We need help in order to elect Jim Esch!

Drop by the main office at 2529 S. 90th St.

Volunteer shifts run daily - the office is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Monday through Thursday - Rotating shifts 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and 4 p.m.-8 p.m.

Friday - one shift from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Saturday- Rotating shifts 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and 2 p.m.-6 p.m.

Sunday- Rotating shifts 12-4 p.m. and 4-8 p.m.

Thanks for your help!

The Creighton Students Union organization is hosting a
debate with the two candidates for Nebraska’s Second District in
Congress, Jim Esch and Lee Terry on the Creighton University campus.

Scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 7 at 8 p.m. at the Mike and Josie Harper
Center ballroom, the debate will be moderated by students, with
questions submitted beforehand by Creighton students, faculty and staff.

The debate, which is open to the public, will last one hour. Parking is available adjacent to the Harper Center, 602 N. 20th St., and is
available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Come and support Jim at the debate!

“People are being asked to take a leap of faith, to simply trust that their government knows what’s best. Unfortunately, over the last decade, the government has not inspired much trust from the American people. Lee Terry voted to relax regulations on the financial industry, and helped create the problems we face today. We can’t trust the people who got us into this crisis to know how to get us out of it.”

Source:

H.R. 10 Financial Services Act, Roll no. 276 7/1/99

The story of Rob’s Rollers illustrates what is needed in the Disability policy of this country – people working together to give those with disabilities the opportunities they deserve to successfully participate in our society. I have already worked to support those with disabilities, and I will continue to do so as Congressman. Therefore, I have a four-part plan for aiding Americans with disabilities. First, it is essential to ensure that children with special needs have access to the appropriate education. Secondly, America must begin breaking down barriers for people with disabilities in the workplace and public spaces. Third, health insurance coverage for mental health must be on par with coverage for physical health. Finally, we must prioritize funding for research to find better treatments and cures for disabilities ranging from autism to Parkinson’s disease.

View my Disability Policy.

As Wall Street becomes increasingly unpredictable and unstable with each passing day, Jim Esch reiterated again today why we should not privatize social security. Esch’s opponent Lee Terry wants to privatize social security. Privatizing social security would allow for tax dollars to be diverted from the Social Security trust fund into risky investment accounts, thus taking away American’s retirement safety net.

“All I want to know is, does my opponent still support privatizing social security accounts?” Esch said. “I think this is a fair question to ask. I have said all along that the current social security program we have in place would work if we allowed it to work as it was intended. To raid the social security fund - as Lee Terry has advocated - and put that money into the hands of private investors is morally wrong and alarming to me given what has transpired on Wall Street in the last week.”

Lee Terry supports voluntary contributions of Social Security taxes into private investment accounts. “All options should be on the table for consideration, including private accounts,” Terry said [1].

Terry co-sponsored legislation to allow privatized accounts [2]. Terry also voted in favor of spending $1.1 trillion of the Social Security Trust Fund over five years to pay for other governmental spending [3].

Sources:

[1] “Esch speaks out against privatizing social security”, Omaha World Herald 8/15/08

[2] H.R.4839, Title: To amend title II of the Social Security Act and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide prospectively for personalized retirement security through personal retirement accounts to allow for more control by individuals over their Social Security retirement income.

[3] H Con Res 95, Vote #149, 4/28/05

Omaha, Neb.- Jim Esch released his four point Homeland Security policy today and reiterated his resolve to fight against America’s true enemy- al-Qaeda. Esch stressed the need for new leadership and criticized Rep. Lee Terry for being a pawn for the current Administration.

“Somewhere along the way, our government took their eye off the target - al-Qaeda. ‘Yes Men’ like my opponent allowed our focus to stray from the true threat,” Esch said. “I will help bring a more effective approach to the way the government currently deals with terrorism to ensure the security of America.”

Esch’s four point plan:

1) I will help bring focus back to our fight against the true enemy – al-Qaeda

2) I will introduce legislation creating a principal on Nuclear Terror with a direct report to the President that works across government agencies in coordinating Federal activities on this issue.

3) I will push for doubling funding for the Homeland Security Grant Program. I will push for sufficient funding, so that all police departments and fire/rescue departments in the second district will have the funds they need and deserve to achieve their mission in protecting the public.

4) I will push to require more screening of all shipping containers coming into the United States.

Look at Jim’s Four Point Homeland Security Plan.

Omaha, Neb.- Jim Esch said in a statement today that Congress and Wall Street executives are at fault for recent economic woes. Esch criticized his opponent Lee Terry for his support of a plan that asks American citizens to foot the bill for a bailout that only benefits Wall Street.

