Otto von Bismark said something about not wanting to see laws being like sausages and not wanting to see how they're made. After looking over Neal's flowchart, we're inclined to agree.

Sen. Johanns' and Rep. Terry's support for Congressional bills that would force approval of the (already denied) Keystone XL pipeline not only goes against Nebraskans' concerns about our land and water, but it is also a fruitless endeavor akin to chasing Moby Dick.

President Obama denied TransCanada's permit request to build the Keystone XL pipeline which means TransCanada must resubmit an application to the State Department. If TransCanada submits a new application, the review process starts from the beginning. Specifically in Nebraska, this means that TransCanada must--according to law passed during the Pipeline Special Session--submit a route application to the Public Service Commission. The denial of the pipeline however has not stopped the GOP's pursuit of political theater in the name of “jobs.” 

Bold Nebraska would like to thank all the artists and sponsors our first fundraising event, Bid Green to Keep the Aquifer Clean. Check out our sponsors’ websites and information below.

ART ITEMS
Andy Colley
Nolan Tredway
Brian Tait
Rebecca Hepburn 
Josh Powell
Sarah Bauman
Bart Vargas
Kathryn Gabig
Jamie Burmeister
Juanita Rice 
Bill Sitzmann
Deanna Larson
Eddith Buis
Ransom
Justin Kemerling
Patty Curl
Sharon Lacy Cech
Nina Colgan 
Deborah Murphy
Ki Slaymaker
Joel Sartore
Jane Eckert
Michael Forsberg
Andrei Sorokin
Shelly Burge
Iggy Sumnik
Mads Anderson
Bob Hall
Jean Lewis
Andrea Davis
Neal Obermeyer

Last night, the Republican presidential candidates had yet another debate, marking the 25th debate of this election cycle. As usual, the candidates made several far-fetched claims; see how they stand up against the fact checker. Luckily, debate number 26 is not scheduled until February 22. Here’s your Roundup:

Editor's note: This story written by Curtis Brainard originally appeared on the Columbia Journalism Review's site on January 24th, 2012.

God help the poor news consumers of America, especially the would-be voters.

As a registered Republican for over forty years I am appalled at the course of action that my party has chosen to take in regards to the Keystone XL pipeline. The Republicans have decided it’s time to hit the accelerator and ram this project through even without a full and unbiased assessment of its effects on the citizens and environment across the heartland of this nation.

Much to his credit President Obama has heard the voices of those of us who could have our livelihoods and way of life threatened by this project, and he has hit the brakes.  If the Keystone XL actually has merit then it should be able to withstand the rigorous and comprehensive review that it deserves, and has not gotten. A flawed environmental study, such as the first one, did very little to ease the minds of those of us who live and work along the proposed pathway.

Last Wednesday, President Obama made the monumental announcement that he is denying TransCanada's permit request to build the Keystone XL export pipeline. We first want to say thank you to all the farmers, ranchers, urbanites, treehuggers, grandmas, students, artists, business owners and everyone in between who made this happen. All of your work writing letters, sending emails, calling, getting arrested, surrounding the Governor's Mansion, and testifying at State Department hearings led to this right decision for our country, land and water.

To sign the card, please fill out the form below.

It's the two year anniversary of the Citizens United v FEC decision that has sent us down the rabbit hole.

I read today that an independent, national  poll of small business owners reports that 66% believe that the Supreme Court's decision in the Citizen's United vs FEC two years ago hurts small companies, and 88% hold a negative view of the role money plays in politics. Those are big numbers folks, but as a small business person, I'm not surprised.

Today marks the two-year anniversary of the Citizens United case. The Supreme Court ruling in this case has allowed corporate money to flood our elections. To mark the anniversary, Occupy Wall Street is going to “Occupy the Courts.” Here’s your Roundup:     

This page is intended for members of the press. We want to make sure you have folks to interview and pictures to utilize.

The action we are asking citziens to take in response of the denial, is to sign a thank you card/poster to the President, the image on the poster is Nebraskans holding signs thanking the President.