I wonder how much the Democrats trust the voters in places like Grand Island, Scottsbluff, or Hastings. How much do they trust them to elect a Democrat to the Unicameral or a Republican who has the courage to stand up to Governor Pillen and will work to protect the so-called blue dot?

For that matter, how much do they trust Nebraska voters to elect Lynne Walz for Governor?

Because John Cavanaugh’s quest to win the Democratic nomination for the Second Congressional District hinges on the trust of Democratic and Independent voters for those out state areas to do just that.

You see, if John Cavanaugh were to be nominated and win his seat in Congress, and if Governor Pillen were to win his reelection, he would appoint a new Senator to take Cavanaugh’s place. That Senator would undoubtedly be a Republican and give the Governor a filibuster-proof majority.

Unless voters in rural Nebraska buck the trend and vote for Democrats this time around. Do the voters in the Second District trust them to do that?

I respect State Senator Cavanaugh. He’s a dedicated public servant who comes from a family with a long record of public service. Medical Marijuana is an important issue to me, and Senator Cavanaugh has worked hard to fight the roadblocks Governor Pillen is putting in the way.

But I’ll admit, I’m concerned that if Cavanaugh were to become our Congressman, Governor Pillen would appoint a Republican Senator and thereby give the Governor and the Republican block in the so-called nonpartisan Unicameral a filibuster-proof majority to ram their legislation through without any opposition.

Unless, of course, the voters in places like North Platte or Valentine have a change of heart and vote for Democrats.

I’m registered as a non-partisan, and as such, I can request a non-partisan Democratic ballot and vote in their primary. Republicans put tougher restrictions on non-partisan voting in their primary.

So, on May 12th, I’ll be voting for the candidate I think has the best chance to defeat Brinker Harding. And in the crowded primary field, I’m not sure who that will be.

Besides John Cavanaugh, other contenders are Crystal Rhoades, Denise Powell and Kishla Askins. Melanie Williams, Van Argyakis, and James Leuschen will also be on the ballot. The last three are considered long shots. Especially James Leuschen, who dropped out of the race last Monday, but he will still be on the ballot.

Current polling shows Cavanaugh with a substantial lead. He has the best name recognition and a strong political record. But those polls were taken before people really started paying attention. The polls were before Denise Powell took over the television airwaves, and yard signs started popping up for Crystal Rhoades and Kishla Askins.

No offense to Brinker. He, too, is a dedicated public servant with a long history of public service. But I can’t vote for a Republican Congressman this time around because I’m a big believer in checks and balances, and America can’t afford another 2 years of one-party rule.

If Cavanaugh becomes the candidate, I can see some pro-Brinker PAC putting out ads warning of what could happen to the Unicameral if he wins. Cavanaugh would have to fight those ads by saying that he trusts the rest of Nebraska to vote for Democrats.

I don’t know if I have that same trust in them that Senator Cavanaugh has.

But if Cavanaugh isn’t the nominee, who is? And can that person win in the general? Is Crystal Rhoades another Kara Eastman? Does Denise Powell have more to offer than just being pissed off? And will Kishla Askins’ military credentials be enough to win over independents and some disenfranchised Republicans?

Historically, primary elections have had low voter turnout. Brinker Harding has the Republican nomination wrapped up. Democratic voters, on the other hand, have a lot to think about. They may like a certain candidate, but what are the unintended consequences if that candidate wins the nomination?

Can that nominee win in the General Election? If their candidate does win the seat in Congress, will there be negative ramifications here at home?

So, I’ll end where I began. How much do the Democratic voters trust the farmers who have been hurt by Trump’s trade policies? Will rural voters be angry enough to vote for a Democrat when FEMA isn’t there to help them rebuild from the horrific fires?

John Cavanaugh is hoping you’ll trust them to do just that.

Tom Becka is a long time Nebraska broadcaster who for over 30 years has been covering Omaha and Midwest issues on both radio and TV. He has been a guest on numerous national cable and news shows, filled in for nationally syndicated talk radio programs and Talkers Magazine has recognized him as one of the Top 100 talk show hosts in the country 10 times. Never afraid to ruffle some feathers, his ‘Becka’s Beat’ commentaries can be found online on Youtube and other digital platforms.

Opinions expressed by columnists in The Daily Record are not necessarily those of its management or staff, and do not constitute an endorsement or recommendation. Any errors or omissions should be called to our attention so that they may be corrected. Contact us at news@omahadailyrecord.com.