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- Betting against US tech: Why missile defense critics are always wrong (2/6/25)
- Time for a change, but which? (2/4/25)
- The new third rail (1/31/25)
- Regulating cell phones for minors (1/30/25)
- Legislators tackle real-world impacts (1/28/25)
Editorial
Taking a knee in the second district
Thursday, January 16, 2025
In the realm of sports, there is a time-honored strategy known as the “victory formation,” where a team leading the game in its final moments takes a knee to run out the clock. This approach is perfectly legal, practical, and undeniably effective. But for fans hoping to see a last-minute surge of excitement, it’s often viewed as unsporting, a missed opportunity for genuine competition. Similarly, the introduction of LB3, a bill to restore Nebraska to a winner-take-all system for electoral votes, feels like political kneeling – a strategy designed to secure an advantage but one that may stifle meaningful engagement and discourse.
In Southwest Nebraska, we understand the appeal of winner-take-all. As members of a predominantly conservative community, we value seeing the prevailing views of southwest Nebraska reflected in Congress and wish to maximize every advantage allowed by law. Yet, we also recognize the broader implications of a political system that removes meaningful competition. Just as the victory formation in football denies the other team the chance to play to the final whistle, the winner-take-all approach eliminates the possibility of divided representation, effectively silencing voices that might otherwise be heard.
Nebraska’s unique approach to allocating electoral votes by congressional district has been a refreshing departure from the norm. It has elevated political discourse and drawn presidential candidates to our state, especially to the Omaha-based 2nd Congressional District. The resulting engagement benefits not just the East but the entire state as ideas and policy discussions ripple outward. Abandoning this system risks relegating Nebraska to the same level of obscurity as neighboring states, where winner-take-all ensures candidates have little incentive to campaign.
Governor Pillen and Sen. Lippincott argue that Nebraska’s current system diminishes our voice in national elections, but the evidence suggests otherwise. By offering one of only two systems that diverge from winner-take-all, Nebraska punches above its weight, gaining attention and influence disproportionate to its size. Both major parties invest resources here, and voters have the rare opportunity to see their concerns addressed directly by presidential hopefuls. This fosters a vibrant political environment that benefits everyone, regardless of their party affiliation.
Critics of LB3, including Common Cause Nebraska, rightly warn that reverting to winner-take-all would “silence Nebraska voices” and diminish the state’s relevance in presidential elections. It’s a valid concern. By consolidating all electoral votes under the majority’s banner, Nebraska would become just another reliably red state, overlooked by candidates focused on more competitive battlegrounds. The current system, imperfect though it may be, ensures that all Nebraskans – urban and rural, liberal and conservative – have a stake in the process.
In Southwest Nebraska, we believe in the strength of our conservative ideas. If they are as compelling as we think, they should stand up to the scrutiny and competition of a divided electoral system. Healthy competition clarifies thought, sharpens strategy, and strengthens resolve. It’s good for politics, just as it is for sports.
We urge our leaders to consider the broader impact of LB3. Instead of retreating to the comfort of winner-take-all, let’s embrace the challenge of competition. By maintaining our current system, we can continue to champion conservative causes in the West while allowing for independent thought and self-determination in the East. This balanced approach honors the diversity of our state and ensures that every voice has a chance to be heard.
Let’s be bold. Let’s be fair. And above all, let’s play the game to its fullest for the good of Nebraska and the nation.