska, Bruning said the senator has “forgotten what Nebraskans sent him there to do.”

Hagel says he’ll announce later this year whether he will seek re-election to a third term.

Bruning’s harsh assessment of Hagel was filled with “baseless accusations and insults,” said Kevin Chapman, the senator’s political director.

“Most of what Jon Bruning said today was inaccurate.”

Furthermore, Chapman said, “for Jon Bruning, who has never served his country in uniform, to question Chuck Hagel’s commitment to the troops is an insult to the troops and to the intelligence of the people of Nebraska.”

Bruning said Nebraskans want “a leader who will stand with our troops, our military commanders in Iraq and our commander in chief in this time of war.”

Hagel served in Vietnam as a combat infantryman and was wounded twice.

Other options facing Hagel moving toward the 2008 election year include a presidential bid, either as a Republican or an independent, or departure from elective office at the end of next year.

Hagel’s recent references to an independent, or third-way, presidential movement also drew fire from Bruning during his campaign kickoff in the State Capitol Rotunda.

“He’s thinking about leaving the party,” Bruning said.  That kind of independent movement would only help Democrats, he said.

Bruning’s combative announcement unfolded in front of a temporary background featuring a huge American flag.  The event attracted about 100 supporters and spectators, and was televised live on Internet sites.

With his family at his side, Bruning answered questions from a large media contingent for about 20 minutes.

Moments after the event concluded, former Omaha Mayor Hal Daub issued a statement declaring that Bruning’s entry into the race “will have no impact” on whether he decides to seek the GOP Senate nomination.

Daub, who served four terms in the House before he was elected mayor, has embarked on a tour of all 93 counties before making his own decision.  He visited eight counties in western Nebraska last weekend and will visit nine more on a trip that begins Sunday.

Also considering a Republican bid is Columbus industrialist Tony Raimondo. But  Raimondo has said he won’t enter the contest if Hagel decides to seek re-election.

Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns, Nebraska’s former two-term governor, sits atop a list of other Republican prospects.  Johanns, who has declined to even discuss the possibility, showed up at Wednesday’s weekly Nebraska breakfast in Washington hosted by the congressional delegation.

Bruning said he wants to “give the troop surge time to work” in Iraq while “keep(ing) the terrorists engaged on sand a long ways away.”

On immigration reform, Bruning said: “I oppose amnesty — in any form — no matter what Senator Hagel or other politicians call it. 

“We must secure our borders and ports first,” Bruning said. “And our current criminal and immigration laws must be enforced.  Period.”

Bruning disputed the results of a Congressional Quarterly survey that showed Hagel voting more often with Bush on legislative issues than any other member of the Senate in 2006.   That remark, Chapman said, demonstrated Bruning “either doesn’t know the facts or doesn’t care about the facts.”

CQ figures, Chapman said, show Hagel supported Bush nearly 96 percent of the time in 2006.  Hagel has supported Bush 95 percent of the time, and the majority Republican position 92 percent, during his years in the Senate, according to CQ.

In answer to questions, Bruning said he believes he could defeat Johanns in a GOP primary contest.

And if former Democratic Sen. Bob Kerrey ultimately should decide to enter the Senate race, Bruning said, “his record would be so easy to assail.”

Kerrey, he said, is a New Yorker now. The former two-term senator is president of New School University in New York City.

“Nebraskans do not want a carpetbagger anymore,” Bruning said.  “Nebraskans want a Nebraskan.”

Kerrey, who watched the announcement in New York on the Internet, said he was surprised by Bruning’s tone.

“I don’t think gratuitous insults are necessary,” Kerrey said.  “I’m not a candidate.  I’m a taxpayer in Nebraska, paying my fair share of Jon Bruning’s salary.”

As for Bruning’s suggestion that Hagel is not a Nebraskan, Kerrey said: “Chuck’s not a carpetbagger. He’s working like heck for Nebraskans.

“It seems hypocritical to whack him for not supporting the president on Iraq and whack him for supporting the president on immigration.”

It appears Bruning wants to “be with the president when it’s popular and not be with him when it’s not,” Kerrey said.

