Friends –

It’s been my privilege to have the opportunity to run for an office that represents all Nebraskans in this great state. While the journey ended differently than we’d hoped, we ran a clean and honorable campaign, one that we can all be proud of.

But this campaign could not be officially over without expressing my sincere and heartfelt thanks to you, my many supporters and volunteers.  It has truly been a joy to travel across the state meeting so many wonderful Nebraskans, which was, in and of itself, a great reward.  I will be forever grateful to all of you for your support.

Every day brings new and exciting challenges.  Perhaps one will even lead to an opportunity for continued service to Nebraska.

Again, many thanks and blessings to you.

Tom

Tom Nesbitt

Hey Folks,

I have been receiving a lot of phone calls this morning about some illegal push polls (phone calls) that someone was making last night. This was a last minute attempt to slander me. We will be following up with the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission and the Public Service Commission to make sure that justice is served.

Dirty politics is something that you don’t want to see in elections, but dirty politics in an election for the State Treasurers office is even worse.

We don’t want the fox in the henhouse.

Now the good news is that if they want to slander my name then they must be scared, and we must be winning.

Please take 5 minutes out of your day to contact 5 friends or family and let them know that there is only one candidate that has pledged to fulfill the term of State Treasurer if elected. Ask them to ignore any of the illegal slanderous push polls which they may have received last night.

I humbly ask for your vote today and your help in fighting back against the dirty political games being played with the State Treasurer’s office.

Many Thanks,

Tom

NESBITT CAMPAIGN GETS FOUR MORE ENDORSEMENTS

Lincoln, NE • May 6, 2010

Tom Nesbitt today received endorsements from four Nebraska organizations in his run for state treasurer.

At a news conference at the Nebraska Republican headquarters, representatives from the Nebraska Fraternal Order of Police, the Nebraska Conservation Officers Association, Nebraskans United for Life and Nebraska Laborers Local #1140 were on hand to talk about why they endorsed Nesbitt.

John Francavilla, President of the Fraternal Order of Police, said, “Tom Nesbitt is a true leader and proven professional.  Throughout his career with the Nebraska State Patrol, he has earned the respect of not only the members of the patrol but the public that he serves.  Tom has progressed through the ranks of the State Patrol to the position of Colonel; this is an accomplishment and testimony to his capabilities as a leader.  These are traits that we in Nebraska need from our elected officials.”

A spokesman for Nebraska Laborers Local #1140 also emphasized Nesbitt’s strong grassroots appeal.  “Usually when you see people running for constitutional office, you see a bunch of suits.  We support Tom because he’s just not a suit.  Before Tom was Colonel of the state patrol he worked on the line.  He knows what it is to show up for work on time and do a day’s work for a day’s pay.  Sometimes when you see guys running for office you wonder if they have any connection to the common man.  Tom not only has a connection, he is a common man.  That’s why we’re endorsing Tom.”

Chairman/President of Nebraskans United for Life, Ann Marie Bowen, praised Nesbitt for his integrity and honestly.  She also said, “Tom Nesbitt stands for life.  We believe in the protection of all human life, and Tom has been a diligent worker for that.”

John Reeves of the Nebraska Conservation Officers Association emphasized Nesbitt’s ability to conserve dollars.  “When Tom was Colonel of the State Patrol, he kept the troopers in full force and still managed to trim the budget,” Reeves pointed out.  He also said that the fact that Nesbitt is not a career politician is another plus for the Republican candidate.

Pat McPherson, Vice President of the Republican Party in District Two, added his personal endorsement of Nesbitt, saying that Nesbitt is the candidate that honestly wants to just do the job.

Nesbitt had earlier been endorsed by Nebraska Right to Life.

In accepting the endorsements, Nesbitt said, “I’ve decided that running for elected office is kind of like the line from that book, “The Tale of Two Cities”, where they talk about it being the best of times and the worst of times.  When you are a candidate, the worst of times are when people you thought you could count on weren’t there for you.  But the best of times are when people like these folks step up and tell you that you are the kind of person they want to support.  It makes it all worthwhile.”

Please forward this to your friends and family

Vote Tom Nesbitt for

Nebraska State Treasurer

on May 11, 2010

I have served the people of Nebraska for 27 years in law enforcement. First as a state patrolman and eventually as head of the Nebraska State Patrol.

While Colonel of the State Patrol, I managed a 41 million dollar budget and was the ONLY Department head to RETURN money back to the General Fund.

