Carrying the Momentum Forward

A Message From Vic Covalt

The Nebraska Caucus was an historical event which has changed the landscape of politics in Nebraska.  Back in the winter of 2007, no one thought it could happen. But Vince Powers convinced me that it was the party building opportunity of a life time, in a time when our country so desperately needed change. 

So I gave up my nights and weekends to help write the caucus rules as a member of the NDP Rules Committee. I then wrote the plan for the Lancaster County Democratic Party and I served as its Caucus Chair.  In August, I was hawking it at the County Fair to people who had never even heard of a caucus. I spent hours on the phone and in meetings and union halls, finding people and facilities to run 223 precinct caucuses at 53 sites.  There were lots of doubters, but the time was upon us and the need was great.

On February 9, 2008, 10,882 people filled schools, pubs, businesses, and halls across Lancaster County to elect 665 delegates and more than 600 alternates.  We added 2400 new Democrats to the County Party.  More importantly, we found new people and new energy for our candidates and for our ideals.  

And, on February 9, 2008, at my own precinct caucus, I announced that I wanted to be the next State Chair of the Nebraska Democratic Party.  I had asked no one for their permission or support in advance.  Instead, I asked my neighbors first because they know me and know what I can do.  They supported me because I had earned it.  I now hope to earn your support too.

I have spent my life earning my way. I was raised working hard on a small ranch in Morrill County, Nebraska. I graduated from Alliance High School and then from the University of Nebraska in 1976, and again from the UNL College of Law in 1981, all with honors.  I practice law with a firm in Lincoln from 1981 until 1999 when I formed the firm now known as Ballew Covalt PC LLO.  I focus my practice on business litigation and financial transactions.  I help people face reality in the some difficult times of their lives.

I am a life long Democrat.  Over the years, I have dedicated a considerable amount of time to pro-bono work and volunteering.  I won’t bore you with my resume, but you can ask me if you wish. And, as most of you have also done, I have been volunteering for campaigns for most of my life.

 I know I am a bit of a fresh face in the Party as an organization, but this gives me a fresh perspective on it. It is time to stop being focused on issues of self governance or internal dissension. The caucus and the times have presented us with a unique opportunity to build the party from the ground up. We must move forward now.

The Democratic Party is rebounding in Nebraska. We have momentum We must now work to develop, promote and deliver good leaders with the right values of fairness, kindness, and compassion. We must preserve the opportunity for success, while providing for those who suffer the hardships of life. We need to deliver good leaders and good government.

I wish to become state chair to continue the momentum of the caucuses. I will bring forward a good conversation, a new energy, and a renewal of base of our political organization.  I will lead you in seeking the truth and, hopefully, finding the best resolutions to the troubling issues facing this state and this nation.  I seek your support, your help, your ideas, and your desires to improve our party and our state.  I offer you my best efforts.  I hope to earn your respect and loyalty.

Vic Covalt