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


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Chris wrote on June 7, 2007 10:23 am:
" Yes! I'm excited for such a great candidate to enter the Nebraska Senate race. Bruning has done an excellent job as AG and will do even better serving Nebraskans in DC. "
Darren wrote on June 7, 2007 10:27 am:
" go away boy, you bother me. "
John B wrote on June 7, 2007 10:33 am:
" I hope he can present some of his own thoughts, not just the agenda from his right-wing backers with all the money. "
Good wrote on June 7, 2007 10:34 am:
" Thank God, and sorry Chucky. "
Mike wrote on June 7, 2007 10:41 am:
" Finally we have a chance to send somebody with real values to Washington! "
Native Nebraskan wrote on June 7, 2007 11:03 am:
" I suggest Mr. Bruning and his supporters put on their uniforms, as Sen. Hagel once did, and go to Iraq and clean up the mess other like minded "conservatives" have created. Ignorance & arrogance a la Bush are a recipe for disaster. "
John Holmes wrote on June 7, 2007 11:14 am:
" Just what we don't need, another "Yes Man" in the senate. "
dave wrote on June 7, 2007 11:24 am:
" I find it interesting that he considers Hagel a carpetbagger but claims Tom Osborne is a supporter. I guess he forgot that Osborne claimed a cabin on a lake in the Third District to run for Congress but lived in Lincoln. But that is his normal double standard. "
Great wrote on June 7, 2007 11:28 am:
" I'm very excited about the announcement from Jon Bruning. He is correct about Nebraska needing someone "in touch" to be our senator and it doesn't heart that he has some conservative thoughts. Thank you for not supporting the presidents immigration bill. It is not a good bill and obviously you know that Jon. I'm here to support you, to work for you, and contribute a few dollars. "
Reap what you sow wrote on June 7, 2007 11:28 am:
" If Nebraska casts Hagel aside for speaking the truth and not following the misguided agenda of this Administration, we will be - and deserve to be - a national embarrassment. "
Tim wrote on June 7, 2007 11:49 am:
" As a law student at UNL Bruning took pains to paint himself as a liberal and published pieces in the Daily Nebraskan stating, among other things, that he was PRO choice, PRO gun control, and PRO affirmative action. He goes on to say that Hillary Clinton is "an amazing woman" and "homosexuals should have the same rights as everyone else" including the right to be boy scouts and serve in the military (gasp!). Now there's a candidate I can support. Alas, these views are not compatible with his current penchant for political opportunism given the climate of the day in the state of Nebraska, and so Nebraska's chameleon has changed from blue to red to further his own ends at the expense of those underpriveledged and powerless that in his idealistic youth he thought to defend. "
Bruning wrote on June 7, 2007 11:54 am:
" needs to deflate his ego and reevaluate why he got into public service. "
Disgusted wrote on June 7, 2007 12:04 pm:
" If he is as lazy about doing his job in Washington as he is at being AG any fool that votes for him deserves him. "
cjs wrote on June 7, 2007 12:16 pm:
" Although I believe that Jon Bruning has served the people very well as the state's attorney general, I do not believe he has started his campaign on the correct road by spewing rhetoric with regard to Senator Hagel being disloyal to his party by not supporting the Bush administration. Senator Hagel's voting record has supported the President over 95% of the issues at hand. The fact that he doess not support the policy with regard to the Iraq invasion demonstrates that he is not a party puppet and will support not only what he feels is the correct road for the citizens that he represents, but also represents the voice of the nation as was demonstrated in the November, 2006 election. With an administration that has attempted to take away our civil liberties and bend the constitution to fit their agenda, I'm honored to have a senator that still believes and practices the philosophy that the constitution was created by and for the people of the United States. Thank you Senator Hagel for represeting Nebraska with honor, intelligence, and common sense. "
M.P wrote on June 7, 2007 12:23 pm:
" This guy is a Bush puppet.. oh wait, that will go over well here since peolpe in this state would rather be told what to think. "
are you serious wrote on June 7, 2007 12:25 pm:
" I am a registered republican and I believe this whole heartedly. Hagel should be commended on his views towards the war. He has enough guts to stand up for what he believes in and what he feels the people want without following the republican bandwagon. If Bruning's staunch conservative corprate ideas make there way toward the white house he'll make Bush look like a saint. "
JB wrote on June 7, 2007 12:25 pm:
" I'm excited too. Bruning is a man with a conscious. I just hope Nebraska keeps up the good work of pursuing pedophiles. "
peb wrote on June 7, 2007 12:29 pm:
" I prefer someone (Hagel) who will not swim with the flow and uses his guts to speak for himself. The biggest example of Bruning "going with the flow" is the fact that he dramatically changed positions once he figured out that politically, he would do better in Nebraska as a conservative. Someone who could make a 180 degree turn from being an outspoken liberal to conservative political candidate is scary. "
Kevin wrote on June 7, 2007 12:29 pm:
" Anyone but Hagel. Personally, if the election were today, I would probably vote for Hal Daub. But May is a long ways off. "
Elmer Fudd wrote on June 7, 2007 12:36 pm:
" What is it about the office of Attorney General that attracts people who are constantly running for something else? Stenberg ran for every conceivable office he could the entire time he was AG. Now we have Bruning doing the same thing. "
TG wrote on June 7, 2007 12:36 pm:
" This is hilarious. A true conservative leader??? Bruning was once PRESIDENT of the UNL YOUNG DEMOCRATS. What a joke he is! Another career politician making his ascent up the ladder. "
No Chance wrote on June 7, 2007 12:37 pm:
" Hagel will mop the floor with Bruning. Very interesting post Tim. "
Already Running wrote on June 7, 2007 12:38 pm:
