Polls show the race for the 2nd District Congressional seat is close. Incumbent Democrat Brad Ashford is running against newcomer Republican Don Bacon who continues to watch those polls carefully.
Bacon says, “We’ve seen a big switch around in our own numbers in the last month. WE are leading right now. I’m going to run as though we are slightly behind all the way through. We have the advantage. Right now we’ve got the momentum and the energy on our side. I think part of is that is we’ve got 150 to 200 young folks on our campaign team. It is incredible to be part of this.”
Ashford has a different take to the polls. He says, “At this point I think polls become slightly beside the point because the only poll that matters is the voters. We’ll continue to get our message out and see what happens.”
One of the most heated issues between the two candidates has been their position on Social Security. Bacon has been accused of wanting to raise the retirement age. He says, “It is said and what they are trying to use is, I said people under 30, if they are going to live to 84 or 85 will have to expect a slight increase in their retirement age. I think it is math. So now they show older people in retirement or nearing retirement that Don Bacon is going to raise my retirement. That is not true. I want to protect these programs. I think you have to adjust when people hit 84 or 85 life expectancy you have to know when you are 25 years old there will be some adjustments. I’m just being honest.”
Ashford counters by saying he has a different view than Bacon when it comes to the retirement age. Ashford says, “That is ok to differ. I just don’t think it is the right policy for working people and Don disagrees. That doesn’t mean we are bad people but we just disagree. I think we can do this Social Security reform without increasing retirement age.”
Nebraska’s 2nd District includes Douglas and part of Sarpy County.