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Iraq vet will seek House seat

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By DON WALTON / Lincoln Journal Star

Thursday, Feb 14, 2008 - 03:45:16 pm CST

Max Yashirin, 25, a former Marine Corps sergeant who served in Iraq, announced Thursday he’ll seek the 1st District congressional seat.

Yashirin, a Lincoln Democrat, identified himself as “an ardent fiscal conservative.”

The eastern Nebraska House seat is held by Republican Rep. Jeff Fortenberry of Lincoln, who is a candidate for a third term.

Story Photo
Max Yashirin

“Washington simply is not working for the average Nebraskan,” Yashirin said.

“As I work to return us to a balanced budget, I believe it is imperative that we invest our scarce resources in the current and future American workforce.”

In selecting spending priorities, Yashirin said, he supports proposed expansion of the state children’s health insurance program (SCHIP) to “get four million American children off to a healthy start in life.”

Yashirin works at Region 5 Services, helping people with mental and physical disabilities.

A graduate of Lincoln Northeast High School, Yashirin joined the Marine Reserves upon graduation.  After training, he enrolled at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, majoring in international business with minors in Russian and economics.

Yashirin left school when he was called to active duty in 2004.  He served a year at al-Asad in western Iraq.  Yashirin is completing his course work at UNL now.

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


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Shirley Uttecht wrote on February 14, 2008 2:55 pm:
" Max is an intelligent person with a lot of integrity. I wish him well in the congressional race. "

 WHat? wrote on February 14, 2008 3:04 pm:
" How can he be a Marine and a Democrat? That doesn't make any sense. "

 Eh? wrote on February 14, 2008 3:30 pm:
" How can you believe that military service and membership in the Democratic party are mutually exclusive, and yet still be smart enough to use a computer? "

 A Real Fiscal Conservative wrote on February 14, 2008 4:07 pm:
" (Quote #1) Yashirin, a Lincoln Democrat, identified himself as “an ardent fiscal conservative.”
(Quote #2) In selecting spending priorities, Yashirin said, he supports proposed expansion of the state children’s health insurance program (SCHIP) (Me) I don't see how both these statements can be true. He is obviously not a fiscal conservative. The SCHIP program pays for insurance for families making less than 250% of the poverty level. In 2008, this is (1)10,400, (2)14,000, (3)17,000, (4)21,200, etc. Therefore, SCHIP pays for children's insurance for families making up to (2 person family) $35,000, (3 person family) $44,000, (4 person family) $53,000, etc. Also, SCHIP only counts EARNED income. It doesn't count income from stocks, dividends, etc. SCHIP also has no asset test. If you live in a $300,000 home that is half paid off and are a family of 4 with $45,000 in income and $20,000 in dividend income, you qualify. And Mr. Yashirin thinks the the taxpayers are being selfish? He sounds like a typical high spending nanny-state liberal to me. "

 Republican wrote on February 14, 2008 4:22 pm:
" We will finally have a candidate that was willing to put his life on the line for our country! And to top it off, he isn't a carpetbagger from Louisiana.

I've had enough of Fort's rubber stamping and not listening to his constituents.

This life time republican will cross over and vote for him.
"

 MarkyMark wrote on February 14, 2008 5:07 pm:
" A man with his service should make us proud. I hope he doesn't get Swift-Boated by Fortenberry. "

 a real fiscal conservative.... wrote on February 14, 2008 5:53 pm:
" should post where he receives his information from. It is called a citation. Additionally, I would like to know what his standard is for a fiscal conservative. He certainly cannot believe the Republican controlled congress that turned the highest surplus into the biggest deficit was fiscally conservative. "

 JT wrote on February 14, 2008 6:10 pm:
" Sounds like a smart, courageous guy. You've got my vote against the torture-supporting, constitution-shredding, Fortenberry. "

 um, ok wrote on February 14, 2008 6:16 pm:
" isn't there an age requirement for Congress? "

 Amazing wrote on February 14, 2008 6:20 pm:
" Max is an amazing young man that generates the energy and intelligence that a representative from this state needs. Unfortunately, the article about Max only touched on a very small amount of Max's background and his thoughts on how this country should be managed financially. It is possible to be a Fiscal Conservative and a Democrat. I think it has something to do with spending the money where it should be spent and not on unwarranted things like WARS that have thrown this country into fiancial turmoil.

