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Juan Salinas II

@4nsmiley.bsky.social
5.1K followers 443 following 1.8K posts

A 20-something who covers politics in America’s heartland for @nebraskaexaminer.com. | Past gigs: Texas Tribune, KERA news, and Fort Worth Report | 💌: jsalinas@nebraskaexaminer.com Signal: x4nsmiley.91

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Reposted by Juan Salinas II
The Downballot @the-downballot.com · 30/09/2026
Per Punchbowl today, GOP seats that "both parties privately agree are in deep, deep trouble." "Almost cooked already" (their words): #CA48, #IA01, #NE02, #NJ07 & #PA07 "Growing more difficult for Republicans but still within reach": #AZ06, #IA03, #OH07 & #PA10
punchbowl.news
The House Republicans facing tough reelections
There are a number of GOP lawmakers running for reelection across the country that both parties privately agree are in deep trouble.
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Juan Salinas II @4nsmiley.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
The Center for Politics Crystal Ball has shifted Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen's race from safe to likely Republican. “We are also making Gov. Jim Pillen’s (R-NE) race a little more competitive.” centerforpolitics.org/crystalball/...
centerforpolitics.org
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Juan Salinas II @4nsmiley.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
A Nebraska Republican Party official confirmed to the Examiner that President Donald Trump will visit Grand Island next week. He's coming to rally for Sen. Pete Ricketts in his heated race against Dan Osborn My latest @nebraskaexaminer.com nebraskaexaminer.com/2026/09/29/t...
nebraskaexaminer.com
Trump is coming to Nebraska to campaign for Sen. Pete Ricketts • Nebraska Examiner
The stop in Grand Island comes as he begins his midterm campaign blitz to shore up red states as Election Day approaches.
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Reposted by Juan Salinas II
The Downballot @the-downballot.com · 28/09/2026
Fort Worth's Tarrant County was long a bastion for Texas Republicans up and down the ballot. Alisa Simmons has the chance to become its first Democratic leader since 1986 in a contest that could impact her party's statewide fortunes.
the-downballot.com
Morning Digest: Texas Democrats campaign for control of battleground county
The race to lead once-red Tarrant County could have big implications statewide
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Juan Salinas II @4nsmiley.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
The battle for the cat statue continues nebraskaexaminer.com/2026/09/25/c...
nebraskaexaminer.com
Commission open to sculpture idea for Cameron, Nebraska’s ‘Capitol Cat’ • Nebraska Examiner
A commission expressed openness to a revised proposal for a sculpture to honor the Nebraska State Capitol’s longtime unofficial mascot.
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Juan Salinas II @4nsmiley.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Nebraska Rep. Mike Flood and Chris Backemeyer spar in 1st District debate One of the biggest fights was over the Iran war. both campaigns declared victory after the debate. My latest @nebraskaexaminer.com nebraskaexaminer.com/2026/09/24/n...
nebraskaexaminer.com
Nebraska Rep. Mike Flood and Chris Backemeyer spar in 1st District debate • Nebraska Examiner
One of the biggest fights was over the Iran war; both campaigns declare victory.
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Juan Salinas II @4nsmiley.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Nebraska Senate race has seen tough talk and shifts on Immigration and its enforcement between Sen. Pete Ricketts and Dan Osborn as they both try to win a ruby-red state My latest @nebraskaexaminer.com nebraskaexaminer.com/2026/09/24/n...
nebraskaexaminer.com
Nebraska Senate race has seen tough talk and shifts on Immigration • Nebraska Examiner
The Nebraska Senate race between incumbent Ricketts and Osborn has seen tough talk on immigration as they both try to win a ruby red state.
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Juan Salinas II @4nsmiley.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
NE-01 Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Flood and Democratic challenger Chris Backemeyer will face off in a debate tonight. Despite a midterm environment increasingly favorable to Democrats, election analysts still view NE-01 as safely Republican—though national Democrats see the race as competitive.
