By Travis Fick
Cardinal Staff
Senator-elect Mike Johanns, R-Neb., of Lincoln, Neb., a graduate from Saint Mary’s University and distinguished alumni, was elected to represent Nebraska in the United States Senate.
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Johanns, who graduated from SMU in 1971 with a degree in communications arts, was elected over his Democratic opponent, Scott Kleeb, of Kearney, Neb., 58 percent to 40 percent and will replace outgoing Senator Chuck Hagel, R-Neb.
Johanns said that the reason he entered politics was the values that were instilled in him as a child. “I grew up in a family that strongly believed in public service,” said Johanns. “I was taught to look out for my fellow man and woman, and that’s where it all started.”
In a political career that began in 1982, Johanns has served as a Lancaster County commissioner, Lincoln city councilman, mayor of Lincoln, governor of the state of Nebraska and most recently as the United States Secretary of Agriculture.
Johanns said that he was not a great student in high school and came to SMU because no other school would give him a chance. Under the direction of former professors Mike Flanagan and Don Peach as well as Father Andrew Fabian, professor of philosophy, Johanns said he realized the concept of service that he applies to his position as an elected official.
After graduating, Johanns was accepted to Creighton University School of Law in Omaha, Neb., where he earned his law degree. But Johanns says his success in college all began at SMU. “I owe a lot to Saint Mary’s,” said Johanns. “I would not be where I am today.”
This election taught the nation many new lessons, said Johanns, one of the most important being the impact of young voters. Johanns, whose opponent is 33 years old, said the recent election began the transition to the next generation of leaders. “I know many young people who are very involved in elected office, and that’s not a bad thing,” said Johanns. “I have a friend who was elected as a state senator who is in his twenties.”
Johanns said that he understands the impact of young voters and saw heavy involvement among young people during his senate campaign. “On the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, we won the precinct on campus by around 10 points,” said Johanns.
Johanns’ campaign saw a large number of young people volunteer, and some were hired by the campaign. “My deputy press-secretary literally walked off the street,” said Johanns. “He showed us he was a hard worker and that he was loyal to the campaign, so we hired him. He is 22 years old and was hired when he was only months out of college.”
Johanns said that perceptions created by television shows such as The West Wing falsely portray those who work in government as being old and having a lot of experience. Johanns said that most people are younger and right out of college. “There is a saying in Washington,” said Johanns. “Our country is run by 20-somethings.”
Johanns said that he shares the concerns that college students have, especially regarding finding jobs. He points to his record as mayor and governor to highlight his accomplishments and plans for creating jobs. “I have done that (created jobs) as a mayor, governor and a member of the United States cabinet,” said Johanns. “We need to first get the economy on its feet. I did a lot of job training programs as governor, and they worked very well, and I would like to have them considered.”
Johanns said that the offices that he has held allow him to bring different experiences to the Senate. However, he has no plans to seek higher office in the near future. “I am happy where I am at,” said Johanns.
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