At this time in our countries upheaval, it is time for some of the younger generation to take over. Not those that have been bought and sold by Lobbyists and right wing political organizations.

Congratualation Max. Many of us wish there were more like YOU!!!! "

 Maximus wrote on February 14, 2008 6:25 pm:
" Hey "republican" the rubberstamping charge is so 2004. Fort had something like a 65 percent voting record with the GOP last year. Those are Ben Nelson type numbers. Anyway, you can say what you want but the rubberstamping deal doesn't so much work.

"

 give me a break wrote on February 14, 2008 6:44 pm:
" Give me a break. He hasn't even finished college and his only life experience is miliary. How is Max going to deal with the serious issues our country faces? "

 whatever wrote on February 14, 2008 7:11 pm:
" Good for this man. And you would be surprised how many members of our armed forces are Democrats. I can't speak for everyone, but most of the vets I know will not vote Republican because of this war and because of the way the Republicans have run down this country. "

 30 pt Loss wrote on February 14, 2008 7:14 pm:
" It's a shame Matt Connealy is sacrificing this young boy in the name of democracy. "

 Used to be Republican wrote on February 14, 2008 7:18 pm:
" I'm glad Max is in support of the SCHIP as I was appalled when Fortenberry voted no on the bill for more funding. I guess issues like that do not effect his [Fortenbbery]children and therefore he does not care. Max has also vowed to vote in favor of getting our troops out of Iraq as long as we do it in a manor where we tie up loose ends on the way out. Fortenberry voted against such bills. America is in a democratic term because we're sick and tired of the way this country is being ran. Someone like Max can only encourage that change that we are all desperately seeking. Max you have my vote! "

 Support the Fort '08 wrote on February 14, 2008 7:55 pm:
" Looks like a couple of Democrats have wrapped themselves in the flag to try to unseat Rep. Terry and Rep. Fortenberry. Nebraskans are not stupid enough to fall for the Democrats feeble attempt at drumming up support for their party. We need to see this war in Iraq through and be ready to take on Iran and North Korea. In this post-9/11 world, we can't afford to let our guard down, and we can't afford to get wrapped up in emotion. Vote with your head not with your heart. "

 Hollister wrote on February 14, 2008 8:40 pm:
" Max is just a civic-minded patriot. He is not owned by medical and insurance lobbies. He will absolutely do his best to serve the public and protect our constitution. Young folks today, give me hope for tomorrow. "

 Ira J. wrote on February 14, 2008 8:42 pm:
" He's already done his homework and is steps ahead, Article 1 of the Constitution, Section 2 and Clause 2; states that the minimum age is 25. Godspell, Marine, WHOA!! "

 JT wrote on February 14, 2008 10:15 pm:
" Support the Fort, you and your slogan are lame. I love how Repubs say support the troops and then when one disagrees with your views you rip him to shreds. Republicans are clearly no longer fiscal conservatives (see the budget for the past 8 years). And wow, who's dissing military service and education as experience? It's certainly equal to going to school and working for a paper company like Rep. Fortenberry. "

 arlo wrote on February 14, 2008 11:57 pm:
" Go for it! Semper Fi! "

 Jen wrote on February 15, 2008 7:20 am:
" A marine and a democrat, yes! Just like my uncle, who is a CAREER Marine, and is currently working in Afghanistan. Whoever said all marines have to be Republicans? "

 WCG wrote on February 15, 2008 7:28 am:
" Great news! I'm glad to see that Democrats are starting to look more seriously at these congressional races. And it would be good to have fiscal conservatives replacing all these borrow-and-spend Republicans, wouldn't it? Our country has been moving in a completely wrong direction, and we voters desperately need CHANGE! "