" Bruning has been running for Senate since he became AG. Never in the history of this state has an AG put his own picture on so many pieces of "official correspondence" from his public service(?) announcements to brochures. This guy has got to have the most flexible shoulders in the country. (from the constant self pats of the back) "
Tom wrote on June 7, 2007 12:43 pm:
" Too bad he gets paid for being the Nebraska AG, let him run on his own. "
John wrote on June 7, 2007 12:51 pm:
" Talk about a flip-flopper! "
Jean wrote on June 7, 2007 1:03 pm:
" Bruning already addressed the articles he wrote back in college. Really, guys, going back to his school days is kind of pathetic. Just goes to show how good of a job he is doing now. "
Republican Voter wrote on June 7, 2007 1:05 pm:
" Once again I must say, Jon boy, put on a uniform and go fight. How is it that Mr Bruning can disagree with GW on immigration and yet claim his is more conservative. Hagel has gone with GW more than most senators yet Bruning wants to label him out of touch. Back to one of my previous posts, Senator Hagel has been more supportive of military/veterans issues than the President and his gang. Check the records. We hear plenty of how good the troops are doing while Pentagon bureacrats (at the behest of the White House) continue to try to cut benefits. Thanks for someone like Senator Hagel who has fought for the troops. If Jon wants to be on TV that much, why not be a game show host? "
Terry wrote on June 7, 2007 1:06 pm:
" All right! Vote Bruning! That way we can get rid of a very poor AG and a joke of a Senator at the same time! "
Bubba Lubdubski wrote on June 7, 2007 1:15 pm:
" Great...just what Nebraska needs....Capt. Republican Rubber Stamp running to unseat a senator who actually uses his mind and votes for what is best for his constituents and the nation. "
NOT FOR YOU MR. BRUNING wrote on June 7, 2007 1:26 pm:
" We need more Republicans like Hagel. Not sheep like yourself Mr. Bruning. "
Think for yourself wrote on June 7, 2007 1:39 pm:
" Great, another Sean Hannity Muppet. "
Scott2 wrote on June 7, 2007 1:41 pm:
" I'm tired of seeing AG's jump straight into the Senate. Let them fight it out in the House, or in the Governor's chamber before we give them this kind of a promotion. Bruning's not qualified to set national policy yet. "
Voting for Bruning wrote on June 7, 2007 1:42 pm:
" Great news! Jon you've got our votes and support. "
Fed up wrote on June 7, 2007 1:44 pm:
" I am a republican, seriously considering Independent. The "two" parties are too busy pointing fingers at each other and I for one am fed up with it. If they could stop assassinating each other they could possibly get something done that would benefit the people instead of benefitting themselves. It seems like Bruning would like to be able to benefit himself and make all of you believe that it is a good thing. Wake up people, once elected Bruning is not going to care about you, just his buddies and himself on capitol hill. "
Republican critics of Hagel wrote on June 7, 2007 1:44 pm:
" Other than the war in Iraq, can you name the policy positions on which Chuck Hagel hasn't supported the president of your party? Is that really all you have to criticize Hagel about--that he doesn't support an administration who has grossly mismanaged the war from day one, and sacrificed thousands of lives in the process? Is that all you have? Because from where I stand, the LAST thing that Nebraska needs is another Pete Ricketts clone ("whatever the party line is, that's good for me!!"), which is pretty much all that Bruning seems to be about right now. So really--please describe your policy differences with Hagel. I'll hang up and listen. "
Billy Bob wrote on June 7, 2007 2:02 pm:
" Tim - don't forget that he also said that Ronald Reagan was "incapable of understanding complex policy arguments," "trickle-down economics was a farce," and called out to conservative to "come out of the closet" to "Let's get it on!" "True conservative"????? Give me a break. "
Husker Neocon wrote on June 7, 2007 2:06 pm:
" I can name one - immigration. Chucky Hagel wants open borders and amnesty for all. I think Jon Bruning has done a fantastic job in the AGs office, and would be a great Senator. You Lib democrats will present a 5th tier candidate, and they will lose in the general (Maxine Maul, anyone?) "
RU Serious wrote on June 7, 2007 2:08 pm:
" I don't know if I would vote for Senator Hagel again. However I do believe that he is real. I would never vote for either Bruning or Daub because they are never real. Everything they do is caculated on how it can benefit them. Have you seen either of these guys at public events? I hope someone else will step up to the plate. Mike Johanss please come back and run. "
airedale wrote on June 7, 2007 2:11 pm:
" I have asked this question before and I will continue to ask it as this campaign progresses: What has Bruning done in his life that qualifies him for such a high office? Bruning supporters continue to say things like 'Jon is a great guy' or 'Jon represents Nebraska values'. Enough of the platitudes already. How about some actual substance for a change? "
Hack wrote on June 7, 2007 2:19 pm:
" Bruning has no "values" that he actually believes in. He's an arrogant, ego-driven, CAREER POLITICIAN who says whatever he has to say in order to dupe people into voting for him. Hagel voted with Bush more than any other US Senator. He just disagrees with him about the war. I'll take Hagel the military veteran over Bruning the man who didn't serve any day. "
MarkyMark wrote on June 7, 2007 2:22 pm:
" We want to throw out the guy with the highest Conservative voting record in Congress today? Fine with me, being a Democrat, but Hagel is umpteen times more Conservative than Bush. I just don't get it. "
Joseph P. Sokolovsky wrote on June 7, 2007 2:25 pm:
" Way-to-go...Jon!! Bruning must be the right person for the U.S. Senate seat because he already has a lot of the "wacko's" jumping out of the trees and throwing up the negative remarks based on nothing! The "wacko's" have evaluated everything about Jon Bruning since birth, and probably have never met the man!! Isn't politics fun...only in America can people say anything they want about another person without knowing the "garbage" they bring to the table is right or wrong! Oh, well...after election time they will being address Jon Bruning as Senator Bruning!! "