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Juan Salinas II @4nsmiley.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
The first line of the story is a link to a story of us talking to Dan Osborn voters. But you didn't even bother to open the story. nebraskaexaminer.com/2026/07/31/w...
nebraskaexaminer.com
What is the appeal of Dan Osborn to his supporters in Nebraska's US Senate race? • Nebraska Examiner
Some of the people who crowded into the Astro Theater on Thursday to hear registered nonpartisan U.S. Senate candidate Dan Osborn kick off his statewide tour said that while they may not agree with ev...
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Juan Salinas II @4nsmiley.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
I went to Weeping Water for Nebraska Sen. Pete Ricketts’ annual steak fry to speak with some of his supporters. They are supporting Ricketts in his heated race against Dan Osborn because he shares their conservative values My latest @nebraskaexaminer.com nebraskaexaminer.com/2026/09/21/w...
nebraskaexaminer.com
Why Nebraska Republicans say they want to reelect Sen. Pete Ricketts • Nebraska Examiner
Some of the people who showed up for Pete Ricketts' annual steak fry said they’ll vote for him because he shares their conservative values.
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Reposted by Juan Salinas II
The Downballot @the-downballot.com · 17/09/2026
National Republicans are once again spending to stop independent Dan Osborn in Nebraska, where polls show him locked in a close race against GOP Sen. Pete Ricketts.
the-downballot.com
Morning Digest, sponsored by Oath: Republicans steer cash to Nebraska's Senate race
The GOP is trying to label independent Dan Osborn a Democrat
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Juan Salinas II @4nsmiley.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
I got invited to talk to some University of Nebraska at Omaha students about political journalism. I hope the biggest takeaway was that anyone can do journalism.
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Reposted by Juan Salinas II
gwen howerton @kissphoria.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
you will never get me to stop paying attention to texas politics
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Juan Salinas II @4nsmiley.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
If you want to catch up on the Senate race that has turned Nebraska politics upside down with new political parties, an attempt to end a party, lawsuits, and “plants” with endless attacks that will continue to the bitter end. I have the story for you nebraskaexaminer.com/2026/09/10/n...
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Juan Salinas II @4nsmiley.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
"Nebraska hasn't been a top Democratic target this cycle, but Republicans have quietly worried that the state — which Trump carried by roughly 20 points in 2024 — could come into focus if the political environment deteriorates for the GOP." Via @axios.com www.axios.com/2026/09/15/g...
axios.com
Scoop: GOP super PAC jumps into Nebraska Senate race with $1.4M ad buy
Republicans continue to spend to defend seats in Trump territory
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Juan Salinas II @4nsmiley.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
In Nebraska's second-largest city, the Democratic-led City Council is going on the defensive with charter amendments offering alternatives to three conservative-backed measures that aim to reshape local elections My latest @nebraskaexaminer.com nebraskaexaminer.com/2026/09/14/l...
nebraskaexaminer.com
Lincoln City Council goes on defense with alternative charter amendments • Nebraska Examiner
City’s alternative would give more time to transition to even-year elections and an additional term for council members.
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Juan Salinas II @4nsmiley.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
Nebraska Rep. Don Bacon says he’s mulling a 2028 White House bid thehill.com/homenews/cam...
thehill.com
Bacon says he’s mulling 2028 White House bid
Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) said he is considering a run for president in 2028 as he prepares to leave Congress next year. Bacon, who has previously floated a bid for the White House, said in an interv…
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Juan Salinas II @4nsmiley.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
9/11 did more than reshape the nation’s approach to terrorism. They changed the architecture of American intelligence and policing. nebraskaexaminer.com/2026/09/11/r...
nebraskaexaminer.com
How 9/11 changed the way America surveils its citizens • Nebraska Examiner
The terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, transformed how American intelligence and law enforcement agencies collect, share and analyze information. Twenty-five years later, that infrastructure has mer...
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Reposted by Juan Salinas II
Nebraska Examiner @nebraskaexaminer.com · 10/09/2026
It only took about a minute into the Nebraska State Fair Senate debate for the name-calling to start. A look into the state of Nebraska's U.S. Senate race from Juan Salinas II. buff.ly/S3DWzqd
nebraskaexaminer.com
Nebraska Senate race mud-throwing will continue to the bitter end, but do voters care? • Nebraska Examiner
Watchers of the Nebraska Senate debate at the state fair saw a microcosm of the yearlong campaign between Sen. Pete Ricketts and Dan Osborn.
