By Don Walton, Lincoln Journal-Star
August 31, 2010

The air war has begun.

And the message is fiscal responsibility.

Both Republican Rep. Lee Terry and Democratic challenger Tom White have launched TV ad campaigns in advance of the traditional Labor Day kickoff of election season.

Both candidates in metropolitan Omaha's 2nd District promise to tackle the mushrooming national debt.

The clash between Terry and White in the competitive congressional district headlines Nebraska's 2010 elections.

By Katie Knapp Schubert, KIOS
August 30, 2010

OMAHA, NE - The Democrat candidate for Nebraska's Second Congressional District says while Nebraska enjoys a low unemployment rate, that's not the case for the entire district.

State Senator Tom White is running against incumbent GOP Congressman Lee Terry for the Second District seat. He says while Nebraska may have an unemployment rate of 4.5 percent overall, it's more like 17 percent in northeast and east Omaha. "That is completely unacceptable. It leads to desperation, leads to drug abuse, it leads to families splitting up, it leads to crime," White says. "We need to recognize that everybody has to have if they work hard and play by the rules, a piece of a peaceful, prosperous life, the American dream."

Omaha, NE – In an email to supporters today, Tom White’s campaign for Congress unveiled its first TV ad. The 30-second bio spot highlights Tom’s record of independence and fiscal responsibility.

Omaha, NE – Rep. Lee Terry is on the air with his first campaign ad, and it’s clear he’s hoping Nebraskans forget about his record on spending and debt during his decade in Congress.

“Even for a Washington politician, Congressman Terry’s selective amnesia is stunning,” said Ian Russell, Tom White for Congress campaign manager. “Terry voted for the Wall Street bail-out, for budgets that nearly doubled the national debt, and voted for policies that have added trillions to the deficit. Now, he’s failing to take responsibility for the role he’s played in breaking the bank and mortgaging our future.”

Rep. Terry Voted Against Funding That Prevents Cuts to Schools and Increases in Property Taxes

Omaha, NE – Today, Tom White applauded Governor Heineman’s decision to accept $59 million in federal funds for education from a bill recently passed by Congress. Rep. Lee Terry voted against the bill.

Without the federal assistance, Nebraska communities would have faced terrible choices: laying off teachers and increasing classroom sizes, or raising property taxes.

“It seems Governor Heineman and I agree: Congressman Terry was wrong when he voted against this paid-for bill that will prevent property tax increases and huge teacher layoffs, and will help the Governor and the Legislature balance the budget without raising taxes,” said Tom White.

By Joe Jordan, Nebraska Watchdog
August 19, 2010

When it comes to protecting Social Security, the so-called “third rail” of American politics, Congressman Lee Terry (NE-R) wants voters to take him at his word.

Despite supporting various moves over the last 10 years to privatize parts of Social Security, Terry now says he’s against the idea.

On Saturday, in the middle of a tough re-election campaign against Democrat Tom White, Terry went so far as to sign a pledge which states he will ”oppose any effort to privatize Social Security, in whole or in part.”

According to the Omaha World- Herald, Terry said “The people spoke on (privatization), and it was soundly rejected.”

Terry isn’t new to pledges and has broken at least one since taking office in Washington.

By Robynn Tysver, Omaha World-Herald
August 18, 2010

Republican U.S. Rep. Lee Terry has changed his tune on privatizing Social Security, prompting Democratic opponent Tom White to accuse him of an “election-year stunt.”

Terry supported former President George W. Bush's 2006 attempt to privatize parts of Social Security for younger workers.

Terry continued to publicly back partial privatization through his successful 2008 re-election bid.

Omaha, NE – At an event this morning, Rep. Lee Terry joined Tom White in signing this pledge:

"We need to strengthen Social Security, not cut it. That is why I oppose any cuts to Social Security benefits, including increasing the retirement age. I also oppose any effort to privatize Social Security, in whole or in part."

Rep. Terry's desperate election-year stunt shows he's willing to say anything to get re-elected – but Nebraska seniors know he's he voted over and over again to cut billions from Medicare [HRS653, Vote #4, 2/01/06, HR4241, Vote #601, 11/18/05, S1932, Vote #670, 12/19/05] and supported George Bush’s efforts to privatize Social Security.