Some of you may recognize my new screen name already, others might need a hint...(most of you know me as "kid oakland" or "k/o.")
I'm here at Netroots Nation in Austin, Texas in my new role working to elect Scott Kleeb for United States Senate in Nebraska. And, yep, this is the handle I'll be using as I tell you about Scott's campaign to give Nebraskans a vote for change this November.
When I heard that we were closing in on our first million dollars raised, I started thinking about all the thousands of Nebraskans who have opened their homes and their hearts to this campaign. And honestly, I just couldn't think of a way to say "thank you" enough. So to mark this significant milestone, I've decided to offer a little something special to the donor who pushes us past the million dollar mark.
Hey there, this is Scott Kleeb's world-famous bodyman Kevin "Cheese" Bieging, here to provide you the thrilling conclusion to our four-day Panhandle Progress Tour here in Western Nebraska (make sure to check out part 1, part 2 and part 3).
First of all, I'd just like to apologize for the delay. We had a big day yesterday, with news coming out that we outraised our opponent Mike Johanns for the second fundraising quarter. The momentum for Scott Kleeb is building. I know because I've seen it firsthand.
This is number 23 in a planned series of 50 entries between now and November, looking at each of the 50 states in terms of every race on that state's ticket--Presidential, Gubernatorial, Senate, House, State legislatures--the whole ear of corn. Special attention paid to identifying and promoting the most important contests per state.
I wanted you to be the first to hear the good news: thanks to your contributions, our grassroots campaign has managed to shatter expectations and outraise our opponent, a former two-term Governor and Bush Cabinet member, for the most recent fundraising quarter. Make no mistakes about it - change is in the air here in Nebraska.
The Journal Star reports: "Democratic Senate candidate Scott Kleeb seems to be finding fundraising traction in this heavily Republican state, bringing in nearly $700,000 in the latest reporting period and besting Republican Mike Johanns for the first time."
For those of you just tuning in, this is Kevin "Cheese" Bieging, Scott Kleeb's very own personal body man, reporting to you live from the road out here in Western Nebraska.
Yesterday was day three of our four day, fifteen event Panhandle Progress Tour (make sure to check out part 1 and part 2), and this time our travels brought us to the Oregon Trail Days celebration in Scottsbluff/Gering. No sight-seeing today, just some good 'ole-fashion retail politics, with Scott making a lot of new friends and seeing a lot of familiar faces as well.
For those of you who missed our adventures last time, my name is Kevin "Cheese" Bieging, Scott Kleeb's "body man" extraordinaire, and yes that's me standing in front of the world famous Carhenge in Alliance, NE.
Now I know some of you may be wondering: just who is that guy, and what is he doing posing for a picture in front of one of the world's most beautiful monuments to one of America's most beautiful inventions? Well, it's a long story, but it all starts with our four day, fifteen event Panhandle Progress Tour. Yesterday was day two, as we continued to blaze our trail west and reach out to voters from all different backgrounds, communities and perspectives.
My name is Kevin Bieging, but the rest of the Kleeb Crew calls me "cheese." I like to think that's because I'm originally from Wisconsin, but I'm sure that there's more to the story.
I'm Scott Kleeb's "body man," which means it's my job to follow Scott around the state, make sure he keeps to his schedule, and remember all the little details so he doesn't have to. It's a great job, though it is a bit exhausting. Scott keeps up quite the busy schedule these days.
Normally I do the driving, but right now one of our other staff members is taking over so that I can tell you about all the great things we're doing in the field. Yesterday was the first day of our four-day, fifteen event Panhandle Progress Tour, which means we've been even busier than usual. Thank goodness for black coffee...
My husband Scott Kleeb is running for the United States Senate. He has a committed staff of young people who work 12 hour days, 7 days a week. So we decided to take them up to the ranch to relax, Scott on the other hand has a different way of describing the weekend. Come meet two of the Kleeb staffers John and John and listen to why Scott brought his team up to the Nebraska Sandhills.