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Juan Salinas II @4nsmiley.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Watchers of the Nebraska Senate Debate between Dan Osborn and Sen. Pete Ricketts saw a microcosm of the yearlong campaign. This race will be fiery to the bitter end, but do voters care? My latest @nebraskaexaminer.com nebraskaexaminer.com/2026/09/10/n...
nebraskaexaminer.com
Nebraska Senate race mud-throwing will continue to the bitter end, but do voters care? • Nebraska Examiner
Watchers of the Nebraska Senate debate at the state fair saw a microcosm of the yearlong campaign between Sen. Pete Ricketts and Dan Osborn.
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Juan Salinas II @4nsmiley.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
In reversal, James Talarico says he opposes trans athletes in girls’ sports ‘if it risks safety or fairness’ www.keranews.org/news/2026-09...
keranews.org
In reversal, James Talarico says he opposes trans athletes in girls’ sports ‘if it risks safety or fairness’
Talarico’s comments on Fox News came in contrast to positions he took in the Texas House opposing GOP restrictions on trans student-athletes.
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Juan Salinas II @4nsmiley.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
“A gray shape on the horizon. An airplane, flying past the Statue of Liberty. The body of the United Airlines jet grew larger until he could see a red stripe on the fuselage. Then it banked and headed directly toward him.” Fighting to Live as the Towers Died (2002) www.nytimes.com/2002/05/26/n...
nytimes.com
Fighting to Live as the Towers Died (Gift Article)
The last words of the men and women who were trapped on the high floors of the twin towers.
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Juan Salinas II @4nsmiley.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
In stuff that I didn't even know was happening: A Nebraska Supreme Court judge rejected a last-minute objection from the state’s Democratic Party to the Senate candidacy of the chairwoman of the new Nebraska Working People Party. nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/nebra...
nebraskaexaminer.com
Nebraska Supreme Court judge rejects Democratic objection to new party’s Senate candidate • Nebraska Examiner
A Nebraska Supreme Court judge rejected a last-minute objection from the state’s Democratic Party to the Senate candidacy of the chairwoman of the new Nebraska Working People Party.
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Juan Salinas II @4nsmiley.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Most Nebraska GOP officeholders and candidates skip the midterm convention in Dallas. Reasons range from a high school's football game to a trip to Ukraine NE-02 Brinker Harding and Rep. Adrian Smith plan to go. My latest @nebraskaexaminer.com nebraskaexaminer.com/2026/09/08/m...
nebraskaexaminer.com
Most Nebraska GOP officeholders, candidates skip midterm convention • Nebraska Examiner
Only U.S. Rep. Adrian Smith and Brinker Harding are going to Texas for the first-ever GOP midterm convention.
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Reposted by Juan Salinas II
ProPublica @propublica.org · 07/09/2026
Reporter Molly Hensley-Clancy has already identified eight youth sports coaches who are still working with kids despite having been banned by SafeSport, a center created by Congress to protect kids from abuse in sports. She's not done. Here’s how you can help.
propublica.org
Help Us Investigate Abusive Coaches in Youth Sports
We’re continuing to report on abusive youth sports coaches and the gaps in the system that allow them to continue working with kids. If you have something to share on this topic, we want to hear from ...
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Juan Salinas II @4nsmiley.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Move over Ken Paxton and James Talarico — Nebraska’s 1st Congressional District debate is up in the air after public spats between the candidates. My latest @nebraskaexaminer.com nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/congr...
nebraskaexaminer.com
Congressional debate up in the air in Nebraska’s 1st District • Nebraska Examiner
Debates for Nebraska’s 1st Congressional District are up in the air after public spats from the candidates.