 The Great Went wrote on February 15, 2008 8:08 am:
" Actually, nationwide, almost without exception, soldiers from the Iraq/Afghanistan efforts running for office are Democrats. Need I point out that the vast majority of the Bush Admin never served? Google the term "chickenhawks" to see the long list of pro war supporters who actively avoided duty when the call of duty came. Don't fool yourself into thinking only Republicans are in the military. Seems the Republicans support the war, up to a point. "

 C wrote on February 15, 2008 8:35 am:
" People talk as if they know Max and his intelligence or lack there of. If you don't know him or his stance on issues how can you judge so quickly? Give Max a chance to prove himself before you crush hopes and dreams that he may have for our future. Before you criticize a man who wants to do something more for his country besides going over seas and fighting for us here in the US. How can one be so negative before all facts are set out on the table? One article must really make minds wander; maybe one should sit back and wait for the goodness of things to happen before you jump all over someone. Get a grip people! Are you just jealous that a 25 year old man wants to get right into politics whereas at 25 you were probably living in crappy rental trying to make ends meet while attending college? You must give him the benefit that he graduated high school and with excellent grades and supports our country, but you would not know this because you don’t know him and are too quick to judge. Max you've got this one! "

 Pearson wrote on February 15, 2008 8:59 am:
" The minimum age for a member of the House of Representatives is 25. I think it is refreshing that a member of the younger generation is taking steps to be the change that they want to see in the world. Being young and politically inexperienced doesn't mean that he'll make bad decisions. Good luck Yashirin! You have my support. "

 MarkyMark wrote on February 15, 2008 9:11 am:
" Republicans have never been fiscally Conservative. Just another Urban Myth. They never had control over all the purse strings in modern history until January of 2001 and look what happened. Our future is owned by China. I'm afraid the Republicans are only good at Social Conservatism which is completely Un-American, so there you have it. "

 ;) wrote on February 15, 2008 9:16 am:
" THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES
ARTICLE 1
Sec. 2. No person shall be a Representative who shall not have attained to the Age of twenty five Years, and been seven Years a Citizen of the United States, and who shall not, when elected, be an Inhabitant of that State in which he shall be chosen. "

 SCHIP s a bad deal wrote on February 15, 2008 10:35 am:
" SCHIP is a bad idea because it is funded with cigarette taxes. Most smokers are poor, most poor people smoke, and poorer smokers smoke more heavily than wealthier smokers. Poor smokers are less likely to quit smoking in response to an increase in cigarette prices compared to wealthier smokers. Therefore, the brunt of this funding will come from poor people, the very group the bill is trying to help. Poor smokers will pay extra for their cigarettes, some government agency will collect the money from them and then give it back to largely the same people in the form of children's health insurance. With this logic, we might as well require poor parents to buy insurance for their children, then just give them free cigarettes. "

 Good wrote on February 15, 2008 11:13 am:
" for him. Like the stance or not, its good to see someone that age getting involved - you cant argue that repub or dem "

 J wrote on February 15, 2008 12:00 pm:
" Not only is Max one of the most politcally inelligent people I have ever had the honor of knowing, he also has the ability to inspire those around him. Those who are posting these negative comments, should take a step back and allow themselves to make an unbiased decision, after they have heard him speak. I think everyone including lifelong republicans, will be pleasently surprised by this young man on his views regarding every issue from the war to the economy. I personally have had the pleasure of knowing Max and debating him on many issues. After each of these debates i have walked away feeling nothing but amazed by his intelligence, knowledge and conviction regarding every issue. Max is just what this state and country need to lead us into the future. Go get em Max, I support you 100%. "

 james wrote on February 15, 2008 12:28 pm:
" How dare anyone attack this young man? Particularly the attacks by those who have never served their country or made any kind of sacrifice for America at all? And it's all because this gentleman is a registered Democrat. If he was a Republican candidate, those same bloggers who are currently crucifying him would be hailing him as a courageous, returning war hero! As far as experience, we are currently being led by teams of "experienced" men and women in Washington who have plunged the U.S. into unprecedented national debt and brought us to the brink of a recession. Maybe it's time for a new brand of experience to lead us out of the fog we are currently facing. But this fine young man, who has chosen to work within the political system to bring about change, does NOT deserve the mud-slinging he is being subjected to in the name of Republican Party partisanship. Thanks for reading. "

