We Have Ourselves A Nominee. . .

NYD congratulates Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois on winning the Democratic presidential nomination. Having brought so much excitement to Nebraska with his visit before our presidential caucus, we are proud to officially join the grassroots campaign that has already sprung up around Obama’s candidacy in the Cornhusker state. With our friends in Nebraska for Obama, this will be the election in which we turn the tide in Nebraska politics.

Young voters will lead the way in that effort, inspired by the unifying spirit of Obama’s campaign and his message of progress and hope. It is a welcome contrast to the fatigue and despair that currently prevails after the eight long years of this disastrous Bush presidency.

Join Scott Kleeb’s New Pioneers

For those Young Democrats who are really looking to get involved and make a difference, Scott Kleeb’s campaign for the U.S. Senate is looking for highly motivated students and recent graduates to join their New Pioneers Internship Program starting this summer and running through the fall election.

These positions are unpaid, but the campaign will work with students to help them receive college credit. Interns will be encouraged to pursue a particular division based on their current major, skills, and overall interest. For more information about joining the New Pioneers, contact Mike Nellis at mike@scottkleeb.com or at (402) 214-1484.

Vote in the May 13th Democratic Primary

After the success of the February 9th presidential caucus, it’s a great time to be a Nebraska Democrat. Now, our party is once again where the excitement’s at as the Senate race between Scott Kleeb and Tony Raimondo dominates the airwaves and the headlines leading up to Nebraska’s May 13th primary.

Republicans don’t even have a real choice in this Senate race after President Bush hand-picked Mike Johanns for their nomination. That’s not how we do things in the Democratic Party, where the power is in your hands.

Not only do we have two great candidates running for Senate, but we also have two great young Democrats - Jim Esch and Richard Carter - running for the U.S. House in Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District. Please educate yourself and make an informed vote. We need candidates who will run strong campaigns this fall and make us proud in Washington D.C.

Although we’ve already made our voices heard in this once-in-a-lifetime presidential contest, this primary will also give us a second opportunity to vote for Senators Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton. While the results won’t have any official impact, both candidates will be on the ballot and would be sure to benefit from a strong showing this late in the campaign. Whomever you caucused for needs your support once again.

Remember to vote on Tuesday, May 13th. This year, there are NO EXCUSES!

Announcing the 2008 NYD Convention

On Saturday, April 5th at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln, Nebraska Young Democrats will gather for their 2008 statewide convention hosted by the UNL Young Democrats. Registration at the 2008 Convention is open to all Nebraska Democrats between the ages of 13 - 35. Be a part of the youth-driven political movement that is going to bring progressive change to the state of Nebraska and to the entire country in this exciting election year.

To prepare yourself, see our instructional page on the Basics of NYD Conventions. Otherwise, we’ll just look forward to seeing you at 10 am on Saturday, April 5th at the UNL Student Union (14th & R St in Lincoln, NE).

12 NYD Travel to Dallas for YDA National Convention

Nebraska Young Democrats sent an impressive delegation to the Young Democrats of America 2007 Convention in Dallas, July 18 - 21. The 12 member delegation far exceeded Nebraska’s representation at the last several Conventions, demonstrating to state and national leaders that NYD continues to be an organization on the rise.

Amongst the highlights of the Convention was a fiery speech by 2008 Presidential candidate John Edwards and our partaking in a service project alongside Gen. Wesley Clark putting together school supplies for the children of military families. NYD members also played active roles in crafting a new platform for YDA and teaching Young Democrats from across the country how to do the dance from Michael Jackson’s famous THRILLER music video. Longtime NYD leader Jeff Leanna was also honored for his years of service at the Convention’s Awards Dinner.

For 10 of Nebraska’s 12 delegates (pictured above), this was their first Convention. But, their great experiences in Dallas definitely inspired excitement for future YDA participation, as well as the DNC’s 2008 Presidential Nominating Convention in Denver.

NYD Welcome Gov. Bill Richardson to Omaha

Nebraska Young Democrats were proud to welcome Presidential candidate and New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson to Omaha for the YDA National Conference we hosted May 18 - 20, 2007. Follow this link to watch Richardson deliver his Keynote Address to a room full of NYD and fellow young Democrats from across the country. Some suggested this was the first true campaign stop by a Democratic Presidential candidate in Nebraska since Bobby Kennedy’s legendary appearances in 1968.

Also speaking at the conference were 2006 YD Congressional candidates Jim Esch and Scott Kleeb. Thanks to everyone who attended and to all of our supporters who made this landmark event possible.

Start A Chapter - - Nebraska Young Democrats Will Help

Feel outnumbered? Want your voice to be heard? Then start your own chapter!!! It’s easier than you think, and a lot of fun! Click here to see how Nebraska Young Democrats will help you…