Not just one issue

Dear Editor,

I take issue with the editorial of March 21 regarding the character of Regent David Hergert, specifically the last sentence of the editorial, "Next time, however, we hope that they (Western Nebraska voters) look at the whole candidate and not just one issue."

The implied notion that voters knew of Hergert's inappropriate campaign actions and voted for him anyways solely on the issue of stem-cell research is insulting at best.

Although the morality of stem-cell research was certainly an election issue, to characterize it as the only issue is unfair. This is reminiscent of the national media reaction after Bush swept the midwestern states. Unable to accept that the voters made a conscious decision, the media labeled Midwest residents as one-issue religious extremist or just plain ignorant. Many voters, including myself, did "look at the whole candidate" and saw a man with entrepreneurial experiences, a risk-taking businessman who understood agriculture and Western Nebraska.

Many perceived a vote for Hergert as a vote for the candidate who understood the mission of a land-grant research institution (a mission that has been forgotten by many in the university system), and someone who would work to see that mission fulfilled through further involvement of the university in the promotion of agricultural research and entrepreneurship and thus creating economic development for Western Nebraska.

I by no means condone and am disappointed by the actions of Mr. Hergert, however, I believe it unfair to assume that this was a one issue race and improper to assume that voters had any forewarning of the campaign discrepancies to come.

Respectfully Submitted,

Lucas A. Haag

Bartley