 Matt wrote on February 15, 2008 2:37 pm:
" Go Max, go! Wow, a man who has bravely served his country, speaks two languages, and is studing business and economics. Sounds like a leader to me. So what if he's not experienced in partisan, typical don't rock the boat Washington style politics. America is sick of having "experienced" people ruinning our country. I don't know Max, but I wish we had several hundred more people like him around the country running for offices. "

 HPG wrote on February 15, 2008 3:08 pm:
" Thank you for your service to our country, but you will not be getting my vote. We already have one war hero that claims he is a Conservative, and he won't be getting my vote either. "

 To Support the Fort wrote on February 15, 2008 4:32 pm:
" You say Nebraska shouldn't vote for someone who wraps themselves in the flag. Well, I guess you didn't vote for any republicans in the last 8 years because each and everyone of them including Fortenberry wrap themselves in the flag all the time. At least Max has the courage to actually join the military and fight for this country.

Has Fortenberry, Terry to Smith ever do something like this? All they can do is talk. I'll support someone who has actually served over someone who avoids service everytime. "

 Capt Obvious wrote on February 15, 2008 5:15 pm:
" You got my vote. Period!

Thank you for your service & dedication. "

 Matt wrote on February 15, 2008 5:39 pm:
" He sounds like a neat kid, and I greatly respect his service to the country, however I don't see how he possibly has the experience to serve in congress. I would rather see him finish college and go out and establish himself for 10 or 15 years. He really hasn't that he has the necessary skills to be a congressman. I'm not saying he won't eventually, but I think he's jumping the gun by about a decade. "

 Z4CH wrote on February 15, 2008 7:39 pm:
" you had me at former Marine Corps sergeant who served in Iraq.

Ya got my vote.

P.S. he's NOT a KID he's a MAN. "

 Kyle wrote on February 15, 2008 8:18 pm:
" I agree with Support the Fort. The Demos can't expect to win this race running a candidate that has not held public office whatsoever. At least Fortenberry Crunch kept up appearances by becoming a city councilman before he ran for the House. I have nothing against this kid, but I think he is being USED by his party. "

 Former Schoolmate wrote on February 15, 2008 9:20 pm:
" Having gone to high school with Max, I know he is an extremely intelligent man. And a wonderful people person. He was one of those guys you saw with all types of people, he didn't fit in with just one crowd, but all. I have all the confidence in the world that he would represent nebraskans with integrity and do what is right for our state. Way to go Max!!! Make us Rockets proud!!! "

 Jerry wrote on February 16, 2008 1:40 pm:
" As a Democratic, I am disappointed that my party has stooped this low. I have nothing against Max, but feel sorry for him that his party is using him. What kind of experience or support does he have?
I met Fortenberry for the first time a number of months ago and I was surprised just how knowledgeable he was. He has a real desire to help our country and has the most independent voting record out of our entire Nebraska delegation, he's got my vote. "

 Ann Owen wrote on February 17, 2008 3:08 pm:
" Please do your homework, finish school,then come back and talk to us Max! We have a very generous program for children's healthcare in place, Kid's Connection covers children to age 19, as well as the new mothers for 6 weeks. There is not a hospital ER that will not see a sick child, as well as most Family Practice physicans. "

 cjs wrote on February 18, 2008 12:41 pm:
" Max appears to be an intelligent young man that has gained critical life experience through his service with the Marines. His interst in the well-being of the future of our state and our country is commendable. I can state from first-hand experience that Fortenberry's interest in the healthcare dilemma faced by our human infrastructure has been of no consequence - he has been extremely slow to respond if at all. It is truly time to get back to our country's grassroots of respecting and caring for our people as we are the ones that make our country great. With this in mind, I would be honored to campaign for Max. "

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