I thought I'd get ready for the fourth by posting a couple of snarky projects from my site. I've got some love up and down the ticket for Nebraska's candidates.
Now, before I post these, a disclaimer. I have a nasty streak. It's more fun for me to blast the opponent than to extoll the virtues of my own candidates. Besides, we all know Barack, Scott and Jim kick butt.
And now, the snark, starting with the Indistinguishable Gentleman from the Second Congressional District:
This Friday, we celebrate 232 years of independence. We celebrate not only our country's independence - but the independent spirit we as Americans all share.
Independence Day isn't just about our past, it's also about our future. Our campaign is committed to practicing a new brand of politics, and that requires each of us to recommit ourselves to the principles our founding fathers fought for.
(Been a long time everyone but it's good to get a post off every now and then! - Mike)
My fellow bloggers, as I'm sure you know, our 2nd quarter financial deadline is coming up this Monday at midnight and we need your help! While our opponent has taken nearly $1 million of special interest PAC money, our campaign has been powered by small dollar contributors like yourself! Now we're taking that message viral!
Since I never ask anyone to do something I wouldn't do -- I donated the first $5!
The deadline is looming. A five dollar contribution can truly be the difference in this race!
Russ Feingold's Progressive Patriots Fund is holding a vote to determine which Senate challenger deserves support from the fund and from Progressives.
There are some very good candidates, but my vote has gone to Scott Kleeb.
I would encourage everyone to go and check out the list and cast your vote for Scott. He has been a member of this community for a couple of years, always been here for us and we should do our best to be there for him.
He's got a tough race in Nebraska and this is a way we can help from around the country.
First, I just want to take some time before a busy weekend of campaigning to thank you all for everything you've done. Without the support of the grassroots, we'd never be where we are today.
That being said, we all know that in a campaign every day brings a new challenge, and we must always be pushing ourselves to do more.
I'm proud to say that our campaign is the fifty-state strategy in action. Our grassroots volunteers are making connections and building relationships in a part of the country that hasn't seen a true political dialogue in generations. That's what this election is about.
Yes, everyone in the country can vote for our campaign! Let me explain.
Two years ago, Sen. Russ Feingold looked at our political landscape and said: the moneyed interests have a PAC, it's time the people had one, too!
From this simple idea, the Progressive Patriots Fund was born. Candidates for every office and from every state in the union compete for the votes of you, the people, in an online election to decide who receives the Fund's support.
I've always believed that the biggest division in our politics is not between Republican and Democrat or even liberal and conservative. It's between those who put their faith in money and those who put their faith in people.
I know, I know...it's not likely, but a brother can dream can't he?
Following up on my post from yesterday and incorporating some of the suggestions/corrections from the comments made there, let's take a look at our best case scenario in the November Senate elections.
Right now, we're at 49 Ds, 49 Rs and 2 I's. When the smoke clears on election night in November we'll be at 62 Ds, 37 Rs and 1 I.
Here's how it's going to happen....
Today I attended the Nebraska Douglas County Democratic Convention, and I got FIRED UP AND READY TO GO.
I was elected an Obama Alternate Delegate for Legislative District 09 to the state convention later this month, and was also elected to the Douglas County Democratic Central Committee for LD 09.
We just finished paying off both cars (neither a hybrid, but both high mpg compacts) and decided to celebrate with a round of donations.
I'd love to see anyone match me for these great candidates!
Democratic Nebraska Senate hopeful Scott Kleeb faced off against former councilman/mayor/governor/Ag Secretary Mike Johanns today (Thursday) for the first time. Both are vying for the Senate seat vacated by Republican Chuck Hagel.
By all accounts, this was a sedate affair with the candidates just sorta getting to know each other. No sparks, no fur flew. And since we’re in the midst of some stormy weather, I suspect it didn’t get much attention.
