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NE: Did senator’s gambling shortchange her campaign?

By   /   September 17, 2012  /   5 Comments

Joe Jordan | Nebraska Watchdog

When State Senator Brenda Council was gambling away campaign funds what was her campaign doing?

Brenda Council

According to her state reports, very little.

On Tuesday Council, who has apologized for her behavior, is scheduled to appear in Lancaster County District Court where she is expected to plead guilty to misdemeanor charges tied to the gambling.

In the meantime can she rebound from her close primary loss to former State Senator Ernie Chambers and beat Chambers when it counts on Election Day?

Nebraska Watchdog’s Joe Jordan looks at Council’s campaign cash problems and what it means to the voters—voters who gave Chambers a 149 vote win (52%-48%) on May 15.

Contact Joe Jordan at joe@nebraskawatchdog.org

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Joe Jordan

  • Susan Smith for Legislature

    District 11 – North Omaha voters have a choice other than Sen Brenda Council and Ernie Chambers. They can write in Susan Smith on the ballot and blacken in the circle. If the voters feel the last 40+ years of leadership has NOT drastically improved our district then it is time for a change. My focus will be on what is best for District 11 and not on pushing a political agenda. I will represent ALL of the citizens – the hard working families, retired, disabled and those who truly need assistance. Visit my website at http://www.susansmith4nelegd11.wordpress.com

  • OmaSteak

    Was Brenda only using campaign funds to gamble or was some of her own money spent too? Most gambling addicts run through their own personal financial resources fairly quickly before they turn to theft. Did Brenda? Where did the $30,000+ she repaid to her campaign fund come from…earnings from employment, sales of personal assets, personal loans or maybe other/further “under the table” dealings for cash??? After she pleads guilty tomorrow, the State Bar Association should immediately begin a discipline hearing to revoke her license to practice law. If they don’t, it will show how truly corrupt the self-oversight of the State Bar really is. BTW, why are lawyers the only “professionals” who are allowed to control their own licensing? Doctors don’t, nurses don’t, teachers don’t, etc. It’s way past time for an independent state board to regulate law licenses and the practice of law in this state. In the end, Brenda Council’s legacy is/will be another failed corrupt African-American politician whose constituents fail to hold to any acceptable standard of professional behavior.

  • D. Mark

    Ms Smith would be my choice if I could vote in her district! Write her in, time for a difference in North Omaha.

  • Me

    Politicians who take money for anything either by theft or gifts shouldn’t be allowed to run for anything. This is what’s great about Sen. Chambers, he doesn’t even take a free lunch and he certainly doesn’t steal. Is there no rule that you cannot have criminal charges pending when you run for office? As far as lawyers and their ethics: They govern themselves for a reason. And, both lawyers and judges who have gotten DUI’s or have been proven to have broken the law are still on the bench or practicing law. This state gives them a pass no matter what. The whole state needs Ernie…he is the only one who attempts to keep the legal system legal.

  • Hal

    I agree with “Me’s” comments re lawyers, judges, etc., who glide through the justice system for various reasons,winks and nods, while most of us mortals have to deal with things, face-up. Justice is blind?!?!?? As for Council, she should withdraw from the race; can you imagine her having access to larger money amounts and appropriations?

    Addictions can be brutal, and take many forms—I’ve witnessed that myself in one of my family members. That said, an addict’s judgement is impaired until if and when treatment gives that person some stability in making rational decisions. Just now, i can’t believe that Brenda Council could have the focus and clarity of mind to be elected again.