WASHINGTON — Sen. Ben Nelson, D-Neb., delivered a harsh critique Wednesday of Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman's leadership. "
During Nelson's weekly conference call with reporters on Wednesday, he began his prepared remarks with a discussion of the State of the Union address and the need for more bipartisanship in Washington.
He said some criticism of Obama is the result of a misunderstanding by critics of the difference between the legislative and executive branches of government.
He said that misunderstanding might be the result of the political scene in Nebraska and pointed a finger at Heineman, a Republican.
"For example, where was the governor of Nebraska in dealing with safety at the Beatrice State Development Center? The Legislature handled that. Where was the governor on the CIR? The Legislature handled that. Where was the governor on the Keystone pipeline? The Legislature handled that. And finally — where is the governor now that the child welfare system seems to be in chaos? Again, the Legislature has to lead while the governor offers no ideas to address major issues in the state," Nelson said. "So those who criticize the president for not being the 536th member of Congress are giving the governor a pass."
Once upon a time, it appeared that Nelson might be facing a challenge from Heineman in this year's election. Nelson ultimately opted not to run for re-election. Heineman has downplayed the idea that he might run for the seat.
But apparently that isn't going to stop Nelson from going after Heineman.
Toward the end of his conference call, Nelson was asked about making it easier for public power utilities to expand their renewable energy production in areas such as solar and wind.
"Fortunately, the Nebraska Legislature led on that issue as well, without any help from the corner office," Nelson said.
Heineman, when asked for response, said: "Sen. Nelson's bitter comments reflect the anger and emotion of a man who is being forced from public office because he quit listening to Nebraskans who deeply opposed his votes for the Obama stimulus plan and Obamacare."
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