“My opponent supports a plan that will give Wall Street a blank check from struggling American families to bail out those who recklessly gambled with our economic future. It does nothing to ensure that tax payers aren’t stuck with the bill. Quite honestly, that is alarming to me,” Esch said. “Congress needs a responsible plan that makes sure the American tax payer is repaid in full.”

In addition to repayment provisions, Esch called for a plan that includes investigations of and regulations for Wall Street executives. Terry voted to relax federal regulations that would have protected the market from the current economic crisis.

“We need to hold those responsible for this crisis accountable. Congress turned a blind eye over the past 10 years, and Wall Street executives were allowed to operate with relaxed federal oversight,” Esch said. “The same people who got us into this financial mess are now asking the American tax payer to bail them out of it, with nothing more than a promise of ‘Trust us, we know what we are doing.’ Why should we trust those who created the problem to fix it? As your Congressman, I will work to restore oversight, something my opponent has disregarded.”

Source:
H.R. 10 Financial Services Act, Roll no. 276 7/1/99

While local hospital needs are always met first, the Red Cross also helps ensure no patient goes without blood no matter where or when they need it. A stable blood supply is important throughout the year to ensure we are prepared for emergencies and national disasters like the 2008 storms and hurricanes.

Our campaign is asking for your help.

Donate Friday 9/26/08 at Jim Esch for Congress office, 2529 S. 90th St., 2:30 – 7:00pm

Click here to schedule a donation appointment online (search by sponsor code: 1858) and help us recover the 1,000 lost units of blood.

Omaha, Neb.- Lee Terry voted against the Comprehensive American Energy Security and Consumer Protection Act (HR 6899), that passed the house 236-189 late yesterday afternoon. Terry’s vote was a vote against offshore drilling and a vote against people of the second district.

The bill included offshore drilling, expansion of renewable sources of energy, lowers prices for consumers, and protects tax payers. The bill also creates good paying jobs here in America.

“For a guy that harps a lot on the necessity of offshore drilling and the need for effective energy plan now, Lee Terry Jr.’s vote against this bill is just stunning!” said Joe Sibilia, Esch communications director. “Lee Jr. voted against easing the pain people feel at the pump.”

The bill also requires Big Oil to pay what it owes taxpayers and ends unnecessary subsidies to Big Oil companies earning record profits.

“Lee Jr. had a simple (A) or (B) option with this vote. (A) Side with the American taxpayers and consumers struggling with energy costs and looking for bold new solutions or (B) side with the Big Oil companies reaping the largest profits in American history,” Sibilia said. “Lee Jr. doesn’t vote for the interests of citizens of the second district, he votes for the interests of his campaign coffers and his vote here is proof of that.”

According to the Center for Responsive Politics, Terry has accepted over $130,000 in Big Oil contributions.

Jim Esch supports a bipartisan comprehensive energy plan, laid forth in his EASI Energy plan. The plan puts all options on the table - including offshore drilling - in solving our nation’s energy crisis.

“Washington is broken, and members of Congress need to find compromise on issues like this,” Jim Esch said. “Lee Terry obviously has not done that.”

Terry has repeatedly voted against offshore drilling and making Big Oil pay what they owe to the country:

~ Responsible Federal Oil and Gas Lease Act of 2008 (H.R. 6251)- Roll no 469, 6/26/08.

~ An act to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend expiring provisions, and for other purposes (H.R. 6111) Roll no. 532, 12/8/06.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there were 45,000 uninsured children in Nebraska in 2007. That is enough uninsured children to fill the Qwest Center two-and-a-half times. Every week in the newspaper, we see announcements of pancake feeds and spaghetti dinners to benefit a child who has developed a terrible and life-threatening condition. Often, the necessary treatment is available but at a cost the family cannot afford. The family is forced to depend on the kindness of strangers to ensure that their child receives the life-saving care they need. Is this the kind of health care system that Congressman Terry thinks our children deserve? While the kindness of the American people is nearly limitless, I do not believe that a family’s ability to provide care to their children should be dependent on charity. I think we owe it to our children to create a better system.

Much like his failure to take a long-term, proactive approach to our nation’s energy policy during his tenure, he again failed to recognize the long-term return on our investment in the health of children. Supporting health care for children is a true pro-life policy. Supporting health care for children is a true economic policy. As Congressman, I will work to ensure that all of our children are well-equipped to learn more, earn more, achieve more and build the foundation for future American progress.

Take a look at my Children and families policy.