SoCal Husker wrote on June 7, 2007 2:36 pm:
" Anyone but Hagel who sold fellow Republicans down the tube with his illegal alien amnesty support. Adios, Chucky! Even Ben Nelson knows that this Bush/Kennedy bill is a travesty. "
SoCal Husker wrote on June 7, 2007 2:38 pm:
" Being a liberal in college and growing into a common sense conservative is a natural evolution for most. Bruning has grown up from his childish days. Don't diss him for this. Admire him as someone with maturity. "
jb wrote on June 7, 2007 2:53 pm:
" Boy are you right on the money Mike, let's send somebody with values like our President. The values of lies, deceit, destroyer of the constitution. Just what we need, another Bush puppie "
Justin wrote on June 7, 2007 3:19 pm:
" I just hope that the majority of Nebraskan's can see through Jon Bruning for what he really is. He's all about himself. Arogant, cocky, and egotistical. Please don't vote for him. "
Comm UnSense wrote on June 7, 2007 3:19 pm:
" Winston Churchill once said that if you are 20 and a conservative, you have no heart and if you are 40 and a liberal, you have no brain. I'd say people can change after college. Some even get more mature. "
love the bashers wrote on June 7, 2007 3:48 pm:
" I'm happy to see all the Bruning bashers on board today. That confirms that Bruning is the guy. If one can attract this much negative stuff so quickly from the far-left, then it adds support to the fact Bruning is the man! I'm also happy to see that a "liberal" college guy can mature and see the truth. Too bad more on here haven't joined Jon in "repenting" of being a "liberal" and "converting" to a conservative. Way to go Jon and hopefully at least one more will "convert" also during your campaign. Voting for Bruning! "
Lincoln Catholic wrote on June 7, 2007 3:53 pm:
" Sorry, Jon,but you are decidedly NOT pro-life if you support the death penalty in Nebraska. "
Issues vs Parties wrote on June 7, 2007 4:00 pm:
" What are "the principles and values of the Republican Party?" Bruning using making vague statements like this one, should not be comforting to anyone. So often people fall into the trap of voting because of party affliations, when really the party lines have been blurred for many years. When will politics really become about the issues? Hagel has been standing on issues, despite "party affiliations". That should be commended. "
airedale wrote on June 7, 2007 4:01 pm:
" I see Jon is already playing the immigration debate card. That is kind of funny considering that Jon tried to garner Latino support back in 2003 by installing a 'Latino Outreach Coordinator'. I guess then Jon thought he would court the Latino vote. Now, of course, things have changed. Just another dust in the wind moment for this flip flop politician. "
Values? wrote on June 7, 2007 4:02 pm:
" What are "the principles and values of the Republican Party?" Bruning using making vague statements like this one, should not be comforting to anyone. So often people fall into the trap of voting because of party affiliations, when really the party lines have been blurred for many years. When will politics really become about the issues? Hagel has been standing on issues, despite "party affiliations". That should be commended. "
It's okay to change your mind wrote on June 7, 2007 4:32 pm:
" For all you folks who defend Bruning's *complete* 180 in political affiliation and issue positions (and who seemingly aren't at all bothered by that)--I say, "Here, here!!" It's okay to flip flop and change your mind. You know, like when you promise not to run until the sitting senator in your party has made up his mind about whether or not he will run. John Bruning--a man of principle, a man of his word! "
T in Lincoln wrote on June 7, 2007 4:36 pm:
" Replacing Hagel with Bruning would truly amount to a dumbing-down of this senate seat. What happened to Nebraska's tradition of independence? "
Hadrian wrote on June 7, 2007 4:54 pm:
" Go Jon!!!!!!! "
TG wrote on June 7, 2007 5:01 pm:
" Let's get two things straight. 1) Nebraska has never been known to have true 'independent' elected officials and 2) Brunning didn't "grow up" and "mature" into a conservative. He changed with the political winds to get himself elected in an ultra-conservative state. "
Michael wrote on June 7, 2007 5:05 pm:
" Hopefully Hagel does run again so we can see a repeat of the Ricketts campaign, I can't wait to see Bruning come up dreadfully short at the polls on election night. This country certainly is not in need of a puppet for Bush. "
Zoomie wrote on June 7, 2007 5:06 pm:
" Bruning is just another GOP Romney-clone, someone who'll be whatever he has to be to get elected to the next higher office. Liberal one week, conservative the next, doesn't really stand for anything, and NEVER put himself in harms way (physical or career). Just heard him say we should stay in Iraq forever, 'cause if we leave the terrorists will train in Iraq...Uhh, jon-boy, the terrorists are ALREADY training in Iraq, using our soldiers as moving targets! Oh, well, Nebraska will again vote for vapor instead of substance... "
Go John Go! wrote on June 7, 2007 5:12 pm:
" Bruning has twice been elected in a statewide election as Attorney General. Prior to that he served in the unicameral. He is far more experienced as a public servant that Hagel was when he was elected in 1996. I voted for Hagel in 96 and 2002, but will be voting for John Bruning this time around. My reasons go far beyond Hagel's position on the war in Iraq. Hagel has been running roughshod over the Nebraska Republican Party for several years. It is the Hagel machine that demands blind loyalty no matter what it does. If you need help from a senator, you better go to Ben Nelson because all Hagel cares about is getting on national TV. It is time for new leadership in the Republican Party in Nebraska represented by John Bruning and Shane Osborn. "
Matt Poulsen wrote on June 7, 2007 5:28 pm:
" Please! I tell you want I want in that senate seat. I want someone who is willing to stand up to the political machine. I don't want a GOP yes man...that's why Ricketts got his butt kicked by Ben Nelson. I'm a republican and will probably puke if Bruning is elected. He's not a leader...he'll be a gopher for the extreme right wings of the republican party. By the way Bruning, Hagel was not sent to Washington to simply fall in line with the Bush agenda! Hagel was sent there to represent NEBRASKA...not the religious right of the republican party!! Hagel will roll this clown. "
