Democrat Scott Kleeb Looks for Senate Nomination
By Annette van de Kamp-Wright
Note: Scott Kleeb won the Nebraska Democratic Nomination for the US Senate on May 13th, 2008. This article was previously published in the Jewish Press on May 9, 2008.
Scott Kleeb is currently seeking the Democratic nomination for the United States Senate. His family has strong roots in Nebraska; he is a fourth generation Nebraskan. He currently teaches American History at Hastings College and is employed by Morgan Ranch. Scott lives in Hastings with his wife Jane Fleming Kleeb and their children, Kora and Maya.
JP: How would you like to introduce yourself to people?
SK: I am a father, a husband, and a teacher. I’ve worked on a cattle ranch, and received my PhD in history from Yale University. I was raised overseas because both my parents were teachers in the U.S. Military.
JP: Why should people vote for you?
SK: I believe we need to make an investment in Nebraska’s future, by improving the health care system, education, and the economy. I think people have a hunger for someone who truly cares; someone who emphasizes service and trust. We all feel the need to take a fresh look at the issues, and find real meaning. There is a disconnect between real life and the way Washington operates, and we are ready for a fundamentally new approach. We can either demand more of our leaders, and ourselves, or we can settle for more of the same. We can demand new ideas that uphold our finest and oldest traditions, or we can settle for the same failed old policies.
JP: What are your long term plans?
SK: My calling is Public Service, and it is well worth all the hours of sacrifice from my family. I believe that by running for the nomination, I am answering a long term calling.
JP: What is so great about Nebraska?
SK: Nebraska has wonderful traditions, strong values, and communities full of people that know they can depend on each other. We call ourselves the Homestead State for a reason; as Nebraskans we have always defined ourselves by a wide horizon, our history, and our rock solid values. There is a sense of place in Nebraska, a notion of what community really means in the long run. Through hard work and personal integrity, we can accomplish a better future.
JP: You are running as a Democrat; would you vote against party lines if it were best for Nebraska?
SK: I am a strong Democrat, but a good idea is a good idea regardless of party lines. Partisanship only serves itself; the best things happen when we work across those party lines, and the interest of Nebraska always comes first.
JP: How do you propose we reduce carbon emissions?
SK: Two ways: first, we deal with the production side. This means finding ways to diversify between alternatives, like wind and cellulosic energy, and less carbon-based energy. The second thing we need to work on is the consumption part of the equation. We must challenge businesses to find ways to become more efficient, and we should challenge ourselves as well. Don’t just talk about changing your light bulbs; there is much more we can do if we push ourselves and make this a priority. What is holding us back right now is the fact that there has been no leadership to help us plan an effective route on a national level.
JP: What are ‘green collar jobs’?
SK: These are jobs that invest in new technologies, industries and businesses. We need to couple environmental purpose and economic purpose; that means not just putting more money in people’s wallets but simultaneously ensuring our future by caring for the environment. Renewable sources of energy create new industries and hundreds of thousands of jobs, while decreasing costs for the average consumer. While at the same time, a new energy economy – or green collar jobs – makes our country safer by cutting our dependence on foreign oil and decreasing pollution.
JP: You have many ideas to improve education, such as reform of No Child Left Behind, and increased support for Early Head Start and Head Start. How do you plan to fund these changes?
SK: What is important to remember is that education begins at birth, and making use of programs like Early Head Star and head Start in the long run means less cost for taxpayers. We need to reform “No Child left behind”, reduce the drop out rate, and create initiatives to bring more qualified teachers into the classroom while supporting full spectrum curriculum development. This means a focus on the arts as well as the basic skills a child needs to be successful. We currently have $450 Billion in uncollected taxes, which could be used towards education.
JP: People are concerned about food safety; any ideas?
SK: We need a robust and functioning FDA. The inspectors are checking the food supply where they can, but they are immensely understaffed. We need to make sure they have the resources and personnel they need to do their job effectively. For the longest time it’s been the bottom line that’s been the most important, and we need to return to a system where the safety of our families is addressed, while simultaneously keeping an eye on our wallets.
JP: What are your thoughts about the increase of domestic food production?
SK: Locally produced food is the fastest growing sector of the food economy. People want to know where their food comes from, and literally shake the hand of the rancher that raised the beef. This means more money in the pockets of the farmer, it’s better for the environment, healthier for the consumer, and it is wonderful for the local economy.
JP: What are your ideas about health care reform?
SK: At a minimum, any health care plan must be similar to that offered through the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program, the plan all Members of Congress have, and it should cover all essential medical services, including preventative, maternity, and mental health care. Physical illness must be covered on parity with mental illness. We also need to provide affordable premiums, co-pays, and deductibles with a guarantee of easy enrollment for all citizens without discrimination on the basis of pre-existing conditions. We must treat wellness and prevention, and we need disclosure of cost from all health care providers, so we can have open competition. We absolutely must bring down the cost of insurance, as it has risen 80%, and we need to pay attention to long-term care.
JP: What is “smart spending”?
SK: Smart spending is spending that is fully disclosed. The government needs to be open about where money goes; especially spending that is involved with earmarks. Government spending needs to invest in growth, the environment, education, and health care.
JP: What do you plan to do about returning Veterans, and the increased number of PTSD cases?
SK: Treatment of returning veterans needs to include mental health parity, which means increasing mental health care in the VA system. It is also important to have community based services, so veterans can get treatment in their own communities in a comfortable environment.
JP: What is your position on Israel?
SK: I believe that the United States must continue to support our longtime ally in the Middle East, the only functioning and robust democracy in the region. And we must continue to see Israel’s security as connected to our own. To that end, we must continue to support Israel’s right to self-defense not only against potentially hostile states but also against Hezbollah. Our support must not only be diplomatic, but we must also continue our foreign aid packages involving both military and economic assistance.
JP: Have you ever been to a Seder?
SK: As a matter of fact, I went to one last Sunday. It was three hours long, and yes, I had the horseradish!
JP: Politicians get a bad rep. Why is that?
SK: Politicians should ask their constituents to reach beyond the immediate problems, and inspire us to make our lives better. For much too long, politics has been about bickering and partisanship.
JP: Obama or Hillary?
SK: They are both remarkable candidates!
JP: Mel Brooks or Adam Sandler?
SK: That is a very tough question to answer. Mel Brooks transcends generations and he has enormous range, but Adam Sandler has allowed his audience to grow with him.
JP: You have to pick.
SK: If I must, I’ll go with Adam Sandler.