“Being added to the DCCC’s ‘Red to Blue’ program is a testament to the hard work of our staff and volunteers here on the ground,” Esch said. “The campaign has gained momentum in recent months and the DCCC’s support will provide us with the opportunity to make sure we are firing on all cylinders from now until Election Day.”

Esch ran a spirited and feisty campaign in 2006, against then four term incumbent Lee Terry, surprising many when his grassroots campaign came within 9 points of unseating Terry. It was the closest House race in Nebraska. Voter turnout was relatively low in Omaha in the 2006 election, but that is expected to change due in part to excitement created by Barack Obama’s campaign.

“For the last 10 years, this district has not had the leadership it needs,” Esch said. “It’s time to change the failed policies of the past. I’m ready to go to Washington and fight for Nebraska families, and the change they need, during these difficult times.”

Esch’s renewed sense of urgency to give the people of Nebraska the leadership they deserve coupled with the presence of Democratic Party in the district, leaves Esch primed to defeat Terry in the 2008 election.

We remember the courageous acts and bravery of first responders and citizens who put their own lives on the line to save others. We are forever grateful to the men and women of our armed forces who continue to risk their lives to keep our nation safe.

September 11th will always be remembered as a day of much suffering, but it also will be remembered as a symbol of unity for all Americans as we came together in the days and weeks following 9/11.

Omaha, Neb.- Jim Esch called Lee Terry’s newest attack ad a flat-out lie and Esch reiterated his commitment to run a campaign based on facts.

“As your next Congressman, I will continue to be truthful with the people of this district,” Esch said. “That is what they expect and deserve out of their Congressman.”

Esch released his EASI Energy Plan on July 17, 2008. Esch’s plan states that all options are on the table in order to meet this nation’s energy crisis head on. That includes the exploration of domestic drilling. Lee Terry’s newest ad blatantly misstates Esch’s position. It comes as no surprise to the Esch camp.

“Lee Terry Jr.’s newest ad is exactly what we expected him to come out with, given the gentleman he hired to run his campaign,” said Joe Sibilia, Esch communications director. “Lee Jr. was sitting right next to Jim at the KFAB debate when Jim said domestic drilling was an option, that’s how we know this was a lie. The problem is that Lee Jr. has been lying to this district since the day he set foot in office, when he re-neged on his commitment to three terms.”

Esch said in the KFAB debate:

“The Bakkin Oil Field in the Dakotas and Montana and going up into Alberta and the Saskatchewan has huge reserves, and we now have the technology to go in there and be able to get it. Much bigger than be it ANWAR or offshore drilling. Not that those cannot be in the equation, but that it is more easily accessible, it’s going to create jobs for the midwest.”

Yard signs are available at the Jim Esch office at 2529 S. 90th Street. Send an e-mail to yardsign@jimesch.org or call us at (402) 991-3050 to request a yard sign.

On Saturday, meet at the office at 2:30 to help deliver yard signs.

If you are in Bellevue, you can also put up yard signs right now. Papillion can put up signs starting Sept. 20, and LaVista on Oct. 4.

Signs are also available in our Sarpy County office at Southroads (1001 Ft. Crook Rd. N. Ste. 204) in Bellevue.

Main Office: 2529 South 90th st. 68124

Sarpy County Office: Southroads Mall in Bellevue 1001 Fort Crook Road North, Suite 204

The food drive will run through October 1.

Thank you for your support!

Any questions ask for Joe at the Main Office at 991-3050 or ask for Matt at the Sarpy Office 991-7508.

View Jim’s Poverty statement below.

Prior to the current economic slowdown, our economy had experienced periods of strong growth and employment since 2001, yet the number of individuals, families and children living in poverty continues to increase since 2000. According to recently released data from the U.S. Census Bureau, there were 15,000 families and 26,839 children living in poverty in 2007 in the Second Congressional District of Nebraska.² Our nation has experienced periods of dramatic poverty reduction in the past, most recently in the 1990s in which the national poverty rate fell from a little over 15 percent to just over 11 percent between 1993 and 2000. We can reverse the trend of growing poverty that has reasserted itself since 2000 with sound economic and social policies coupled with motivated individual initiative.

Reducing poverty is not just a moral imperative- it is of great economic importance as well. With income inequality at historically high levels, the current pattern of wealth distribution will be incapable of maintaining long-term prosperity and growth. Poverty has profound implications for the future of our society, as it is the single greatest threat to child well-being and development. Children growing up in poverty are at greater risk for many adverse outcomes such as poor mental and physical health, inadequate nutrition, lower educational attainment, and increased interaction with the justice system. According to the National Center for Children in Poverty, economists estimate that child poverty costs the U.S. $500 billion a year in lost productivity in the labor force and spending on health care and the criminal justice system. A reduction in poverty will create more consumers, and allow more people to participate in the economic and civic life of our nation. Reducing child poverty will ensure that as many children as possible grow up in conditions that maximize their opportunities for success.