congrats wrote on June 7, 2007 5:31 pm:
" Thank you Jon for getting into the race for the senate. It will be a fun race and campaign. Work and run hard no matter who else runs. Share your vision, thoughts, and ideas. Give all of Nebraska a chance to hear from more than just one person. It takes a lot to take this step. It takes nothing to sit on the sidelines and throw sticks and bricks. That is typical of most people. Few are willing to take the leap into running for office and many sit on the sides and complain and moan. Obviously no one on line here would do that but...Thanks again for running and I look forward to hearing from everyone who runs so that I can and will make a decision based on the facts as you and others present them. "
Lola wrote on June 7, 2007 5:45 pm:
" I wish Bruning's supporters would give just ONE good reason why they think he's been a good AG.What has he done? He imprisoned a guy who married the young lady he impregnated. He did a phony-baloney "investigation" of spiraling gas prices and found nothing amiss -- quelle suprise! Likewise, Bruning did a phony-baloney, "nothing's amiss" investigation of Nelnet -- a company that has cheated American taxpayers out of HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS of dollars and is in major trouble in a number of states. Nebraskans might as well have elected Rip Van Winkle as AG. "
Dan wrote on June 7, 2007 5:45 pm:
" Jon,AKA Joseph McCarthy, please resign as Attorney General. You can't do the job you ran for while running for the Senate full time. If Chuck desides to run for the Senate again,he'll send you home to Brunning with tail between your legs. "
Matt wrote on June 7, 2007 5:52 pm:
" So, if Bruning thinks he simply suppose to support Bush then how can he be against the current Immigration Bill??? Hagel is for it. Does that mean Bruning doesn't support Bush...gasp! How do you reconcile this Jon? I have a brilliant idea...maybe senators should go to Washington to lead instead of just doing what the republican party tells them to do! If he were living in a liberal state Bruning would be bashing Bush right now. He is not a man of principle...he is a man of opportunity. If Hagel was worried just about his political career he would fall in line with the rest of the republican party and easily win his next senate race. Thank god for people LEADERS like Hagel. "
OH NO wrote on June 7, 2007 6:41 pm:
" If Bruing wins that will put Nebraska back into the 1930 beliefs and values. The way he acts and thinks allow for other states to make fun of Nebraska. God help us if he wins. "
Elephantgun06 wrote on June 7, 2007 7:31 pm:
" Lola- While I'm not one of Jon's supporters per se, I did work for hi, and can tell you that no other Attorney General in the history of this State has ever done more to keep the people of the State of Nebraska safe. Just for starters, in Jon's first term as Attorney General his office wrote and passed a comprehensive meth bill that has virtually eliminated meth labs (last year there were approx. 30 when there were nearly 300 before this bill). Created and passed the toughest DUI laws in the country. Created and passed multiple pieces of legislation aimed at internet predators when no laws of their kind existed before. Created and passed some of the most comprehensive and stringent child sex offender laws in the nation (maybe only Florida's laws are tougher). Successfully prosecuted more criminals in his first four years than any Nebraska Attorney General in history (including a ton of murderers, pedophiles, and drug trafficker and his prosecutors only lost 2 jury trials over that period). The conviction affirmance rate of his appellate staff far exceeds those obtained under either Spire or Stenberg (meaning far fewer criminals are wiggling free on technicalities than ever before). While I won't dispute that Jon has always had his eyes on a larger prize but don't we want a go getter in the AG's office as oppossed to someone who's satisfied with the way things are and is just waiting for death. In my experience Jon's aspirations have never distracted him from fulfilling his primary duties as AG. To illustrate, I am a democrat and this fact was well known to Jon when he hired me. My political affiliation was never a factor. The only thing that mattered to Jon is my record of putting bad guys away and keeping Nebraskan's safe. I know Jon took a lot of heat for hiring me and other democratic attorneys, from the likes of Chuck Hagel and his cronies, but Jon would have none of it because he has always believed, as I, that the job of keeping Nebraskans safe takes precedence over the color of one's spots. And even though I cannot vote for Jon in the primary- I am praying that I have the opportunity to do so come November '08 for one simple reason- he produces! -And I have no reason to believe that he will stop producing (alas Jeff Fortenberry or Lee Terry) once he becomes a United States Senator. So, to my fellow Nebraskans (whether they be democrats, republicans or independents) please look at the marvelous things Jon (a thru and thru NEBRASKAN) has done, his potential to continue on with those things in Washington (where right now we really need them) and let's stop dwelling on things that really don't matter in the grand scheme of things (i.e. Jon's ego or conservative conversion). "
John Goomis wrote on June 7, 2007 7:38 pm:
" This guy sounds like another no-nothing no military no answer neocon. Save us from that. "
DJ wrote on June 7, 2007 7:47 pm:
" Here we go again. Little boy Bruning spouting off for the media. It's obvious the type of person Jon Bruning is. Just by his attacks on some very great men. I don't know if Jon Bruning has ever heard this in his life. A little sugar will carry you alot further than a gallon of vinigar. It's candidates like Jon Bruning that sours voters and effects voter turn out. Send him some place. BUT NOT WASHINGTON DC. "
Run Hypocrite, run wrote on June 7, 2007 7:50 pm:
