Ben Nelson is best fit for Nebraska

What's your vote worth?

How about $56?

That's how much Nebraska's senate candidates have spent per voter eligible to participate in the Nov. 7 election.

News reports show that Sen. Ben Nelson and Pete Ricketts already have spent $15.85 million to represent us in Washington for the next six years.

We have to wonder what makes that honor so attractive.

This election is the most expensive in Nebraska history, surpassing even the 1988 race between Democrat Bob Kerrey and Republican U.S. Sen. David Karnes which set the old record of $7 million, which, adjusted for inflation, would equal about $11.48 million today.

Neither of today's candidates is a pauper, but Ricketts, a former TD Ameritrade executive, has pumped $9.61 million of his own money into the campaign. Nelson hasn't done that, but has the advantage of being the incumbent.

Spending that kind of money for our votes sticks in the craw of those of us who call ourselves conservative Nebraskans, and Pete Ricketts has to shoulder much of the blame for pushing the race in that direction.

That's only one of the reasons the McCook Daily Gazette today is endorsing Sen. Ben Nelson for re-election to the United States Senate.

Nelson has done more than just purchased a lot of air time to cut down his opponent and tell us what he would do if elected.

He's proven his mettle through his years as Nebraska governor and a U.S. Senator in the mold of fellow McCookite George W. Norris, carrying the independent, populist, banner forward into the 21st century.

As a conservative Democrat, he's often been in position to be a player in important issues in the Republican-controlled Congress.

Most Nebraskans will find themselves in agreement on the issues.

He's strong on defense, but wants our role in helping Iraq to stand on its own to be spelled out clearly, and our troops and veterans to be taken care of.

Nelson wants a better farm bill, and has been a player in promoting ethanol and energy independence. He sees immigration as part of the national security issue.

He's fiscally conservative and wants a balanced budget, and knows the value of education.

A hunter and outdoorsman, he opposes gun control and supports the preservation of natural resources.

Nelson has a strong pro-life record, knows the importance of Social Security and Medicare, and has played a key role in preserving and improving the delivery of medical services to rural Nebraska.

Nelson is a proven public servant and a good choice for Nebraska. He should be returned to the U.S. Senate.