District details
Clark previously worked for U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer and U.S. Rep. Adrian Smith, and he received endorsements from U.S. Rep Mike Flood, Fischer, Sen. Pete Ricketts and the Nebraska Federation of Young Republicans. McKeon has the support of the Nebraska GOP, the Buffalo County Republican Party, Nebraska Farm Bureau and a number of local county officials. Both candidates have the backing from a host of current lawmakers.
Neither candidate completed the Flatwater Free Press questionnaire. Clark, a Papillion native, settled in Ord to work in marketing for an agriculture implement company after working in politics, according to his website. He previously worked in the Unicameral for Sen. Andrew La Grone. On his website, he said he is running to “better Nebraska’s future and grow our economy by supporting our communities, our schools and lowering your taxes.”
McKeon is a crop consultant and Nebraska Army National Guard veteran. He believes his agriculture career will give him the experience needed to represent the district, according to his website, which calls him an advocate for agriculture. It says he will “ardently defend the Constitution and fight relentlessly for the will of the People.”
The winner will replace Sen. Fred Meyer who was appointed in November to replace Sen. Tom Briese. Meyer did not file to run for the seat this year.
Clark holds a substantial cash advantage. He’s raised $83,596 and had $7,456 in the bank as of June. McKeon has raised $16,530. He had $69 on hand as of June.
On the issues
On property taxes, Clark said he believes the government needs to cut spending rather than shift taxes. McKeon’s website says he favors property tax reforms to alleviate burdens on homeowners and businesses.
Clark and McKeon had identical answers on the Nebraska Family Alliance’s Nebraska Voter Guide questionnaire, though Clark adds he would co-sponsor legislation similar to the Sports and Spaces Act, which would have barred students from participating in sports other than the gender corresponding to their sex at birth. Both candidates said they favor school choice policies.
Both oppose abortion and said they would support legislation restricting it. Both campaign websites identify elections as an issue. Clark says he will “advocate for accurate and safe elections,” while McKeon said he will push to limit voting to a single day and require it to be done in-person on paper ballots. He also supports making Election Day a holiday.
Both also cited the importance of agriculture. McKeon said he will work to reduce regulatory burdens. Clark said he will be a voice for farmers, ranchers and their way of life.
Location
This central Nebraska district is home to Wheeler, Boone, Greeley, Valley, Sherman and Howard counties. It also includes most of Buffalo and Hall counties outside of Grand Island and Kearney.
In the primary
McKeon received 45% of the vote over Clark’s 40%. A third Republican candidate received the remaining votes.
