NE GOP State Central Committee

The Nebraska Republican Party's State Central Committee met on Saturday, January 30 at McCook Community College in McCook, Nebraska. District Caucuses were held at 8:00 am with the full assembly meeting at 9:15 am. Father Gary Brethour led the assemby in the Prayer of Archbishop Carroll (cousin of John Carroll signer of both the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution) and North Platte Mayor, led the assemby in the Pleadge of Allegiance. Jerry Vapp provided welcoming remarks and Lt. Governor Rick Sheehey delivered the keynote address. Oral reports were heard from the party Treasurer, Rod Krogh, party Chairman, Mark Fahleson, 1st district chair Tim O'Dell, 2nd district chair, John Seiler, and 3rd district chair, Craig Safranek. A video report was received from Congressman Adrian Smith and written reports came from National Committeeman, Pete Ricketts, the Nebraska Federation of Young Republicans, Attorney General, Jon Bruning, the Nebraska Federation of Women Republicans, and Tony Fulton, Tom Nesbitt and Don Stenberg, all Republican candidates for the office of Sstate Treasurer. At a previous meeting, the committee had resolved to support change to a winner-take-all system for the Electoral College. Members were made aware of Nebraska Legislative Bill 777 which would do just that and were asked to express their support to their State Legislator. By a two thirds majority, the committee approved an amendment to the state Republican Party Constitution to add four additional members to the Executive Committee. The measure would make the County Chairman of Douglas, Lancaster and Sarpy counties as permanent members of committee. Due to size and strength of Republican representation, the third district was awarded one additional representative on the Executive Committee. The State Central Committee also approved a resolution to support a raise for our state legislators from the current $12,000 a year to $22,000 IF the measure were to appear on a statewide ballot this spring. By a two thirds majority, the committee also approved the committees right to endorse candidates in both the primary and general election with a two-thirds vote of the State Central Committee or a majority vote of the General Assembly. A resolution to support the strengthening of the integrity of our election system was passed in defense of the Democratics partie initiatives to weaken its integrity with same day voter registration. I welcome your comments on any subject. State Central Committee Member Jesse Alber