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Juan Salinas II @4nsmiley.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Really cool experience of being a panelist for the Nebraska Senate race debate at the state fair. I'm glad it went well and that the reception to our questions was positive. :)
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Reposted by Juan Salinas II
gwen howerton @kissphoria.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Feels like we should all be talking about TCU banning the Fort Worth Star Telegram from covering the program after the FWST broke the news that Jacob Fields hospitalized another player in a locker room fight www.texasmonthly.com/news-politic...
texasmonthly.com
Texas Christian University Blocked the Newspaper That’s Covered It for Over a Century
TCU Athletics pulled the media credentials of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram after its report on a locker-room incident. Its reporter is still covering the team.
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Juan Salinas II @4nsmiley.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
There's a debate for the Nebraska Senate race at the state fair, if you weren't aware.
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Juan Salinas II @4nsmiley.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
A Nebraska voter is asking the state Supreme Court to overturn the secretary of state’s decision to put the “fairness for girls” measure on the November ballot. My latest @nebraskaexaminer.com nebraskaexaminer.com/2026/08/31/n...
nebraskaexaminer.com
Nebraska voter sues to keep 'fairness for girls' measure off ballot • Nebraska Examiner
A Nebraska voter is asking the state Supreme Court to overturn the Secretary of State's decision to put a measure on the fall ballot.
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Reposted by Juan Salinas II
Culture Crave 🍿 @culturecrave.co · 27/08/2026
Diving into Vice City in ‘Grand Theft Auto 6’ 🪂
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Juan Salinas II @4nsmiley.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
I love Vice City.
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Juan Salinas II @4nsmiley.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
GTAVI: An exclusive deep dive into the video game of the decade via Dazed www.dazeddigital.com/life-culture...
dazeddigital.com
GTAVI: An exclusive deep dive into the video game of the decade
On par with a wonder of the modern world, the pressure on Grand Theft Auto VI to deliver the holy grail of gaming is enormous – we talk to Rockstar’s epic team of creative talents to uncover its secre...
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Juan Salinas II @4nsmiley.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
The Lancaster County district judge won't force the Nebraska democratic Party to replace its Senate candidate, who dropped out to clear the field for Dan Osborn.
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Juan Salinas II @4nsmiley.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
The Nebraska Supreme Court clears the way for two new Nebraska political parties The next step for The Nebraska Working People Party and America First Party, once certified, is to nominate candidates for races. My latest @nebraskaexaminer.com nebraskaexaminer.com/2026/08/26/n...
nebraskaexaminer.com
Nebraska Supreme Court clears the way for two new Nebraska political parties • Nebraska Examiner
The next step for the new political parties, once certified, is to nominate candidates for Nebraska races.
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Reposted by Juan Salinas II
gwen howerton @kissphoria.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Here's my story on Texas' drag ban being ruled unconstitutional again. Fun quote from Judge David Hittner, a Reagan appointee: "Finally, for those who find such activities as described in this case offensive, the solution is relatively simple … just don’t go." www.chron.com/culture/arti...
chron.com
'Just don't go': Judge once again finds Texas drag ban unconstitutional
For the second time in three years, a federal judge has ruled Texas' ban on drag shows is unconstitutional.
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Juan Salinas II @4nsmiley.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
Here are the party officials for the Nebraska Working People Party and the America First Party. The Nebraska SOS has informed the state Supreme Court that he plans to certify the parties later this week unless the court orders otherwise, according to a letter obtained by the Examiner.
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Juan Salinas II @4nsmiley.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
Two new Nebraska political parties have submitted their constitutions and leadership to the SOS Office as the next formal step toward becoming official parties in the state — with a state Supreme Court ruling on the horizon My latest @nebraskaexaminer.com nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/here-...
nebraskaexaminer.com
Here are the officials of Nebraska's likely new political parties • Nebraska Examiner
Nebraska Secretary of State has informed the Supreme Court that he plans to certify the parties on Thursday unless the court orders otherwise
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Juan Salinas II @4nsmiley.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
Audio from the meeting obtained by the Examiner shows the exchange over a motion to nominate Kishla Askins, who was a candidate in the 2nd District Democratic primary to replace Cindy Burbank as the Senate nominee nebraskaexaminer.com/2026/08/23/n...
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Juan Salinas II @4nsmiley.bsky.social · 23/08/2026
In Nebraska's 2nd swing district, both Denise Powell and Brinker Harding want the middle. nebraskaexaminer.com/2026/08/21/n...
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Juan Salinas II @4nsmiley.bsky.social · 23/08/2026
There were campaign events today I didn't get the memo, I guess
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Reposted by Juan Salinas II
Nebraska Examiner @nebraskaexaminer.com · 21/08/2026
As in other election cycles, Democrats — and election analysts — view the slightly red-leaning 2nd District as a way to make gains in the U.S. House, as midterm elections often don’t go the way of the party that controls the White House. From Juan Salinas II buff.ly/44MhT9G
nebraskaexaminer.com
Nebraska 2nd District candidates try to paint each other as extreme • Nebraska Examiner
Republicans plan to paint Denise Powell as ‘out of touch,’ as Dems will point to Brinker Harding’s Trump’s endorsement.
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Juan Salinas II @4nsmiley.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
Legal Marijuana NOW U.S. Senate candidate Mike Marvin announced he can’t put more “energy” into the Senate race because of health issues and endorsed nonpartisan U.S. Senate candidate Dan Osborn My latest @nebraskaexaminer.com nebraskaexaminer.com/2026/08/21/n...
nebraskaexaminer.com
Nebraska Legal Marijuana NOW Senate candidate endorses Osborn after suspending campaign • Nebraska Examiner
Mike Marvin has denied being a plant for Osborn – but his move will likely add fuel to those claims from Republicans.
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Juan Salinas II @4nsmiley.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
The dog days of summer are over, meaning that prime time is coming for Nebraska's 2nd District. For the next few months, a baseball mom and Omaha City Councilmen will try to paint each other as extreme My latest @nebraskaexaminer.com nebraskaexaminer.com/2026/08/21/n...
nebraskaexaminer.com
Nebraska 2nd District candidates try to paint each other as extreme • Nebraska Examiner
Republicans plan to paint Denise Powell as ‘out of touch,’ as Dems will point to Brinker Harding’s Trump’s endorsement.
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Juan Salinas II @4nsmiley.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
A banger :p music.apple.com/us/album/rol...
music.apple.com
Rollacoasta by prettifun on Apple Music
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Juan Salinas II @4nsmiley.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
Nebraska’s most politically divided and diverse congressional district gets its campaign ads for the general election Neither mentions Denise Powell's nor Brinker Harding's party affiliation. The ads also say how both will work to be bipartisan.
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Juan Salinas II @4nsmiley.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
lawsuits this and lawsuit that. nebraskaexaminer.com/2026/08/20/n...
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Juan Salinas II @4nsmiley.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
A Lancaster District Court judge has dismissed objections to two new Nebraska political parties from the state’s two major parties. The Nebraska Working People Party and America First Party will be on the November ballot. My latest @nebraskaexaminer.com nebraskaexaminer.com/2026/08/19/j...
nebraskaexaminer.com
Judge allows both new Nebraska political parties on fall ballot • Nebraska Examiner
With the emergency injunction delaying their certification being lifted, both parties will likely be certified.
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Juan Salinas II @4nsmiley.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
In a Lancaster County District Court affidavit, the Nebraska Democratic Party chair wrote the party will decide this week whether to fill a vacancy caused by its U.S. Senate candidate dropping out My latest @nebraskaexaminer.com nebraskaexaminer.com/2026/08/18/n...
nebraskaexaminer.com
Nebraska Democrats will vote to fill vacancy for US Senate race after its candidate dropped out • Nebraska Examiner
Democratic Party chair's affidavit reaffirms strategy of clearing the field for nonpartisan candidate Dan Osborn.
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Juan Salinas II @4nsmiley.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
In Nebraska, the state’s most influential Republican political consulting firm and a Democratic-led city council clash in the court of public opinion while an investigation of fraudulent petition signatures is underway My latest @nebraskaexaminer.com nebraskaexaminer.com/2026/08/17/l...
nebraskaexaminer.com
Lincoln petition fraud investigation becomes political • Nebraska Examiner
Lincoln City Council and Nebraska’s leading Republican consulting firm clash in the court of public opinion
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