2nd District Congressional Midterms

Don Bacon (Republican)

Incumbent Don Bacon is a retired Air Force Brigadier General and he served 29 years in the Air Force. Bacon was first elected to office in 2016 against Democrat Brad Ashford. Bacon graduated from Northern Illinois University. Bacon is seeking re-election on Nov. 4.

• Abortion: Bacon is pro-life and does not believe that Planned Parenthood should be funded.

• Gun Control: Opposes restrictions on gun rights and is a member of the NRA and Nebraska Firearms Owners Association.

• Healthcare: Supports market-based healthcare options.

• Economic: Supports having low taxes.

• Environment: Is a member of the Climate Solutions Caucus and is for the Keystone Oil Pipeline.

Sources: Don Bacon website,  ontheissues.org, and omaha.com

Don Bacon Interview

Congressman Bacon supported an act that aimed to prevent school shootings after the Parkland shooting.

“We’ve passed the stop school violence act that puts $900 million dollars of federal money that’s going to be partnered with state and local money that will help schools improve their security,” Bacon said.

Bacon said he believes that school shooting prevention lies in security within the school rather than gun control, supporting bills that focus on school security.

“Even if you wanted to ban all guns, you have 300 million already sold, so we can debate about gun control, but the fact is there’s still a threat to schools. So we need to help make a cure. Maybe a single point of entry, one or two safety officers that can react to a violent situation,” Bacon said.

Bacon said he thinks gun control infringes on the right to bear arms.

“I don’t support taking away law-abiding people’s rights. I’m a defender of the second amendment, and the rights of those who are law abiding people,” Bacon said.

Bacon has served as representative for the 2nd district since 2017. Over this term, Bacon says he’s learned about being getting things done in Congress.

“I’ve learned that you have to compromise. If you have to be one hundred percent on your viewpoint you’ll get nothing done,” Bacon said.

Bacon said he has priorities in mind for his next term in Congress if re-elected.

“We need a healthcare plan that fixes issues with our current system instead of a wholesale change. I also want to work on immigration reform and work reform,” said Bacon.

Bacon said he encourages everyone who is eligible to participate in elections to get out and vote.

“It is our responsibility to be informed and vote. You should know what the issues are that are important to you and the candidates stances on those main issues,” Bacon said.

“Our democracy will only survive with involvement of the citizens,” Bacon said.

Kara Eastman (Democrat)

Democrat Kara Eastman upset former Congressman Brad Ashford during the Democratic Primary, a victory that earned Eastman’s campaign national attention. Eastman has executive work experience at many non-profits like the Omaha Healthy Kids Alliance.

• Abortion: Eastman is pro-choice and believes that Planned Parenthood should be funded.

• Gun Control: Believes that there should be tighter regulations on buying weapons. Eastman agrees with having waiting periods, background checks and a ban of military grade weapons.

• Healthcare: Wants to expand upon the Affordable Care Act.

• Economics: Wishes to raise the minimum wage and add investments to infrastructure.

• Environment: Against the Keystone Oil pipeline. Believes the country should shift from fossil fuels to wind and solar energy.

Sources: ontheissues.org, Kara Eastman campaign website, and omaha.com

Kara Eastman Interview

With the prevalence of school shootings in American high schools students have expressed concern of the possibility of a school shooting taking place at their own school. In an email interview Kara Eastman said she sympathizes with students.

“My daughter was terrified to go to school after the Parkland shooting and all I could do for her was tell her that she would be fine, but I didn’t know that she would be. It is essential that our students feel safe at their schools,” Eastman said.

Eastman said she has a plan to take care of this issue if elected.

“I believe that enacting common-sense gun laws would make our kids safer in their schools. Universal background checks and mandatory waiting periods are supported by most Americans,” Eastman said.

Eastman said she has never held elected public office before but she does have experience in leadership.

“I have more than 20 years of experience leading nonprofit organizations and serving local communities. I started Omaha Healthy Kids Alliance and have grown it from a small, start-up lead poisoning prevention organization to a nationally recognized, award-winning nonprofit that has raised more than $13 million to support green, safe, and healthy housing in Omaha,” Eastman said.

Eastman served as CEO of Omaha Healthy Kids Alliance.

“In the process, I have created dozens of jobs at the organization, within the city government, and through partnerships with the small businesses and contractors I work with,” Eastman said.

After her work at Omaha Healthy Kids Alliance Eastman began to work with local and national nonprofits.

“I serve on the Board of the National Lead and Environmental Hazards Association, based out of Washington, D.C. I have been a board member of the Nonprofit Association of the Midlands and have served as an appointed member of the Mayor of Omaha’s Fair Housing Advisory Board,” Eastman said.

“Your vote is important. There are races where a candidate won by just a few hundred or a few thousand votes. We need everyone to stand up, speak up, and vote to ensure our country stays on the right track,” Eastman said.

Eastman won the Democratic Congressional primary over Brad Ashford.

“My victory here says that this district is ready for change. We have run this race with grassroots support from the very beginning, relying on small donations and volunteers to help us with anything we needed, and I am out knocking on doors right beside them,” Eastman said.

“This election is about people, and I am proud that they are getting excited about my policy positions,” Eastman said.

Eastman has her priorities if elected.

“I have promised to address healthcare, education and the environment when I get elected. These are the top three issues concerning voters in NE-02,” Eastman said.