I am a member of the NRA, a State Board member and statewide Co-Chair for Law Enforcement Torch Run, Nebraska Special Olympics.  I am a dedicated Reagan conservative and pro-life. Recipient of the Nebraska Department of Justice Meritorious Achievement award and the Governor’s recognition award in 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997.

Over 90,000 families rely on the Treasurer to distribute monthly child support, Invest in 1.5 Billion dollars for College Savings Funds as well as protecting funds for Long Term Care.

I am not running for the office to use as a spring board for higher office. You can trust that I will carry out the duties of the State Treasurer for the right reason. I am the only candidate that has pledged to fulfill the term of office and seek a second term.

I humbly ask you for your vote on Tuesday, May 11^th so that I may advance to the General Election.

Sincere Thanks,

Tom Nesbitt

www.nebraskansfornesbitt.com

Adams County
John Northrop
Peg Welch
Rita Hiber
Antelope County
Fred and Barb Best
Freddie and Mary Ann Flangman
Arthur County
Carolyn Cerny, Arthur County Treasurer
Banner County
Bob Gifford, County Commissioner
Blaine County
Meredith Zutavern
Boone County
Tim Kayton
Sheriff Dave Spiegel
Box Butte County
Mark Felker
Boyd County
Carlee Mathis
Kyle Lechtenberg
Brown County
Bret Younkin
Sid Salzman, Former Mayor of Ainsworth
Buffalo County
Tom Smith
Larry Karschner
Butler County
John Svec
Cass County
Jerry Bond
Cedar County
George Hirschbach,Cedar County Attorney
Chase County
Lori Beard
Cherry County
Charlie Ward
Steve Brown
Sheriff Mel Christensen
Cheyenne County
Judge Tom and Pat Dorwart
Ralph and Kim Castner
Clay County
Don Bottorf
Cuming County
Rick Wimer
Custer County
Jeff Varney
Glenn Clark, Deputy County Attorney
Drew Schendt
Dakota County
Gary Johnson
Dawes County
Donald Blausey, County Commissioner
Tom Serres
Dawson County
Jim Murphy
Ray and Pat Ehlers
Joe Jeffrey
Deuel County
Milton and Anita Rogers
Dixon County
Mark and Patty Wiedenfeld
Dodge County
Craig Ganzel

Douglas County
Bill and Evonne Williams
Pat McPherson
Joey Gazda
Dundy County
Kenny and Phyllis Gardner
Fillmore County
John Edgecombe
Sheriff Bill Burgess
Franklin County
Patrick Duncan,County Attorney
Furnas County
Tom Patterson,County Attorney
Gage County
Phil Dittbrenner
Garden County
Sheri L McCord, County Treasurer
Jack Nerud
Garfield County
Rollin Struckman
Gosper County
Bryant Knoerzer
Matt Andrews
Grant County
Linda Brown
Greeley County
Jim Kleffner, Jr.
Hall County
Roger and Deb Nesbitt
Hamilton County
Ron Elge
Dick Phillip, Aurora City Council Member
Harlan County
Rick Calkins
Hayes County
Rita and Alan Erickson
Holt County
Bill Price Mayor of O’Neill
Hooker County
Sheriff Lynn Nichols
Daniel Deibler, County Commissioner
Howard County
Dale Harris
Jefferson County
Homer Ward, Mayor of Fairbury
Kearney County
Jerry Kershner
Keith County
Wayne Thunker
Larry Kroeker
Earl Schenck, Retired Sheriff
Keya Paha County
Betty Palmer
Kimball County
Scott Haun-Kimball City Council
Lancaster County
J.L. Spray
Gates Minnick
Ed Conklin and Heidi Cuca-Conklin
Lincoln County
Mark Larson
Denise Wagner
Madison County
Gordon Adams, Former Mayor of Norfolk
McPherson County
Barry Hinkle
Merrick County
Steven Curry, County Attorney
Morrill County
Nancy Dunn
Nance County
Bob McNeff
John Russell
Vern and Marilyn Sonderup
Nuckolls County
Lew and Pamela Hunter
Otoe County
Bruce Neeman
Perkins County
Katherine Carlson
Phelps County
Scott Latter
Platte County
Lee Rupp
Polk County
Chris Hayes
Red Willow County
Dennis Berry
Janet Hepp
Richardson County
Steve Kottich
Rodney Vandeberg, Mayor of Falls City
Rock County
Richard Mauch
Saline County
Glen Pieper
Sarpy County
Steve Curtiss
Scottsbluff County
Mark Masterton,County Comm. Chairman
Seward County
Greg and Dixie Zabka
Matt and Lindsay Hastings
Sheridan County
Fred Hlava
Sioux County
Joshua Skavdahl
Stanton County
Charles Caskey
Thayer County
Jerry Catlett
Judge and Connie Coady
Thomas County
Dave Hamilton
Thurston County
Mike and Suzy Hastings
Valley County
Carolyn Glover
Washington County
John Reeves
Ritch Nelson
Wayne County
Steve Anderson
Lance and Peg Webster
Webster County
Gary Thompson
Stan Offner
Wheeler County
Dean and Jane Heiden
York County
Ruth Ann Weitl
Sheriff Dale Radcliffe

