Veteran called to serve in politics

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=2835&u_sid=10318422

Published Thursday | April 24, 2008
Veteran called to serve in politics
BY TIM ELFRINK
WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER

In Richard Carter's campaign for Congress, the thorniest political issues are personal.

When voters ask him about the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, Carter points to his own service in those countries, flying intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions in the Air Force.

And when America's economy is the topic of debate, the Democrat leans on his current job: teaching basic economics four days a week at Metropolitan Community College.

Carter, a political newcomer, faces Jim Esch of Omaha for the Democratic nomination in the Omaha-based 2nd Congressional District. Esch, who ran for the seat in 2006, holds an advantage in money and name recognition.


Carter

Carter had only $2,500 in the bank at the end of the first fundraising quarter this year; Esch had $27,000.

The winner of the May 13 primary most likely will square off against five-term Republican incumbent Rep. Lee Terry, who has reported a campaign treasury of nearly $500,000.


FULL story at link.

Richard N. CarterSeeking: 2nd District seat in U.S. House

Age: 30

Party affiliation: Democrat

Occupation: Economics instructor, Metropolitan Community College

Education: Bachelor's degree, business administration, Texas A&M University, 2000; master's degree, economics, University of Oklahoma, 2007

Military: Air Force Reserve captain, U.S. Strategic Command; veteran of Iraq, Afghanistan; six years as active-duty Air Force

Family: Single

Web site: www.richardcarter2008.com

[TheFarseer]

1. did you see the debate on chanel 22 last night?

I think we have 2 candidates with some really good ideas and a good grasp on what needs to be done. Esch looks more professional and comfortable with TV cameras on him - as you would expect. Other than that, I have nothing but good things to say about Carter (and Esch for that matter). I was struck by how Carter said we should be driving electric cars which can come from renewable sources. NO ONE else is saying that. I've always said we should be going for plug-in hybrids.

[NEDem]

2. What's up with the drug testing thing though

http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=2835&u_sid=10318639

Sure seems like someone was trying to insinuate something. I've never met either one of them and I don't even live in the district. If a candidate has something to say then say it, but playing games like this is dirty pool. Carter doesn't seem like someone I'd vote for.

[TheFarseer]

3. I don't think he meant anything

He's a newcomer and it shows. Maybe the kids put him up to it. I have to admit it was a little weird though.

[NEDem]

4. You are probably right

At least I'd like to hope so.