" Jon Bruning a man of values? Let´s see I remember him ruining the life of Matthew Koso solely for political gain, and then when he had access to the records of a hundred teenage girls who were pregnant possibly from statutory rape, he chooses not to look into it, so much for standing for moral values, cough! "
TG wrote on June 7, 2007 7:56 pm:
" Does anyone else get the feeling that Bruning's campaign staff has been posting a large number of talking points here today??? (i.e.--'Go Jon Go', 'Voting for Bruning' et. al) And the backdoor politicking begins already....... "
PROG wrote on June 7, 2007 8:20 pm:
" Chuck and the do-little democrats. "
Dorothy wrote on June 7, 2007 8:20 pm:
" "Bruning has twice been elected in a statewide election as Attorney General" Yeah, cause that is a real meaningful qualification. By that rationale, Ernie Chambers should be our next Governor because he's been in the Unicameral so long. "
Yet Another Nebraska Republican wrote on June 7, 2007 8:38 pm:
" Jon Bruning comes across as a completely arrogant jerk in this report. About Kerrey : "his record would be easy to assail." Really, Jon? And what are your credntials again? He believes that he could defeat Johanns, Fair enough. On what grounds? He offers none. Bruning is the typical flag-waving, baby-kissing career politician that we swore ourselves to kick out of office in 1994. He brings nothing to the table than beyond telling people what they want to here in the short term. That is a position better suited to a opportunist Congressman, rather than a Senator. Wake up, Nebraska! "
DC Insider wrote on June 7, 2007 8:44 pm:
" Bruning would have no clout or seniority in Washington. "
Luke Peterson wrote on June 7, 2007 9:21 pm:
" What is really making me nauseous is the fact that Bruning already went on "attack" mode and has started a negative campaign for my respected vote. And he won't run a campaign that is about the troubles facing the nation today. He'll just pander to the group that is fed up with Hagel and even (if) when Bruning has to run against someone other than Hagel, he'll try to equate his opponent to Hagel. Bruning has no true message to Nebraska voters except being the "anti-Hagel." "
TK wrote on June 7, 2007 10:06 pm:
" When you've live in other states, and come back to Nebraska, makes ya wonder if its even one of the states! No jobs so everybody runs for every office there is and lives off the taxpayers. Nebraska is the most boring place in the universe. Seen enough of Johanns too. "
Reminded wrote on June 7, 2007 10:12 pm:
" Bruning reminds me of another canidate that lost his shirt last election. " Pete Rickets" "
Katie's Dad wrote on June 7, 2007 10:49 pm:
" I wish I could understand Sen. Hagel's support for the amnesty bill. It's even worse that he called the idea that border control should come first "nonsense". This issue is one that an unprincipled opportunist could use to win the election, or at least the partisan primary I think Sen. Hagel is correct on most other issues, particularly THE issue: Iraq. Anybody who cares about America and its military should realize by now that Bush's decisions (rubber stamped by both parties in congress) have been the very definition of disastrous. "
Ex Pool Man wrote on June 7, 2007 11:15 pm:
" Bruining makes sense to me, and I live all the way over in Los Angeles. Wake up, people. Illegal immigration is about to make the USA unrecognizable, for the worse. I support JB. "
whatever wrote on June 8, 2007 5:26 am:
" I imagine you could fill a postage stamp with all of the things Bruning truly believes. But it would take most of Memorial Stadium to seat the ego of this naive` opportunist. If Hagel and Daub both run for Senate you can be sure Bruning will run a distant third in the primary. "
bruning resident wrote on June 8, 2007 6:44 am:
" Sorry folks, but anyone with the "Bruning" name is embarrassed today....We are NOT MUDSLINGERS! It's amazing how a former Democrat who got into politics that way can call himself conservative. "
t wrote on June 8, 2007 8:25 am:
" true, every politician does a little good and a little not so good...can't win them all but here's a few points about your comments: Less meth labs? maybe but its more likely there aren't fewer..they are only more mobile and harder to find. Better DUI laws? Maybe..so why are there so many seven and eight time offenders driving around and getting into drunk driving situations? Tough Sex offender laws? maybe...but you don't actually believe those offenders live where they say they live, do you? Politicians are politicians...regardless of party affiliation. they do what they can first to get ahead so they can reap the financial benifits of politics and second to benefit their constituants. you have to be an educated voter and vote for the lesser of the evils during an election...one isn't any better than another-and they all slam each other..even the ones that vow to keep trashy out of the campaign eventually resort to dirty politics. "
joe vocht wrote on June 8, 2007 8:28 am:
" I'm not a complete fan of Hagel because of his voting the party line too frequently, but this opportunist needs another 20 years of real life experience before I would even think of him as a candidate...not because of his age, mind you, because of his silly statement re failing to go along with the president! Hagel, after much soul searching and investigation, finally realised we are on the wrong path and this upstart wants to see more destruction and needless death. "
What a laugh! wrote on June 8, 2007 8:51 am:
" Jon Bruning thinking he's "in touch" is the funniest thing I've heard all week! Thank's for the mood lifting humor, Jon. When is this election anyway - 2008 - 17 months away????? Shouldn't he resign the AG office if he's to be distracted for so long? "
Tom wrote on June 8, 2007 8:54 am:
" Can we all say YES man. He does not have an original thought in his head, only thing he will do is say yes to any Republican leader. So scary. "
mom wrote on June 8, 2007 8:55 am:
" The values of the Republican party??? The current administration has strayed so far off the course that not even the Republicans remember what they were. Republicans at one time stood for fiscal restraint, balanced budgets, and less government interference. Bush and and his sheep have neither the intelligence nor the integrity to lead our country anywhere. We desperately need a change in Washington, but Jon Bruning is NOT part of the solution. "
