Nebraska, Iowa politicians react to Biden’s announcement

(WOWT) – Nebraska and Iowa political leaders and parties issued statements in the wake of President Biden’s announcement Sunday that he was stepping down from his re-election campaign.

U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts

State Sen. Tony Vargas

“As elected officials, our most sacred responsibility is to be responsive to our constituents. I’m seeking to represent a place where neighbors listen to and look out for each other — even if they split nearly down the middle on who they’re voting for.

One of my core beliefs is we get the best outcomes when we are deliberate, thoughtful, and avoid rash decisions. That’s why I believe Joe Biden made the right decision today to step aside in favor of a new generation of leadership that can defeat Donald Trump & MAGA enablers like Don Bacon in November.

We owe President Biden our gratitude for his longtime leadership and honorable service, and I believe his selfless decision to step aside will ensure that we have a strong nominee that can win and serve this country capably into the next four years.

Our greatest imperative this Fall is to ensure we beat Trump. That’s why I will support the Democratic nominee. The stakes of this election are incredibly high, with the risk of a second Trump presidency doing incalculable harm to our democracy, rights and freedoms, and standing around the world.

Despite the presidential race and regardless of who the Democratic nominee is, my sole focus will continue to be on beating Don Bacon, who has overwhelmingly supported Trump and continuously enabled his dangerous MAGA agenda.

I look forward to flipping Nebraska’s Second District so that they can have the kind of leader and representative that they deserve. I look forward to representing this thoughtful community in Congress and delivering for them, no matter who is president.”

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds

Jane Kleeb, Nebraska Democratic Party Chair

“The idea of building a more perfect union and a strong America for all is the foundation of our Democratic Party. President Biden led our party and our country out of the darkness of Covid and brought true resources to communities across Nebraska to build energy, strengthen Agriculture, and lay the foundation for major infrastructure projects like the Omaha airport, the largest solar project in the state in Platteview Solar in Yutan, along with daycare and healthcare facilities within the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska.

As a nation, we respect our elders. The jokes, laughter, and snide remarks lobbed at President Biden after 60 years of serving our nation were difficult and shameful these past few weeks.

As Chair of our party, I deeply respect the President and acknowledge there is always a time for transition.

We now focus on the process of our new nominee while staying laser-focused on electing Tony Vargas, protecting the NE2 electoral vote, and sending Democrats and independents back to the legislature to serve as a firewall against the state Republican’s radical and out-of-step policies like shifting more taxes to the middle class, disenfranchising voters, and destroying our public schools which are the foundation of our democracy.”

Jennifer Konfrst, Iowa House Democratic Leader

“President Biden has always done what’s best for the American people, and his decision today is just the latest example.

My thanks to President Biden for his service to our country during an extremely difficult time in our nation’s history. His record creating jobs, cutting health care costs, and helping our economy recover is one of the strongest in modern history.

So many Americans are frustrated and tired of politics these days, and it’s reached a fever pitch this summer. I don’t blame people who just want to tune out.

The President’s decision today gives an opportunity to turn the page on this chapter of our history and put people over politics again.”

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