As poverty continues to increase despite overall economic growth and increases in worker productivity, there is a growing disconnect between work and financial stability. Poverty has been called an “unnatural disaster,” a result of economic, social and political choices that we Americans have made, both as individuals and as a society.³ While individual behaviors and choices do affect the severity and duration of poverty, the consequences and pervasiveness of barriers to economic opportunity prevalent in many of our systems and policies cannot be ignored. Reducing poverty and barriers to opportunity will require economic policies that promote the creation of high-quality jobs and a strong and well-trained workforce, coupled with social policies designed to support working families and provide more than just a safety net but rather a path to financial stability through a focus on asset-building. As your Congressman, I will work to promote the dignity of life and also the stability of our economy by advocating for policies which support working families in Nebraska and help them build wealth. I will promote policies that create more opportunities for more Americans and the greatest amount of opportunities for our children.

[1] Pope Benedict XVI, “God Is Love,”
December 25, 2005, 20.

[2] U.S. Census Bureau 2007 American Community Survey, (Tables B17006 and B17010)

[3] Rev. Larry Snyder, President of Catholic Charities USA, Testimony Before the Subcommittee on Income Security and Family Support of the House Committee on Ways and Means, April 26, 2007.

Tune in tomorrow!

With our national debt being stretched to historic proportions, we will have to make firm and difficult decisions about our national funding priorities. I am prepared to adhere to pay-as-you-go policy constraints and will work to promote policy that will not increase our unsustainable debt obligations for future generations. To the extent that economic stimulus is necessary in a time of economic downturn, I will advocate for valuable investments in our future productivity and economic progress. Any domestic government spending, in the face of monstrous budget deficits, must generate significant rates of return in the future productivity of American people and the American economy to justify the expense.

Through increased economic opportunity, the wider availability of well-paying jobs, a stronger infrastructure, and a cleaner economy, we will make the American Dream more attainable for many Americans who have been struggling to just get by, let alone get ahead. As your Congressman, I will promote bipartisan legislation focused on restoring American economic growth through fiscally responsible investments in our own systems of infrastructure and clean energy technologies, investments which have been neglected for far too long to the detriment of our economic future. We can help ourselves by investing in ourselves, and I will work to ensure these investments are made a priority.

For more information on my economic plan, click here.

Arrows to Aerospace: Old Towne Bellevue. Meet at Mission and Bert Murphy (near St. Mary’s School) at 9:15 a.m. Parade starts at 10:00 a.m.

Millard Days: 132nd and Millard Ave. Meet at Faith Westwood Methodist Church 4814 Oaks Lane at 10:15 a.m.
Here is a map showing Faith Westwood’s location. Parade starts at 11:00 a.m.

Dundee Day: Memorial Park to 50th and Underwood. Meet at Brownell Talbot School’s north parking lot at 10:00 a.m. Parade starts at 10:30 a.m.

This is one of the fundamental differences between myself and my opponent. While I went to gain first-hand knowledge about the situation on the ground in a region that is vital to our national security, he was playing partisan games in Washington. Our district is home to a center for detailed and comprehensive information on Afghanistan, its history, its culture, and the current situation there. But our Congressman has not reached out, and has not met with the experts there to gain a better understanding. We need someone who is willing to talk to the people in our community, who is not afraid to ask questions, and will not play partisan games with our nation’s future.

The drive into Kabul is bleak and dusty. The landscape is desolate and the buildings are mostly rubble, shelled out long ago by the civil war that raged after the Soviet withdrawal. The road into the city was a wide boulevard with a dirt median down the middle. The road, like all roads in Kabul, was crowded with everything from cars, motorcycles, taxis, buses and trucks to men and mules pulling old wooden carts and many more people walking or on bicycles. There were no stop lights and apparently no speed limits or rules. Clearly, your best defense was a good offense.

On the road side were small wooden stands with people selling everything from fruits and vegetables to gasoline in plastic containers. The poverty of the country is staggering and immediately realized. The vast majority of the people are young, unemployed, and uneducated.

The only buildings that looked modern were the numerous wedding halls. Weddings are a big deal in Afghanistan. The halls look like something from Fremont Street in Las Vegas, gaudy all glass structures with fake neon palm trees and thousands of colored lights. Families spend anywhere from $10,000 to over $60,000 on weddings. That would be a lot in the US, let alone the fact that the average Afghan is lucky to make a few hundred dollars a month. It seems weddings are the only social outlet and it is the classic “keeping up with the Jones” scenario. However, some Mullahs are beginning to outlaw them for being too extravagant.