Larry Arnold wrote on June 8, 2007 9:25 am:
" The legislative branch of governemt writes laws. The adminsitative branch enforces those laws. Jon Bruning is too busy touting himself in the media to enforce any of our laws except the ones he can get a big media splash with. I turned over hard evidence of criminal wrongdoing from a civil trial against a fraudulant homebuilder right here in Lincoln, NE. Bruning, Leslie Levy and Matt McNair did nothing! If the people of this state elect this goof to the Senate of the United States, we deserve what we get. I will continue to actively tell my first-hand experience with this publicity hound to everyone I can. Good-Bye,Jon! Please do the right thing for once in your life and withdraw from this race and go into the private sector. "
Roger W wrote on June 8, 2007 10:07 am:
" When Jon Bruning ends up with more votes than anyone else, you bashers will need to find another way to say things. He will landslide the election, so many people are tired of Mr Hagels checking the news to see what he can say next and saying only what he feels will help him run for President. Mr Bruning has my support and his family is very deeply rooted in Nebraska. Jon Bruning comes from a family that has traditional family values and He has integrity beyond any in Nebraska. He will not forget his State when he serves in the Senate. "
Please No wrote on June 8, 2007 10:17 am:
" OK Nebraskans, it's time to realize the importance of voting in this country. Your vote does count and the best way to keep Bruning out of Washington is to vote for someone else. I'm not sure who the best man for the job is at this point but I'm quite sure it's not Jon Bruning. There is enough of an ego inflation problem in politics already. Let's not blow up the ego of Jon Bruning anymore. Let his identity crisis continue without being elected to another office. "
Rhonda wrote on June 8, 2007 12:17 pm:
" I love AG Bruning attacking the only independent thinking Sen's we have ever had in Hagel and Kerrey. What is Sen Nelson next on his hit list. It is so hard to follow the thinking of AG Bruning that how can anyone tell what he really stands for, in a few years it will be totally different. Flip Flopper or Rubber Stamper hardly describes AG Bruning. "
Here's Jonny - now go away wrote on June 8, 2007 12:52 pm:
" Bruning makes it sound like playing the lap dog to President Bush is what Nebraskans want out of their Senators. Yeah, Bush is sooo popular with all the wonderful decisions he has made during his time in office. We REALLY need another Senator in Washington who cannot think for himself and blindly follows the party line. You've also got to love a politician who doesn't wait even one second to start the negative campaigning. Bruning announces he is a candidate and immediately starts slinging mud at the other candidates, or potential candidates. No sense in waiting, just start running your mouth with the half truths and outright lies. I guess he didn’t learn anything from the Ricketts campaign. I just pray that the Nebraska voter will once again not be fooled by this crap. "
PaulWylie/batmanchester wrote on June 8, 2007 1:18 pm:
" In Defense Of Chuck Hagel From The Bat Cave Republican Nebraskans will get a chance to vote next year, whether to re-elect Sen. Chuck Hagel to another term in the U.S. Senate, or to vote for State Atty. General Jon Bruning, who at first said he wouldn't run for the Senate should Hagel seek another term. Yesterday however, he released a blistering pack of lies against the only Republican in the Senate that I believe has any integrity at all. This was done as Bruning announced that he was running for the Senate seat after all. he accused Chuck Hagel of being out of touch with Nebraskans, and not fulfilling the wishes of his constituents, which is a complete and total fabrication. During last year's mid-term elections, the voters of Nebraska made it very clear that they were against the war in Iraq. In fact, the voters across the country made it very clear. And Hagel heard them loud and clear, and instead of towing the party line, he espoused what his constituents wanted to hear him say. Enough. Bruning claims that Hagel is not really a Republican after all, but too liberal to wear that label. Chuck Hagel is a liberal? Oh, I get it. If a man or woman in this country has a conscience any more, they must be a liberal. That's fine with me. It just shows that Bruning doesn't have a conscience. He also spoke out against Hagel decrying his anti-troop stance. Now, keep in mind that this is the Atty. General for the State of Nebraska. He's supposed to tell the truth. Going back through Hagel's voting record in the Senate, using the Thomas Register, one can clearly see that Mr. Hagel has consistently voted for more troop funding in almost every single instance. Bruning again blasts Hagel for his compromising on Immigration. Well, for Pete's sake, isn't that what the voters of this country demanded? A stop to the partisan bickering? So that some work could actually be accomplished? If Bruning won the election, we'd get yet another far right wing neo-con, who would do his best to further the PNAC agenda, and not care one whit for the will of the people. Now all of this would be a moot point should Mr. Hagel stop playing around and jump into the Presidential race. But should he not, Nebraskans will have to ask themselves whether they want to have a Senator who listens to the people's complaints, and acts according to the will of the people, or another neo-con, yes, a neo-con, in Mr. Bruning, who will do little more than pay lip service to what the people's wishes are, but then try to further the PNAC agenda. Batmanchester "
JBSK wrote on June 8, 2007 2:04 pm:
" The first lie of the political season was told when Bruning said he wouldn't run until Senator Hagel had made his announcement regarding his future plans. How long ago was that? 6 weeks? I, for one, will not vote for someone who says one thing and does another. Even if we don't always agree with what Hagel is saying, at least we know what he's thinking and where he stands. If GOP conservative values include lying, then Bruning is your guy. However, I will be voting for Hagel. "
Nebraskan wrote on June 8, 2007 2:17 pm:
" Chuck Hagel is not "Out of touch with Nebraskans". John Bruning is out of touch with reality. "
