Editorial

Bruning right to convene Hergert grand jury

Tuesday, December 13, 2005

Nebraska Attorney General Jon Bruning took the right step when he referred the investigation of NU Regent David Hergert to a grand jury. The questions about Hergert's campaign conduct need to be addressed, and it appears that a grand jury is the only way that is going to accomplished.

Bruning turned to the grand jury approach following a five-month investigation by the Nebraska State Patrol. As a result of that probe, the attorney general said he became convinced that Hergert's actions in the campaign were intentional.

The businessman from Mitchell has already admitted violating four campaign laws and paid $33,000 in penalties.

But the question remains: Were Hergert's violations intentional, as Bruning suspects, or were they oversights? Bruning is correct to ask a grand jury to determine whether Hergert committed a criminal act. This is needed action and it's not only about punishing Hergert. It's also a test of Nebraska's campaign laws and how vigorously they should be enforced.

Respond to this story

Posting a comment requires free registration: