Michael Lee Connely
About Michael Lee Connely
Michael Connely (Republican Party) ran for election to the U.S. House to represent Nebraska's 1st Congressional District. He lost in the Republican primary on May 14, 2024.
Issues Ledger
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Candidate on the Issues
[{"question": "Ballotpedia survey responses", "answer_html": "<p>See also: <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a></p>\n<div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-10 col-md-6 col-xs-offset-1 col-md-offset-3\"><p><a href=\"https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\"><img align=\"middle\" alt=\"Candidate Connection\" src=\"https://cdn.ballotpedia.org/images/8/88/Candidate_Connection_Logo.png\" width=\"90%\"/></a></p></div></div>\n<p>Michael Connely completed <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a> survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Connely's responses.</p>\n<p><span class=\"expand-all\">Expand all</span> | <span class=\"collapse-all\">Collapse all</span></p>\n<div aria-multiselectable=\"true\" class=\"panel-group\" id=\"accordion\" role=\"tablist\"><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-219356-2024-04-18\" id=\"heading-bio-219356-2024-04-18\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-bio-219356-2024-04-18\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-219356-2024-04-18\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWho are you? Tell us about yourself.\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-bio-219356-2024-04-18\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-bio-219356-2024-04-18\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tFormer State Quality Assurance Director US Census\r\n<p>Former Candidate for Governor\r\n</p><p>I worked full time in Asia from the year 2,000 through 2016. I returned to the USA (Nebraska) to try and help everyone prepare for what was coming. There is a storm coming and nobody seems to notice.\r\n</p><p>As a Marine who worked in military intelligence, I could see what was happening with China. They are engaged in a massive military buildup, the likes of which has never been seen before in human history. The Chinese have always had a 3:1 advantage over us in ground force strength (100:1 if they call up their reserve forces) but we ruled in all other areas. In the year 2020, they surpassed us in Naval strength. In 2023 they surpassed us in air strength. The Heritage Foundation currently lists our Air Force as \"very weak\". By late 2025, they will surpass us in nuclear strength as well.\r\n</p><p>I fully expect us to be in a defensive war with China starting sometime from 2026-2030.\r\n</p><p>I could go into multiple other reasons motivating me to run for office, but most of them are linked to the Communist Chinese Party Threat. \r\n</p>\nThe flood of illegals across our Southern Border includes a large number of young military age Chinese males. How many here realize that ALL Chinese leaving communist China must be given permission to leave the country. Those thousands or tens of thousands were SENT here by China. More details on my webpage www.connelyforcongress.com Read the news section.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-219356-2024-04-18\" id=\"heading-key-message-219356-2024-04-18\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-key-message-219356-2024-04-18\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-219356-2024-04-18\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tPlease list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-key-message-219356-2024-04-18\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-key-message-219356-2024-04-18\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\"><ul><li>In Nebraska's 1st Congressional District, there are two candidates on the Republican ticket. One is a centrist, exactly dead center in political ideology between conservative and liberal, between individual focus and national focus. The other candidate is a strong conservative with a strong focus on individual rights and freedoms. As a Nebraskan, which type of candidate do you want representing you, a centrist, which you have, or a strong conservative who does not own statewide news services in Nebraska. You choose.</li><li>What is happening on our southern border is an all out invasion. We know that that Biden family gets millions from Chinese companies for doing, as of yet, unidentified functions. We also know that the main ethnic group crossing the southern border are Chinese. We also know that the CCP must authorize departure of ANYONE leaving China. We also know that all military age males are by law Reservists in the Chinese Army. It has been reported by the author of \"Blood Money\" on the Glenn Beck Program that Chinese crossing the border illegally must only answer 7 questions to be streamlined into the USA, compared to the 40+ questions that must be answered by all others. This is what appears to be the start of a land invasion</li><li>Our Justice Department has been completely weaponized. Hundreds of January 6 prisoners have been denied bail, denied a speedy court trial, and many were put into solitary confinement to force them to take a plea deal admitting to wrongdoing when in many cases our video evidence now shows no crimes were committed. All January 6 prisoners must be immediately released on bail. Judges must be impeached and prosecuting attorneys must be disbarred. The FBI must be disbanded as a law enforcement unit and only be allowed to offer investigative evidence to state and local law enforcement. Our Justice system must have ethics check as other countries do instead of allowing bad judges to run rampant.