Governor Pete Ricketts responded to the discovery that a former campaign staffer had made anti-Semitic statements and other hateful statements in an online chat room.
“I am shocked and horrified to learn that this former staffer made these statements and I had no idea he harbored these feelings. He never expressed these views to me. I condemn these statements and this hateful worldview, which do not reflect my beliefs or the beliefs of Nebraskans.”
The staff person, Bennett Bressman, 22, of Omaha was a volunteer who was subsequently paid as a field staffer for seven months to do field work on the Governor’s reelection campaign. His responsibilities included distributing yard signs, as well as facilitating campaign volunteers and interns who did outreach to voters and walked at parades. His employment with the Governor’s campaign committee ended in December 2018.
“I unequivocally denounce his hate-filled views towards Jewish people, LGBT people, African Americans, journalists, women, and others. I am particularly concerned about his anti-Semitic statements. Anti-Semitism has no place in society no matter where it hides. The State of Nebraska stands with Israel and has been a home to thousands of Jewish families for generations. We are only a generation removed from World War II, during which millions of Jews who were killed because of their heritage and 400,000 American soldiers died to stamp out Nazism and its anti-Semitic ideology. We will continue to make this state a welcoming place for the Jewish faith and work with faith leaders to root out anti-Semitism wherever it may be.”
Governor Ricketts has worked to support Nebraska’s Jewish community and to strengthen the bonds between Nebraska and Israel.
Hosted the Jewish community for a Hanukkah celebration at the State Capitol in December 2018.
Hosted the Israeli Minister of Agriculture at the State Capitol in April 2018.
Addressed the Republican Jewish Coalition in Las Vegas in 2018.
Wrote a column in the Jewish Press condemning anti-Semitism following the events of Charlottesville in 2017.
Issued a proclamation congratulating Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the 50th anniversary of the reunification of Jerusalem in 2017.
Supported the American Jewish Coalition’s fight against anti-Israel boycotts in 2016.
Sent a trade delegation to Israel to promote Nebraska beef in 2016.
Celebrated the reopening of the Israeli market to Nebraska beef in 2016.