And the link for folks whose browser gets mixed up:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVL6smIQTIE

Nesbitt for State Treasurer

Posted: Monday, April 26, 2010 1:00 pm

I am writing to Nebraskans, and especially Republicans, who care about the next election. I am asking you to join me in voting for Tom Nesbitt for state treasurer in the Republican primary election.

We need candidates who can bring our party together and attract voters from other political persuasions. Nesbitt is that man.

Nesbitt is an old-fashioned Ronald Reagan Republican who wants to remind people why the Republican Party is known as the Grand Old Party. He is a man committed to service and leadership.

Nesbitt served 27 years working for the citizens of the state as a state trooper, rising to become the youngest colonel in the history of the Nebraska State Patrol. More important than that, he is the kind of leader who can attract voters from across party lines and help build the GOP into the political party of choice for many.

Rarely do we have an opportunity to vote for someone who has such a proven record of service as Nesbitt. Now is the time. I urge all Republicans to join me in voting for Nesbitt for state treasurer in the Republican primary.

EDITOR’S NOTE: The author is the immediate past-president of the Buffalo County Republican Party.

Nesbitt speaks about run for state treasurer

By Chris Zavadil/Fremont Tribune | Posted: Wednesday, April 14, 2010 11:00 am

The former head of the Nebraska State Patrol talked to the Fremont Noon Optimists during a noon lunch at the Clarion Inn Tuesday about his candidacy for state treasurer.

Tom Nesbitt of Lincoln will face off against Don Stenberg of Gretna and Tony Fulton of Lincoln in the Republican primary May 11. The winner will take on Democrat Mark Stoj of Omaha in the November general election.

Nesbitt was with the Nebraska State Patrol for 27 yeas, serving as its superintendent for six years before retiring in June 2005. He worked briefly for former state treasurer Ron Ross in the unclaimed property division, and started a security company in Lincoln, Nesbitt and Associates.

Nesbitt declared Oct. 23 his bid for treasurer after Shane Osborn announced he would not seek reelection.

In an interview with the Tribune, Nesbitt estimated he has driven more than 22,000 miles crossing the state during his campaign. His message, he said, has been about commitment to the job and integrity.

“What’s resonating with (Nebraskans) is being a former colonel with the State Patrol, not being a politician, being out there and just wanting to do the job, people are excited about that,” he said.

“To be honest with you, I’m not a politician, I’m an administrator,” he said. “I’ll tell you right now that I think it’s important that people serve, and serve for the right reasons. I’m not running for any political aspirations or stepping stones as others have and are. I want to do the job and not use the job, and I honestly just want to be the treasurer.

“I said from the very start when I announced this that if I’m blessed with winning the first term, I’m going to run for two terms. It’s a term-limited office and you can only be there eight years, but I’m committed to eight years if I can get in there and be successful with that,” he said.

The biggest issue he hears about, he said, is a proposed resolution that would eliminate the state treasurer’s office in 2015, a move to which he has heard strong opposition.

“People are overwhelming not supporting that piece of legislation,” he said. “From the very start I announced that I was against that legislation.

“The last thing we want is some faceless bureaucrat handling our money. People want somebody elected and held accountable, and that’s so very important,” Nesbitt said.

“The other thing I’m hearing that I’ve said from the start as well is I’ll be a watchdog for the dollars,” he went on. “I’m going to find the money and make sure it’s well taken care of. I’ll balance the checkbook like it’s my own, like we have to at our houses and running our businesses.”

Nesbitt said his experience running the State Patrol is evidence of his ethics and fiscal conservatism.

