Nebraska Teachers Union Endorses One Republican for Office Ahead of Primary Elections
by John Gage
The Nebraska State Education Association (NSEA) issued an updated list of “recommendations” for voters ahead of the May 12 primary. The list was composed of Democrats, a handful of Independents, and a lone Republican.
Republican Kurt Zadina, who is running in Legislative District 48, is the sole registered Republican endorsed by the teachers’ union so far this cycle. Zadina is running against incumbent Republican State Sen. Brian Hardin as well as a married couple, Jessica and Samuel Landers, who are seeking the seat.
In an interview with Nebraska Public Media, Zadina repeated Democratic talking points about ballot initiatives. “If they vote an initiative in, then I’m going to stick with the way that this district voted,” he said. “Unfortunately, over the last 10 years, we’ve passed different initiatives and referendums and the Legislature has liked to say, ‘No, we know better.’ No. The voters voted this way. You follow it.”
The NSEA has endorsed 16 candidates in 15 different districts for the Nebraska Legislature. They have also endorsed Democratic gubernatorial candidate and former State Sen. Lynne Walz against incumbent Governor Jim Pillen.
The Nebraska teachers’ union says it endorses candidates “based solely on issues affecting children, public schools and school employees.” Zadina has decades of experience in public education and has promised to secure more funding for public schools.
In the past, the NSEA’s recommendations have been based on interviews, candidate questionnaires, and voting records.
John Gage is the executive editor of The Plains Sentinel.