Suzie Smith wrote on June 8, 2007 3:11 pm:
" Bruning is a liar and dishonest and is NOT worthy of a US Senate seat. He reminds me of Bill Clinton in that they both are liars and both will do whatever the polls say to do. Hagel isn't the best but is superior to this little snot nosed kid Bruning who lied on his bar application. Send this joker packing once and for all so that he can't run for any other office (PS: he was "dying" to be Governor before this gig came up) Give me a break. Bruning is pinochio. "
JR wrote on June 8, 2007 4:28 pm:
" Bruning is no more of a yes man to Bush than Nebraska Democrats are to Hillary Rod'em Clinton. You folks that accuse Bruning of being a yes man need to smell the stink in your own cesspool first. "
Yes man? wrote on June 8, 2007 8:20 pm:
" When was the last time anyone stood up to Obama, Clinton, or even Ben Nelson. Democrats are just as much yes people as Republicans. Nice try though Dems. Thanks Jon for taking a stand AGAINST the Kennedy/Bush immigration bill. That bill was disaster from the beginning and everyone (including Hagel) who was for it is not for safety of the USA. Everyone in the senate and congress who is not for securing our borders by building the fences should be voted out of office. We must secure our country. If we won't/don't get the borders closed now, we are only asking for additional problems in security and money. The people here that aren't here by following our laws must be sent home. We can't in anyway afford them and we shouldn't. If they want to be here, then do it the law abiding way. Thanks for being on the right side of this issue Jon. "
whatever wrote on June 8, 2007 8:23 pm:
" Bruning doesn't have integrity beyond me or at least 20 people I and most posters can rattle off our heads in about 10 seconds. He's a self-proclaimed champion of himself. Not to mention he is a bald faced LIAR. And this article is filled with several of his lies. "
Pooka wrote on June 8, 2007 9:22 pm:
" Bruning is like Dig Dug, except he's shoveling manure instead of dirt, and he's got that bicycle pump attached to his own head. He better watch out before one of his tunnels of lies loosens the rock of truth which will come crashing down on him. But before that happens, there's not doubt he'll inlate his own head until it pops. "
gman wrote on June 8, 2007 10:38 pm:
" Run your race, but don't dare insult a veteran who's fought for this country and continues to speak his mind and oppose the war while supporting our troops. Chuck Hagel may have his flaws and not be the perfect representative we all demand, but he's a gentleman and has earned to right to a certain degree of respect. It's amazing that Bruning resorts to name calling the very first day he announces that he's a "candidate". "
eagle60 wrote on June 9, 2007 6:06 am:
" After reading this, I had to do a doubletake at the heading. I thought it was in the political humor section. So we are going to throw Jon in Washington? He'll have so many political agendas of others that he'll forget about Nebraska. Hagel may not be a stellar person, but what makes Bruning any better? "He's a great guy"...we have people that are great guys, I don't see them wanting to go and be someones puppet. "
voter wrote on June 9, 2007 7:41 am:
" Can I just say, on the ballot last fall I wrote in Mickey Mouse of the Competent Party for AG. Gah...Bruning is just awful, and such an opportunist. Everyone who complains about 'career politicians' had better open their eyes if they're thinking of voting Bruning. "
No Bruning '08 wrote on June 9, 2007 12:15 pm:
" I voted for Donald Duck in last AG election. Bruning only received votes from 78% of voters even though he ran unopposed and with an advertising campaign. Says something about support for the guy right there. "
Glad! wrote on June 9, 2007 1:43 pm:
" I am glad that Jon Bruning is running. What he says about Hagel is correct. I've been emailing Senator Hagel and he sure doesn't listen to Nebraskans. Jon Bruning has my support. "
Gerry wrote on June 9, 2007 4:26 pm:
" He held this in the State Capitol? If he is, shame on Bruning for misusing government resources for political gain. When I run for city dog catcher, i expect that the state resources be made available to me a taxpayer when i announce my candidacy. "
Independent wrote on June 9, 2007 8:38 pm:
" For all you conservatives out there who think Jon Bruning is a "tried and true" Republican...I worked in the Nebraska legislature when Bruning was a freshman senator and know FOR A FACT that he went to Senator Ernie Chambers to learn how to write a decent piece of legislation that would have a chance of passing. At least he wasn't a complete idiot - he knew when to go to an expert. Jon Bruning is simply another mouthpiece in a suit for the arch-conservatives who somehow still believe that our idiot of a President is a valid leader. Hagel is a rational, intelligent individual who does an expert job in the Senate. And his 2 Purple Hearts should speak for themselves. The only polls that Jon Bruning is going by are the ones he has financed himself. Wake up, people!! "
Vote BK wrote on June 14, 2007 10:22 am:
" Bob Kerrey all the way. "
VT wrote on November 11, 2007 7:34 am:
" And when I called the Bruning office to see why, during his stint as AG, we started receiving all this mail (a calendar no less)with his picture on it. Now I get it! Well actually I got it then. Self-serving came to mind. "
Mindless Robot wrote on November 11, 2007 3:05 pm:
" Bruning is gambling that Nebraska voters are dumb. His whole campaign relies on that strategy. "
A Fremont Family wrote on November 11, 2007 4:39 pm:
" And to think, Brunning once had my vote. After you visit to Fremont 6 weeks ago, I was convinced and you had our support. But to come out on day one and begin the mud slinging is absolutlely intolerable. Get a clue Mr. Attorney General. Is this really the way you want to run your campaign? Boy I hope not, 'cause the last time I checked, you weren't perfect either. Bottom line here my friend, you have lost two Fremont votes that you had in the sack. Mr. Johanns, you just picked up two votes and along with our financial backing. "
sara wrote on November 11, 2007 5:45 pm:
" I am with Bruning. I would like to work on his campaign "

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