“I managed a $41 million budget and 700 people,” he pointed out. “During that time I’m proud to say I gave a half million dollars back to the taxpayers and improved public safety at the same time.”

Nesbitt explained that in 2003 he asked his 525 troopers to park their cars with the engines off for half an hour each day. The gas savings was worth approximately $350,000, and further personnel services savings were valued at approximately $180,000.

“I wasn’t asked to do that, I did that because it was the right thing to do to help the burden of the economic downturn at that time. I thought that was important to do,” he said.

Nesbitt said he will distance himself from his company if elected, handing over day-to-day operations to his partner.

A native Nebraskan who grew up in Fullerton, Nesbitt and his wife, Deb, have two children. Son Nick is a U.S. Marine preparing to deploy to Afghanistan. Daughter Bailey is a sixth grader.

Republican Treasurer Candidate Visits Geneva
Republican candidate Tom Nesbitt who is running for the Nebraska State Treasurer was in Geneva on Sunday, April 11 at the Geneva V.F.W. Citizens of Fillmore County had the opportunity to visit, greet and ask questions of the candidate. In the above photo is Hugh Wilkins, Tom Nesbitt and Frank Heinisch and in the bottom photo is Jan and Kurt Myers.

Nesbitt retired from the Nebraska State Patrol after serving 27 years and was Colonel at the time of his retirement. The Nebraska State Patrol has approximately 700 employees.

Nesbitt pledged not only to serve out one term, but to run for a second term if elected.

The Nebraska primary election is May 11.

EDITORIAL
By Tom Nesbitt

The recent advancement by Nebraska lawmakers of a measure to eliminate the state treasurer’s office has prompted me to share my own insight on this issue. I would first point out that I am currently a candidate for treasurer, and while my views may look self-serving, they have merit nevertheless.

I believe it is a bad idea to do away with this elected office. There is a job to be done, and eliminating the office will not eliminate the need for the job to be done. If the job is not done through the oversight of an elected official, it will have to be done by a non-elected bureaucrat. And that will mean less accountability to the people of Nebraska.

The reason I am running is the same reason I think it’s a bad idea to do away with this elected office. And that is: THE FOUNDATION OF DEMOCRACY FROM ITS ANCIENT BEGINNINGS IN GREECE TO THE PRESENT DAY IS THE CONCEPT OF CITIZEN SERVANTS, CITIZENS SERVING THEIR FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS.

What has made America great is the idea that we do not have a professional corps at the core of those institutions that are vital to democracy. Instead we have elected citizens in those positions, who are highly accountable through the election process to the citizens who elected them.

If we eliminate this elected office, other questions arise. Why do we need ROTC when we could just let military academies run the military? Why do we need citizen ambassadors to other countries when we could just hire professional bureaucrats to represent America to other countries? Why do states need governors when we could just hire professional administrators to do the job? The answer is, in a democracy the people in charge of our quality of life should be accountable to the people they are serving through the electoral process.

In America we don’t let bureaucrats run our most important institutions. And of all offices traditionally run by citizen servants, those directly involving taxpayers’ money are the most important, because money is the fuel that runs the democratic machine. And Nebraskans would be among the first to tell you that anything involving taxpayer money is where we most need the accountability that can only be provided through oversight by an official who can be elected and replaced directly by the citizens themselves.

Some Nebraska legislators have indicated that the auditor’s office can do most of the treasurer’s duties. First, the work of the treasurer’s office still must be done by somebody, so it’s hard to see where savings would be achieved. Second, these two offices are in charge of two totally different aspects of government. The auditor is in charge of how our money is spent. The treasurer is in charge of taking care of our money before it is spent. We do not want bureaucrats in charge of either of those responsibilities. We need elected officials in charge who are accountable to the people.

Although the Treasurer’s office has been viewed as largely ceremonial, over the last 20 years we’ve watched the Auditor’s office evolve into a proactive role as the watchdog of how the state monies are spent. As demonstrated lately by poor performance of some funds, it’s obvious that the time has come for a watchdog for how our state’s assets are handled before they are spent.

Make no mistake – I honestly want to do that job and hope the voters will elect me to do it. If they do elect me and then don’t like the way I do the job, they can and should throw me out and elect somebody else. But at least they should have the privilege of deciding who they are going to trust with taking care of their money before it is spent.

Paid for by: Nebraskans for Nesbitt • Ron Ross, Treasurer • 2124 Y St., Suite 101 • Lincoln, NE 68503