We believe politics matter…

President Abraham Lincoln, a progressive Republican, signed into law the Homestead Act in 1862 opening the door to home ownership and marking a clear role for good government. 

Daniel Freeman, was the first American to apply for land under the act.  Freeman was politically active and engaged in the developing public school system in Nebraska.  He went against the status quo and demanded separation of church and state.

William Jennings Bryan, a populist Democrat left a mixed legacy, but also helped shape many of the progressive reforms of the 20^th century in the fiery speeches he gave across Nebraska and nation. 

Willa Cather, an independent artist, gave us a picture of early life in Nebraska.  She also made it clear she would not be forced into a box with her writing, pushing against stereotypes and blazing a trail for female authors. 

George Norris, a Republican and Independent Member of Congress, believed in good government and believed in the people.  He brought electricity to our rural towns across Nebraska and supported the New Deal.

Mildred Brown, a journalist and founder of Omaha Star an African-American paper, was a leader in the civil rights movement and pushed elected leaders to take action on social justice and employment issues.  Her paper encouraged true citizenship–voting and running for office.

Jim Exon, a moderate Democrat serving as Governor and Senator, was known for his ability to bridge political differences and balance budgets while keeping services intact.  He never lost an election in Nebraska.

Helen Boosalis, a political pioneer, was the first female Mayor of Lincoln.  A child of immigrants and a proud Democrat, she went on to also become the first female President of the US Conference of Mayors.  Serving as chair of AARP and helping with Arbor Day, she was a woman of firsts who never stopped being engaged in the community.

Ted Sorensen, a Democratic leader, graduated from Lincoln High School in Nebraska and went on to become the speech writer and devoted advisor of President John F. Kennedy. Sorensen was considered a pillar of wit and wisdom among energetic Democrats of the ’60s. After Kennedy was assassinated, he continued to work in politics domestically and internationally. Sorensen was one of the first national political figures to endorse Barack Obama’s candidacy for president.

Norbert Tiemann, a Republican Governor, was born in one of our small towns that make our state strong, Minden. He led our state with progressive legislation from our first minimum wage law to an intense focus on making our university system accessible.

Nebraskans are bold.  We are pioneers. We are reformers.  We are independent.  

Our state is currently dominated by one political voice.  Gone are the days where all sides of the political debate and ideology are not only heard but seriously impact our state and federal politics.  Our history tells us something different.  

Bold Nebraska is setting out to change the political landscape and restore political balance.

To be clear, you will not see “fair and balanced” blogs and actions on our site.  You will see quite the opposite. 

We are progressive and we are independent and we are moderate.  We are not conservative, especially since in our state conservative does not mean the same as it did while we were growing up. Conservative leaders in our state have gone to the far-right leaving our families and common sense behind. 

In fact, we think the far-right is dominating and damaging our state with a one-sided form of politics that hurts the fundamentals of democracy.  We think there is a role for good, common-sense government and we need more progressive, independent and moderate voices in our state’s politics. 

Sign up for emails and take action on issues like the pipeline. Use your voice to help us change the political landscape of our state.

We believe politics matter.

We are going back to our roots and we need your help to build a Bold Nebraska.