Kabul is a walled city. Everywhere are thick concrete, barbed wire topped walls protecting foreigners and the few rich. We arrived at the Kabul Inn which has an armed guard posted out front with what looks like an AK-47 slung over his shoulder. From the outside, the Inn doesn’t look like much, but inside the walls is a very pretty courtyard with flowers, shrubs and vined tressels with grapes hanging down. While old, it is clean and the rooms are simple but comfortable. They are air conditioned with satellite television, which is mostly channels from India, a third of which are in English. Kabul Inn has a small restaurant with decent food, old Mercury computers with internet access in the lobby, and laundry service. I was instructed to be aware of two things, my stomach and security. Luckily, the Kabul Inn seems to provide for both.

Tomorrow, I will have more on Afghanistan, and you can see more photos from the trip in our gallery.

As I said last election, our decision to shift our focus from hunting down Osama bin Laden and al-Qaeda to regime change in Iraq was an enormous mistake. It is clear from my travels, while the country is much better off than it was under the Taliban, progress seems to be stalling. Bin Laden and other terrorists are free to operate in the uncontrolled border region between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Life for the average Afghan is getting worse, not better. Security concerns are jeopardizing Afghanistan’s ability to hold free and open elections in 2009. We must refocus our efforts now, before we lose what gains we have made.

After 2 days of travel, including a 7 hour lay over in the Delhi airport, I arrived at the Kabul International Airport at 8:40 am. The term “international” is a bit of a stretch. The one and only runway is new, but the taxi lanes are in great need of repair and the grounds are unkept. There is one terminal which was built probably in the ’60s and has not been updated. Though, a new terminal is under construction.

The plane landed only 50 yards or so from the main building but we still took a bus from the stair-car to the terminal. Inside we waited in line to go through customs. There were a few members of the national police but other than putting my bag through a x-ray machine, very little security.

In the next few days, I will have more to say on my trip. Photos are available now in our gallery.

The opening will be from 5-7 PM next Monday, August 18. Food and drinks will be available. Donations are welcome.

See you there!

Tickets are already paid for, and Rosenblatt has great concession deals on Thursday night. All you need to do is stop by the office, come to the Sarpy County office grand opening on August 18th (more details on that to come), or meet Dan Esch by the CWS statue on August 21st.

Let me start out by reminding you that Lee Terry has been in Congress for 10 years. Seven of those 10 years Terry has been a Member of the House Energy Committee.

On June 26, 2000 Lee Terry recognized that this country was staring an energy crisis in the face (click here to read the editorial by Terry). In the Editorial he blames the Clinton Administration for his own lack of ability to come forth with an effective energy plan to address the crisis. For the next 6 years, with a Republican Congress and a Republican President, Terry still failed to come up with an effective energy plan. For the last two years, Terry has again blamed his inability to deliver an effective energy plan on a Democratic Congress and most recently he is pointing a finger at Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi.

Terry need not look any further than the finger print on the finger that he is pointing for a reason as to why, 8 years later, this country still faces an energy crisis. Terry has claimed that his finger prints are all over this nation’s current energy policy. A policy that is currently burning a hole in the pocket books of all Americans and the citizens of the second district.

This brings me back to why this energy rally was no more than a political gimmick.

Lee Terry said it best himself when he said on July 28, 2008, “Congress can no longer sit back and do nothing.” After recognizing the energy crisis our country faced in 2000, Lee Terry sat for 8 years and did nothing. Seven of those years Terry was in position where he could have made a difference and he didn’t and that is why Americans are feeling the pain at the pump.

Lee Terry held an energy relief rally to distract from his lack of leadership and ineffectiveness on an issue he claims his fingerprints are all over. He used the rally as a vehicle to once again, publicly point a finger at someone else.

Joe Sibilia

Communications Director

“It’s a comprehensive bill and it addresses the energy issue head on,” Esch said. “This is a piece of legislation that both parties can be proud of and meets the demands of the American people, much like I have proposed in my EASI plan.”

Jim released his EASI Energy plan on July 17.

“This act addresses both the short term and long term energy needs of this country,” Esch said. “It focuses on conservation, energy efficiency, renewable energy research, and environmental restoration.”

To hear Representative Abercrombie talk about the National Conservation, Environment and Energy Independence Act click here.

“Representatives Abercrombie and Peterson got it right. They worked across party lines, explored all options, and devised a plan that encompasses both Democratic ideas and Republican ideas for American solutions,” Esch said. “My opponent is supporting a partisan plan that is all about politics and not about solutions.”

