Changing political cast of characters good, whatever the cause

We've editorialized against term limits as a waste of experience and institutional memory, and nothing that occurred in Tuesday's election has changed our minds.

Term limits were passed mainly to remove Omaha Sen. Ernie Chambers from his decades-long position, but worked only until he was eligible again -- while his replacement experienced personal problems with gambling.

That said, seats opened by retirement or term limits did generate the kind of interest term limits were designed to create.

Southwest Nebraska easily bested statewide voter turnout, which was a paltry 27.44. Red Willow County's turnout hit nearly 37 percent, Hayes nearly 53 percent, Dundy 41 percent, Chase 39 percent and Frontier 36 percent.

Tuesday's turnout contradicted our contention that nonpartisan voters were a force to reckon with in modern elections -- they didn't turn out, in Red Willow County, at least.

Only 158 of the 1,361 registered nonpartisan voters voted here Tuesday, and only one of the 24 registered Libertarians. Nebraska's "closed" primary system, at least where Republicans are involved, is probably to blame.

Term-limited opening of Sen. Mark Christensen's seat in the Unicameral drew interest from highly-qualified candidates such as McCook Mayor Dennis Berry, who, while he will not advance to the general election, should be proud of having made the effort.

Term limits don't apply to the U.S. Senate, where Mike Johanns' retirement resulted in the Republican nomination of previously unknown Ben Sasse over military hero Shane Osborn and others, drawing national attention and $3 million in campaign money from outside the state as well as more than $8.5 million inside.

The power of the incumbency probably played a hand in Adrian Smith easily besting military hero Tom Brewer for 3rd District congressman.

But it was back to money to make the difference in the Republican race for governor, where Pete Ricketts sneaked past Jon Bruning by a couple of thousand votes to coast -- probably -- to an easy victory over unopposed Democratic nominee Chuck Hassebrook.

The retirement of Sheriff Gene Mahon triggered the most interesting local race, which avoided the negativity seen in statewide contests. Chief Deputy Alan Kotschwar drew 754 votes to beat Kevin Darling and Shannon E. Brown of the McCook Police Department and fellow Red Willow County deputy Steve Kotschwar.

Alan Kotschwar's win could be seen as a sign that county voters are generally satisfied with the sheriff's office at a time when it is taking on the daunting task of moving into new facilities and taking on expanded jail duties.

It will be interesting, if not unnerving, to see what direction newcomers at all levels of government take us. If we don't like it, we always have the traditional term-limit technique available -- vote them out of office next time.