From the desk of Bob Kerrey, former U.S. Senator and Governor of Nebraska
An open letter to Congressman Jeff Fortenberry

Dear Congressman Fortenberry,

Recently, I received two emails from you asking me to contribute to your campaign for re-election. The first misspelled my last name and the second spelled it correctly. I thank you for the correction.

In your letter you cited my support of your opponent, Kate Bolz, as another example of nasty politics.

Friends, this grassroots movement is anything but nasty – chip in to prove Fortenberry wrong →

You also imply that because I live in New York, I am no longer a Nebraskan. It is obviously true that I live in New York City and have for the past twenty years. But this does not mean that I cannot claim the state where I spent my first 58 years as my home – just as it means that someone like yourself, who was not born and raised in Nebraska, may claim it as your chosen home too.

I return to Nebraska a lot, mostly to visit friends and family. Last year, when my daughter was diagnosed with breast cancer, I visited her many times at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Thanks to their care, she is likely to live a long and happy life raising my grandson. I also receive medical care of my own here: I had my annual physical at the Omaha Veterans Hospital and went to Burton Prosthetics in Omaha to replace my prosthetic leg.

This brings me to the primary reason I am supporting your opponent, Kate Bolz. Not only does she strongly support the Affordable Care Act, she is also an advocate for Medicaid expansion.

Congressman, I know from personal experience how important Federal law can be in making health care available and affordable to all of us – an issue that is even more important during this pandemic, when so many working people are losing their private insurance.

Support affordable health care and stand with Bob Kerrey: express-donate $20 to Kate Bolz →

My second reason for supporting Kate Bolz is that I trust she will defend the constitutional powers given to the people’s Congress when – as I hope happens – Joe Biden becomes our president. If President Biden tries to secure power not granted to him under our Constitution, I have no doubt she will oppose him vigorously and will not allow partisan politics to come before her civic duty.

Finally, since you asked me for money, I must answer directly: No.

Congressman, I would like to ask you this question: Have you ever solicited or received money from Americans who live in New York City, who have never spent a single day in our state?

Just asking to be ornery. I am certain I know the answer.

Jeff Fortenberry receives 41% of his campaign funding from out-of-state donors. Less than 10% of Kate’s money comes from outside Nebraska. If you believe Nebraska’s representatives should be chosen by Nebraskans, make a grassroots contribution →

Congressman, I am grateful you are willing to serve. I respect what you are trying to do. I merely and strongly disagree with you on the two items I cited above.

Respectfully yours,
Bob Kerrey

Folks, Bob Kerrey just gave Congressman Fortenberry a piece of his mind. If you agree with Bob Kerrey and support Kate Bolz for Congress, cosign his letter by making a contribution: