Johanns, Smith are the best choice for state

The McCook Daily Gazette today is endorsing Mike Johanns for U.S. Senate and Adrian Smith for re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives representing the 3rd District.

Both bring records of wide-ranging, steady service to Nebraska and will represent the Cornhusker State well.

Mike Johanns

We have to admit partiality to anyone who grew up on a dairy farm, learning to do chores at age four. Those of us who share that background have an instant bond of understanding.

Like many farm boys, Johanns left the farm as soon as he could, but still carries that no-nonsense dedication to duty he learned milking the cows, morning and night.

Having served at many levels of government, Johanns is more likely to understand the burdens of unfunded federal mandates and regulation on cities and states.

He's a consistent proponent of tax relief, promoting economic growth, protecting families and pursuit of efficient, effective education.

After practicing law in O'Neill and Lincoln, Johanns served on the Lancaster County Board, Lincoln City Council, was mayor of Lincoln and was elected to two terms as governor before accepting the post of U.S. Secretary of Agriculture in January 2005.

Adrian Smith

Though younger, Smith has packed a wealth of public service experience into his years.

Whetting his political appetite as an intern in the Nebraska governor's office while a student at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, he later served as a legislative page before returning to his hometown of Gering, where he served as a member of the city council.

He won for the District 48 seat in the Nebraska Legislature, where he served for eight years, and was elected in 2006 to his current post, where he serves on the agriculture, natural resources, budget and science and technology committees.

Barring a miracle for the McCain-Palin camp, it appears Barack Obama will be elected president next week, shifting more of the power toward the left in Washington. That alone might be reason enough to cast ballots for fiscal conservatives like Johanns and Smith.

Regardless of other circumstances, however, a review of their qualifications makes it clear they are the best choice for Nebraska.