Pick up a copy at your local City Weekly stand or read the online edition of the article right here.

As you may know, this year’s Election Day falls on Tuesday, November 4th. But you may not know that there is an entire Election Month. Nebraska state law allows citizens to vote early, this year beginning Monday, September 29th. From then until Election Day you are able to vote three different ways, Below is some information provided on the Douglas County Election Commission’s website with information regarding Sarpy county included.

Early Voting Ballot by Mail Any registered voter may vote with an early voting (absentee) ballot instead of voting at their polling place. You can request an application starting now at the Douglas County Election Commission or the Sarpy County Election Commission websites. You can return the application either by mail or fax.

Early Voting Ballot by Agent An early voting ballot may be picked up from the Douglas and Sarpy Election Commission offices and delivered by an agent. Agents are allowed to deliver up to two ballots to voters and then return them to the commission offices.

Early Voting in Person Voters may vote in person prior to Election Day at the Douglas or Sarpy County Election Commission offices. The Douglas County office’s address is 225 North 115th Street. Sarpy County’s office is located at 1261 Golden Gate Drive, Suite 6E, in Papillion. You can go anytime Monday through Friday, from the hours of 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM (4:45 in Sarpy County). They will be closed on holidays.

Voting early has become a very popular way to cast your ballot, and numerous states have implemented similar systems. For those of you who have difficulty voting because of work now have numerous options.

* Sign Up To Help On Election Day: November 4th is fast approaching, and we need to have our GOTV operation out in force on Election Day. Sign up to help us get voters to the polls on November 4th. E-mail matt@jimesch.org or sign up on the website.

* Become A Team Captain: Team Esch is our grassroots volunteer operation. Team captains will recruit volunteers and help to build a grassroots small donor network for the campaign. For more information on Team Esch, e-mail dan@jimesch.org.

* Pledge To Vote: Pledge to vote for Jim Esch on November 4th.

* Vote By Mail: Request an early voting ballot.

* Walk A Precinct: E-mail matt@jimesch.org or call the office at (402) 991-3050 and we’ll assemble a walk packet and guide you through the process. In addition, every Saturday, we will have a group of volunteers meeting at the office at 10 a.m. to go door-to-door.

* Volunteer At The Office: Stop by our office at 2529 S. 90th Street, just north of 90th and Center next to Senor Matia’s. There is always something to do, so give us a call or stop by and join the campaign.

* Talk To Your Friends About Jim Esch: Encourage your friends and family to vote for Jim, to get involved in the campaign, to go to our website and sign up for our e-mail list. The more people hear about Jim, the closer we are to victory in November.

Your support drives this campaign, and in the coming weeks and months we will need whatever time you can give to make sure that this campaign is successful. Thanks again, and we’ll see you soon!

The ripple effects of the foreclosure crisis have extended well beyond just borrowers and lenders. Foreclosures affect entire neighborhoods by:

- Driving down the value of homes in the community
- Adding to the supply of houses on the market, further exacerbating the downward pressure on home prices and construction-related industries
- Increasing criminal activity, as homes in foreclosure are often magnets for crime and suffer from disrepair
- Widening economic inequality, as predatory lending practices are often more pervasive in low-income and minority communities, where better loans are not readily available.
- Home loan interest rates are rising, making current loans with adjustable rates less affordable and new loans less desirable

To prevent this crisis from repeating itself, legal and regulatory safeguards must be improved so as to ensure that borrowers understand their loans, that lenders are making appropriate and affordable loans, and that investors in the secondary mortgage market clearly understand the product they are buying and the risk involved. There is a need for stronger lending standards that ban predatory lending practices, such as loans made without documentation of income or without any regard for the consumer’s ability to repay. To find a balanced solution to the home mortgage and foreclosure crisis will require input and cooperation from various groups and interests. I will bring together leaders from the mortgage and banking industries, investors, federal regulators, consumer advocates and all those with a significant stake in the stabilization of the housing and credit markets to find common ground in the preservation of home ownership and financial stability. Working across party lines toward a bi-partisan solution is key to solving our growing housing concerns.

For a more in-depth look at my housing policy click here.

We can create a bipartisan solution if we follow my proposed EASI Energy Plan that recognizes that all options are on the table.

It relies on energy efficiency in the near-term to lessen demand, while fully committing government resources to an alternative energy development and implementation policy that will make the U.S. more energy independent in the long-term.

