Reinforcing McCook's reputation

Amid cool, soaking rains, McCook is holding to its reputation as one of Nebraska's -- and America's -- political hot spots. The latest proof comes from the campaign of Ben Nelson, who returned to his hometown Monday and today to prepare for his bid for a second term in the U.S. Senate.

Although Nelson has lived away from McCook since high school graduation, he has maintained close links to the community throughout his years in private industry and public service. He returned often to visit his mother, Birdella, before her passing, and has since moved his boyhood home to Norris Avenue to become a part of Heritage Square.

Nelson also has been back often for community events, including the Governor's Ball to celebrate his election as governor, and Heritage Days, including the year he was honored as Grand Marshal.

It is therefore fitting that Nelson chose McCook to prepare for his year-long campaign for re-election to the U.S. Senate. During his visit with friends Monday night at the historic home of Jan and Van Korell, Nelson spoke about issues of concern to Southwest Nebraskans. "Ben says he believes the beef issues with Japan will be resolved in the next year," Angus Garey said.

Garey, president-elect of the South Platte United Chambers of Commerce, said Nelson accomplished two things during the get-together with friends from the McCook area. "He collected money to help in his upcoming campaign, and he 'pressed the flesh,'" which is the political term for shaking hands with grassroots supporters.

Today, film crews from Washington, D.C. are shooting footage that could further McCook's reputation as a political center. During the rare but nice wet spell, the video team will try to capture images of the senator hunting in the fields around McCook, and visiting with hometown folks in the downtown business district.

As the home of four governors and two United States senators, it's not unusual for McCook to be in the political spotlight. But it's nice, nevertheless, and a credit to Sen. Nelson that he remembers his hometown with such affection.