The manner in which the Republican establishment treated long term Congressman Jeff Fortenberry immediately prior to his exit from office was shameful, both at the federal and state levels.
Notwithstanding Mr. Fortenberry’s demonstrated reputation for honesty, as well as his loyal service to country and party, the GOP’s Congressional leadership (particularly Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy) quickly threw him under the bus rather than wait to see if Mr. Fortenberry could ultimately clear his name with respect to the dubious and highly political criminal charges brought against him in a California kangaroo court, where he was almost certain to be convicted.
Nebraska’s state Republican leadership (starting with Gov. Pete Ricketts) was equally harsh to Mr. Fortenberry. (The most notable exception to this was Lt. Gov. Mike Foley, whose conduct reflected credit throughout the Congressman’s terrible ordeal).
In particular, Mr. Fortenberry’s ultimate replacement, State Senator and former Unicameral Speaker Mike Flood, could have waited to launch his campaign for Congress until Mr. Fortenberry announced his intended resignation (just days after his convictions for alleged campaign contribution violations, which are presently on appeal). But Sen. Flood chose not to do so and essentially joined Gov. Ricketts in “ganging up” on the beleaguered Congressman.
Congressman Flood has been a longtime leader in the pro-life movement, and he in large measure holds responsibility with respect to laying the political foundation for Nebraska’s current pro-life legislation.
Although we remain disappointed by Congressman Flood’s less than edifying conduct during the political drama surrounding Mr. Fortenberry, The Cornhusker Guardian nevertheless endorses Mike Flood and urges voters to return him to Congress when they cast their ballots on Tuesday, November 8th.
Congressman Flood has been a longtime leader in the pro-life movement, and he in large measure holds responsibility with respect to laying the political foundation for Nebraska’s current pro-life legislation. Mr. Flood is also a successful lawyer and business entrepreneur, with excellent understanding of rural as well as urban needs, which should appeal to voters in Lancaster County.
We strongly endorse Mr. Flood over ultra-liberal Democrat State Sen. Patty Pansing Brooks, who has been a disaster at the Unicameral and would do serious harm to Nebraska were she to be elected on Tuesday.
The Cornhusker Guardian hopes its readers will cast their ballots for the re-election of Congressman Mike Flood on November 8th. He is by far the best choice to represent the 1st District in Congress.