Environmental: My energy policy in part is an environmental protection policy. I am committed to curtailing global warming and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Bold and immediate legislative action must be taken to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases that are being pumped into our atmosphere. I am willing to consider all options for how best to effectively and efficiently limit the production of greenhouse gases. Congress must send a strong, clear signal of their commitment to environmental integrity, in the form of a carbon reduction policy, to spur investment capital within the private market towards environmental solutions.

Application: Encouraging and incentivizing citizens to apply energy efficiency technologies to their lifestyles will play a critical role in my energy policy, to reduce energy demand and consumption. My policy will do this because the richest opportunity for significantly decreasing energy demand in the immediate future is energy efficiency. Substantial effort and attention must be directed to realizing and applying the multitudes of energy efficiency opportunities that are already available but underutilized. Technologies already exist that allow our cars to go farther on a gallon of gas, that power our appliances using less electricity, that allow our light bulbs to burn longer and use energy more efficiently.

Security: My policy reinforces our national security. As the world’s largest consumer of imported energy, our overreliance on oil has left us politically and economically vulnerable to forces outside of our control. Our dependence on foreign oil constrains our ability to pursue our foreign policy and national security objectives. I recognize that our energy security closely parallels our national security. For this reason, we must take back the control to power our future progress by securing the stability of our energy supply through domestic sources that protect global environmental integrity.

Infrastructure: Finally, my policy is about more than just energy; it is also an economic development policy. Utilizing our abundant natural resources, specifically wind and bio-products, our scientific resources and promoting research at our local universities, I will advocate for an energy policy that will create thousands of jobs for Nebraskans and for all Americans through the development of alternative energy technologies and infrastructure to support their implementation. I will work to ensure that Nebraska is poised to capitalize on a national energy policy focused on domestic, renewable sources.

We have the power to create economic growth, protect our environment, and bolster our national security with the implementation of a coherent and forward-thinking energy policy. All options are on the table as we create that policy. I will work with my fellow members of Congress to ensure the full commitment of the federal government to a new, cleaner energy economy and a safer, stronger America.

For more information on Jim Esch’s energy plan, click here.

Because of you, we have raised more than any other challenger in Nebraska’s Second District in the second quarter. Thanks to your support, we have raised more than $219,000 from people who want to see more from their leaders in Congress. While our opponent raises money from large out-of-state donors, 93% of our contributors in the last three months are from right here in Nebraska. This is just one measure of the support our campaign is gaining all across the district. Your support is truly important to me, and I am humbled by all that you continue to do. Together, we can bring the change we seek.

- Jim

P.S.: This Thursday from 5:30-7:30, join me for a Young Professionals event at Nomad Lounge, 1013 Jones St. in Omaha. Suggested donation is $25. See you there!

“I am very proud to have the endorsement of Democrats for Life. I am excited to be associated with a group who, like me, holds a consistent ethic of life,” said Jim.

The organization cited Jim’s consistent and passionate support for pro-life issues in making the endorsement.

Visit Democrats for Life .

When: This Friday! Parade starts at 1:00 PM, please line up at 12:15

Where: Line up at 79th and Lakeview St.

Come march with Jim in one of Nebraska’s biggest 4th of July celebrations. The time has come for Ralston’s Independence Day Parade.

The parade takes us from 81st and ‘Q’ to the intersection of 73rd and Main St. The Esch Team will be lining up at 79th and Lakeview St. (see map below) Our parade entry is #18. If you happen to have any problems finding us just ask a parade official where #18 is.

We suggest parking west of 84th around businesses such as Don & Millie’s.

In case you missed the opening and want to get involved, our office is at 2529 S. 90th Street, just north of 90th and Center. Stop by or give us a call at (402) 991-3050 and join our grassroots campaign.

T-shirts are now available at our headquarters for a suggested donation of $10.

Here’s some more ways you can get involved:

- Become a Team Esch captain. For more information, e-mail Dan Esch(dan@jimesch.org)

- Host an event for Jim. Contact Karlee Coleman (karlee@jimesch.org)

- Donate to the campaign. Monday, June 30, is an important fundraising deadline. We need the help of all our supporters to fuel this campaign. Your contribution is greatly appreciated. Thank you for your support.

The way in which this petition is being presented to people is misleading. People are being asked to sign a petition to end race and gender discrimination in Nebraska.

But the petition really intends to amend the Nebraska Constitution to prevent race, ethnicity and gender from being taken into account in hiring, scholarship or contract decisions made by public agencies.

In order for this initiative to appear on the Nebraska ballot in November, organizers of the petition need to collect 111,000 signatures. To prevent this, the Jim Esch Campaign strongly urges citizens of the Second District NOT to sign the petition.

