Jim Esch-Candidate goes on long walk for votes

[Omaha Steve]

Candidate goes on long walk for votes

BY ROBYNN TYSVER


WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER

Democratic congressional candidate Jim Esch went on a walkabout Tuesday.


Esch, who wants to challenge Republican U.S. Rep. Lee Terry next fall, walked about 30 miles across the 2nd Congressional District as part of an effort to energize his campaign and to note the one-year mark before next November's general election.

The Creighton University-trained lawyer talked to businessmen and women along the way, shook hands with diners and thanked residents of the Thomas Fitzgerald Veterans Home for their service.

"I wanted to do something symbolic to show the kind of hard work and energy I'll have for this race," Esch said.

Over about 11 hours, he walked from the Platte River near Valley to the Durham Western Heritage Museum in downtown Omaha.

Esch, 29, is the only Democrat who has announced in the Omaha-based 2nd District.

The political newcomer realizes he will have a tough fight against Terry, who handily defeated State Sen. Nancy Thompson of La Vista last year.

"I know we have to be unconventional. We can't run a conventional race to win this."

Dressed in tan slacks, a white shirt and gray Nikes, Esch was mistaken several times for a motorist in trouble as he walked Maple, Blondo and Dodge Streets in west Omaha.

"I've had four people stop and ask me if I needed a ride, if I needed some help. Classic Nebraskans," he said.

Esch is a lifelong Omahan and a former director at the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce. He quit his job this year to make a full-time run for Congress.

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