Hon. Ben Nelson

(1941 - )

Nelson has felt the pull of civic responsibility since his high school days in the model legislature. He entered Nebraska politics in 1990 by successfully running for governor. His eight years in office were highlighted by balanced budgets, expanded health coverage for children, ethanol production, and high approval ratings. In 2000, he ran for a seat in the U.S. Senate, pledging to create a better system of long-term care than was available for his mother at that time. After winning, he kept his promise by working on issues affecting seniors and by cosponsoring the Medicare Skilled Nursing Beneficiary Protection Act. As chairman of the Agricultural Committee, he sponsored bills to protect family farms. The National Rural Health Association has honored him as one of the top legislators for his work on rural health issues.