For more information and articles about the petition, you can click here to visit the Nebraskans United website.

Joe Sibilia

Esch for Congress
Communications Director

Photo of Jim attending the press conference. (Photo courtesy of Preston Love, Jr.)

I would also like to commend the Little Sioux community and all of the volunteers, the first responders and all those involved in the rescue efforts from both Iowa and Nebraska.

Donations for tornado relief can be made to the Salvation Army at Salvation Army. or to Heartland Chapter of the American Red Cross at Red Cross.

I applaud the efforts of the emergency personnel and first responders who provided for the safety of those affected by the storm. The community will recover and rebuild with the help of all citizens of Omaha.

Throughout our campaign in 2006 we discussed change and brought new voters and young people into the process. In 2008, Barack Obama has turned out record numbers of new voters and young people to support his campaign. Tuesday was a historic day for the United States, and I am proud that he is the nominee of our party for President. I look forward to being on the same slate with Sen. Obama in the upcoming general election and serving in Washington with him next January.

Jim watches Senator Obama confirm his nomination with Kris Pierce, Executive Director of the Douglas County Democratic Party, and Jim Cavanaugh of Yes We Can Nebraska at an impromptu celebration in downtown Omaha on Tuesday night.

Stop by our victory party tonight at Barrett’s Castle @ 43rd and Leavenworth. The celebration starts at 7:00pm!

Also, you may contact the Douglas County Election office at 444.VOTE (8683) or the Sarpy County Election Office at 593.2167.

However, while I made this error, the bigger mistake is that we do not have representatives in Congress who lead. They simply respond to situations. In particular, they lack the vision and the will to address tough problems head on. I will provide that sort of leadership on this issue and many others.

Washington has forgotten this simple, but powerful value. Elected leaders seem more content on preserving power for themselves than governing by that common purpose. I promise that as I seek out solutions, I will remember this lesson learned long ago.

I am amazed by the fact that the issues that were relevant two years ago are still on the table today. Frustration with our political process is easy to comprehend when so many lack health insurance, our energy prices are skyrocketing, wages are falling and we continue our occupation of Iraq. But I don’t want to talk about the bad news. I want to talk about solutions that we as a community and Nebraskans can offer to these problems.

It will not be easy. There will be those who say we cannot make a difference. However, we will prove that we can and we will. To that end, I am asking you to join me and do three simple things:

1. I ask for your vote. I consider your vote as your empowerment for changing the direction of our country. I don’t take that lightly. We have a primary on May 13th, and I encourage you to participate and make your voice heard.

2. For a campaign to be successful we must invest our time, our energy and the resources available to us. I am asking you for all three. Whether it is volunteering time with the campaign, with a community organization, donating your money (which is always appreciated), or spreading word to your friends, family and acquaintances, we must have the operation in place to communicate our message.

3. Encourage others. By doing this we will grow our capacity to create the change that we desire. I am sure you’ll agree, we can accomplish so much more together than we can separately.

We are at a crossroads in American history — not just the fact that we may elect our first woman or African-American President, but that we must change the direction our country is headed.

Two years ago, I ran a race that many dismissed for being non-conventional. We worked around the clock to prove the naysayers wrong by empowering people and utilizing a grassroots strategy.

To me, a grassroots campaign starts with the candidate’s ability and desire to go out and meet with people from all walks of life. We met people at their kitchen tables, in their break rooms, at restaurants and in gymnasiums. We met with a common purpose to create positive change in our government. Although we came up short in the final vote count, we came up winners in what we accomplished in the process.

I believe our elected officials should lead through service to others and our community. It is an ethic that we as Nebraskans share with one another and my campaign has and will continue to embody this creed.

Last election, we hosted events ranging from Habitat for Humanity, to a blood drive for the Red Cross, to collecting canned foods and money for the Siena Francis House homeless shelter. We will continue to support community groups who work to make Nebraska the kind of place we want to call home. We don’t do this for a photo-op or a news story. We do this because we believe that together we can do, and accomplish so much more. This is the greatest difference between my Republican opponent and me.

It is never an easy decision to put one’s self into the public eye and run for office. Having been through that challenge two years ago made me appreciate the desire and dedication that it requires.

Thank you for all your support. Together we will ensure that America’s greatest days are still ahead of her.

Join me and other supporters at my kick off event on Wednesday, April 2nd 6-8 pm at the IBEW on 89th and L.

Lastly, thank you to all who gave so generously of their time, talents and money in 2006. It was sincerely appreciated. In 2006, we surprised a lot of people with our showing. In 2008, we will finish what we started!

I look forward to seeing you on the campaign trail.

Jim