At an accountability session hosted by Omaha Together One Community (OTOC), candidates demonstrated a united front on key issues, particularly those concerning immigrants.
The event featured 11 candidates, including three running for federal office and eight for the Nebraska Legislature. All candidates expressed support for OTOC’s initiatives, answering ‘yes’ to key questions posed about their commitment.
Founded 31 years ago, OTOC is a coalition of over 30 local churches and organizations. Nearly 400 members gathered at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Omaha for the session.
Mark Hoeger, a member of Augustana Lutheran Church, emphasized the event’s unique focus, stating, “Here we’re asking candidates to listen to the people and hear what their concerns are.”
Among the attendees were Don Bacon and Tony Vargas, who are competing in a closely watched race for the House of Representatives. While all major candidates for Nebraska’s U.S. Senate seats were invited, only Preston Love attended. Dan Osborn’s absence was noted, as his campaign cited scheduling conflicts. Pete Ricketts and Deb Fischer declined the invitation and did not respond to requests for comments.
OTOC also reached out to candidates in several Nebraska Legislature Districts, including 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, and 39. Margo Juarez, John Cavanaugh, Terrell McKinney, and Allison Heimes attended without their opponents. Both Ashlei Spivey and Nick Batter were present for District 13, while Dunixi Guereca and Tim Pendrell attended for District 7.
Gilbert Ayala, who is running against Juarez in District 5, told KETV he does not support the three causes discussed. Julia Palzer (District 9) and Tony Sorrentino (District 39) declined invitations, citing conflicts.
Federal Issues
Candidates Vargas, Bacon, and Love committed to engaging with OTOC if elected. They showed support for:
Advocating to the Secretary of Homeland Security for a humanitarian parole program for Sudanese individuals.
Reauthorizing the Child Care and Development Block Grant program to enhance access and address diverse urban and rural childcare needs.
Creating pathways to permanency for long-term immigrant Nebraskans, including Dreamers and those with temporary status.
Participants noted that Osborn expressed similar support in a previous meeting.
State Issues
The eight candidates present also committed to engaging with OTOC if elected. Their support included:
Expanding driver’s licenses to all Nebraska residents, regardless of documentation status.
Extending unemployment insurance to all work-authorized Nebraskans, including DACA recipients and individuals on temporary status.
Preserving the ballot initiative process to ensure citizen involvement in legislation.
This event marked a significant moment in Nebraska’s electoral landscape, highlighting candidate positions on critical social issues.
Related topics:
- From the Desert to the Strip: How the Immigration Debate Could Impact Nevada’s Economy
- Egypt Removes Advance Visa Requirements for Canadians
- Immigration Myths vs. Facts: Clarifying Common Misunderstandings
