Midterm elections are rapidly approaching, and the battle to represent the second district of Nebraska in the United States House of Representatives is heating up.
The 2018 Republican incumbent, Congressman Don Bacon, is facing Democratic candidate Kara Eastman. Eastman won the primaries on May 15 with 51.4 percent of the vote, according to an article from the Washington Post.
Nebraska’s second district, composed of Douglas County and suburban western Sarpy county has been served by Bacon since January of last year.
Bacon is a member of three committees within the House: the House Armed Services Committee, House Homeland Security Committee and House Committee on Agriculture. Prior to his election, Bacon served nearly 30 years in the United States Air Force.
Eastman served as the District 4 representative on the Metropolitan Community College Board of Governors in Douglas County from 2014 to 2018. In addition, she founded the nonprofit Omaha Healthy Kids Alliance, which raises awareness of potential home hazards and poisons.
According to the Omaha World Herald, Bacon began with a 4-to-1 cash advantage and has raised around 2 million dollars compared to Eastman’s 780,000 dollars.
While Bacon and Eastman disagree on most policies, they see eye to eye on some issues.
Bacon and Eastman support the continuation of the Special Counsel investigation, according to recent Omaha World Herald reporting. Eastman said that Congress should be concerned about Trump’s handling of the investigation, but Bacon said that he needs to see the results before a push for impeachment. Both are looking to strengthen election security for midterms and every future election.
College of Arts and Sciences senior Paul Romero is an Omaha native and the president of Creighton College Democrats. Romero said he would like to see his representative focus on economic security.
“Omaha is a vibrant city. Where I grew up, there is a dichotomy between the west and east side, and I think it is important that the next member of Congress prioritizes these economic issues.”
Romero said that regardless of who is elected, he wants a resolute and honest representative, but he thinks a new leader with new ideas would be refreshing for the city. “I appreciate someone who will stand up for Omaha families.”
He also wants to emphasize the importance of this election: “Participating and voting really do shape the institutions and society we live in.”
“We’re going to have to deal with the problems and consequences of today’s policies for the rest of our lives. It’s important that we step up.”
College of Arts and Sciences junior Patrick Fenner, another Omaha native, said “I don’t want actions dictated by party.”
“I believe our representative should have a good moral compass and be attentive to the needs and opinions of his or her constituents.”
Fenner also stated that he sees education and the workforce as crucial parts of Omaha’s identity. “I want the candidate who creates the most opportunity for the people of Omaha to succeed.”