Can Nebraska Elect A Real Populist Democrat? Meet Chuck Hassebrook

A former-- and no, doubt future, insurance industry lobbyist-- multimillionaire and reactionary Ben Nelson was easily the worst Democrat in the U.S. Senate. According to ProgressivePunch, the Republicans were able to count on him over 50% of the time when it came to crucial rollcalls. His lifetime progressive score is a dismal 44.26, worst of any Democrat by far. The next worst are corporate shills Max Baucus (62.62), Joe Manchin (63.89) and Mary Landrieu (64.59). Even Lieberman is a far more progressive voter than Nelson-- with a lifetime score of 70.20. So, it's not surprising that progressives, nationally, were delighted when he looked at the political landscape, realized he had no chance whatsoever to win reelection (despite have scooped up $3,107,675-- that's current cash on hand-- from his sleazy corporate supporters), and announced his long overdue retirement. The DSCC immediately started pushing Nelson doppelganger, Bob Kerrey, a former Nebraska governor and senator, who long ago moved to NYC but who is as outrageous a corporate whore as Nelson. He basically said he would accept a coronation but didn't have the stomach for an uphill battle against a right-wing extremist stealing his thunder. Enter... Chuck Hassebrook.

He has quite the task ahead of him. In the guise of a senatorial campaign, he's going to have to start to rebuild the Democratic Party of Nebraska. (It could be worse... he could be in Alabama or Mississippi.) The Nebraska Democratic Party Establishment is going to have to re-embrace the populist principles and values that once made it the champion of working families across the state. With political leaders like Kerrey and Nelson, it's been impossible to tell that the Democrats are on the side of workers and consumers and ordinary Americans. Hassebrook is a different kind of Democrat-- a real one. Unlike Nelson, he's for Choice, equal rights, and economic justice.

This week, the Omaha World Herald began their coverage of his candidacy by saying he had "fired off a populist blast Tuesday, saying he would stand up against 'rich and powerful interests' if elected to the U.S. Senate. A good start that certainly differentiates him from any of his likely opponents in the general election.

Hassebrook argued that middle-class Americans were being ignored by politicians who he said appear more interested in protecting tax cuts for the rich, subsidizing large farmers and bailing out big banks.

He also argued in support of Democratic President Barack Obama's controversial health care law, saying that while it could be improved, it was a needed “first step” in ensuring all Americans have access to affordable health care.

“I am running so I can fight, not for government that protects the tax cuts of the rich, but for government that protects the retirement security of hard-working families,” said Hassebrook, 56.

...This is Hassebrook's first bid for statewide office. However, he has served for 17 years on the University of Nebraska's Board of Regents. He also is the longtime head of the Center for Rural Affairs, an advocacy group that supports small farmers and rural economic development.

Hassebrook made clear Tuesday that he expects his rural roots to be an asset in the campaign. He made his announcement on Main Street in Lyons-- a small community of about 1,800 people in northeast Nebraska and Hassebrook's home of 13 years.

He was introduced to a crowd of about 100 supporters by Lyons Mayor Andy Fuston, a Republican who said he planned to support Hassebrook in November.

“I believe in Chuck and I believe in what he stands for, and that's more important to me than party affiliation,” said Fuston.