The JJ Exon Senate Debate was a Success!

April 29, 2008

The Lancaster County Democratic Party organized and hosted a successful JJ Exon Senate debate between the two leading Democratic Candidates for the U.S. Senate Seat: Tony Raimondo and Scott Kleeb. The event was held at the State Theatre, 1415 O Street, on Saturday April 26, 2008 at 1 pm. Channel 8 KLKN TV broadcasted the news event regionally while the Nebraska Rural Radio Network (KNEB, KRVN, and KTIC) provided a radio broadcast of the debate live across the State.

The two candidates both preformed admirably and cordially in the question and answer format. Panelists were: Anna Jo Bratten of the Associated Press, Leslie Reed of The Omaha World Herald, and Lauren Silverman of Channel 8. Rod Fowler was moderator. The Panelists asked difficult and far reaching questions which required the candidates to reveal their stances. Both candidates were confident and at ease before the crowd of about 200.

LCDP wishes to recognize the following volunteers for their hard work on this successful fund raiser:

John Yoakum--idea, fundraising, sponsorships, Paper, rock, and scissors supervisor.
Vic Covalt--organization, contracts, broadcasts, and sponsorships.
Mary Herres--Admissions, advertising, food, front door, timing of the event, and clean up.
Christa Yoakum--Admissions Supervisor.
Steve and Cynthia Holister--Membership sign up.
Shari Brush--front door assistance and debate chairs.
Amanda Houck, Jenny Strickland--admissions, and front door assistance.
Becki Gaston--Supervision and clean up.
Ann Covalt--Arranging Facilities
Missy Wigley--Graphic designs, printing, membership assistance.

We would like to also recognize and thank our Telecast Sponsors: Nebraska Farmers Union, The Nebraska State Grange; The JJ Exon Foundation; The Lincoln Central Labor Union and Senator Ben Nelson.

A special thank you goes to our Debate Sponsors who were Vince Powers, Vic Covalt and Rolf Shasteen.

LCDP would also like to acknowledge and thank our Reception Sponsors: Max Yashirin for Congress; Earl Scudder for Regent; Travis Wagner for Legislature; Susan Scott for Legislature; Ken Harr for Legislature; Tami Soper for Legislature; Mary Harding for NPPD; Nancy Intermill for County Commissioner; Barb Baier for County Commissioner; Mayor Chris Beutler; City Councilman Dan Marvin; City Councilman Doug Emery; City Councilman Jonathan Cook; State Senator Bill Avery; State Senator DiAnna Schimek; State Senator Amanda McGill; State Senator Norm Wallman; State Senator Danielle Nantkes; Patrick Adams; Justin Carlson and Liz Ring; Rick Carter; Audra and Doug Ostergard; Rick Boucher; Kathleen Neary; Mayor Don Wesely; Christa and John Yoakum; Lincoln Firefighters Local #644; Communications Workers of America #7470; Alchemy Associates LLC; Nebraska Young Democrats; Steelworkers Local #286; and Amy Birky and Richard Britton.

We owe a special thank you for additional help to Highnooners and The Cup for food and to Goldenrod Printers for printing.

Finally, thank you to all the folks who attended the debate to cheer on our two good candidates.

The left over refreshments were donated to the People's City Mission.