</li></ul></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-219356-2024-04-18\" id=\"heading1-219356-2024-04-18\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse1-219356-2024-04-18\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-219356-2024-04-18\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading1-219356-2024-04-18\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse1-219356-2024-04-18\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tAt our current rate of debt increase, our country will cease to exist as a nation in only a matter of years. Even now it may be too late to save the USA, but we MAY be able to do it if we make serious and dramatic changes. We MUST eliminate 50% or more of our Federal government in 2025. In Argentina, the newly elected President eliminated 9 of the 18 departments of the national government and that country is now running a budget surplus, which will allow them to pay off their debt. IF elected, my office WILL make a national budget that eliminates entire departments and shrinks some departments down to offices. We CAN have a budget surplus which we need to pay off our debts. If we do not take immediate action, we will be bankrupt soon\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-219356-2024-04-18\" id=\"heading2-219356-2024-04-18\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse2-219356-2024-04-18\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-219356-2024-04-18\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWho do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading2-219356-2024-04-18\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse2-219356-2024-04-18\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tBrian Tracy, Earl Nightingale, Ronald Reagan\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-219356-2024-04-18\" id=\"heading3-219356-2024-04-18\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse3-219356-2024-04-18\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-219356-2024-04-18\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tIs there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading3-219356-2024-04-18\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse3-219356-2024-04-18\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tImagine a mix of Rand Paul, Jim Jordan and you can understand my philosophy. If you look at Activote, candidates answer various questions that show their political philosophy. I am a strong conservative with a push for individual rights and freedoms. My opponent is a centrist who wants to get along with all groups. You choose which you want as a representative.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-219356-2024-04-18\" id=\"heading4-219356-2024-04-18\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse4-219356-2024-04-18\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-219356-2024-04-18\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading4-219356-2024-04-18\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse4-219356-2024-04-18\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tIntegrity<br/>\n<p>Courage<br/>\r\nStrength<br/>\r\nEmpathy<br/>\r\nTransparency when it does not compromise national security.<br/>\r\nThriftiness, as we MUST end the Santa Claus mentality.<br/>\n</p>\nThese are the most important characteristics that an elected official must have.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-219356-2024-04-18\" id=\"heading5-219356-2024-04-18\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse5-219356-2024-04-18\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-219356-2024-04-18\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading5-219356-2024-04-18\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse5-219356-2024-04-18\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThis is a repeat of an earlier question.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-219356-2024-04-18\" id=\"heading6-219356-2024-04-18\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse6-219356-2024-04-18\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-219356-2024-04-18\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading6-219356-2024-04-18\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse6-219356-2024-04-18\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThe core responsibilities are to ensure, as the representatives of the state, that the people of the state are both defended, have opportunity for life liberty and the pursuit of happiness, and not be taken advantage of by a rogue out of control government. At this time, those are the most important functions.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-219356-2024-04-18\" id=\"heading7-219356-2024-04-18\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse7-219356-2024-04-18\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-219356-2024-04-18\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat legacy would you like to leave?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading7-219356-2024-04-18\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse7-219356-2024-04-18\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThis is a derivative of an earlier question.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-219356-2024-04-18\" id=\"heading8-219356-2024-04-18\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse8-219356-2024-04-18\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-219356-2024-04-18\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading8-219356-2024-04-18\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse8-219356-2024-04-18\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThe first historical event I remember I remember was the assassination of President Kennedy. I was not yet three years old. I do remember things before I was able to walk well. Years later the most impressionable event was watching the moon landing during early elementary.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-219356-2024-04-18\" id=\"heading9-219356-2024-04-18\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse9-219356-2024-04-18\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-219356-2024-04-18\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat was your very first job? How long did you have it?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading9-219356-2024-04-18\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse9-219356-2024-04-18\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI sold seeds door to door during the summer. I was 7 years old. I did this until I was 10 and then I sold Grit Magazines on my own paper route.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-219356-2024-04-18\" id=\"heading10-219356-2024-04-18\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse10-219356-2024-04-18\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-219356-2024-04-18\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat is your favorite book? Why?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading10-219356-2024-04-18\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse10-219356-2024-04-18\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThe Bible, as it is really many books which have history, morality, laws, philosophy, and science. How many people realize that there is advance Astronomy in the book of Job. I teach this to my students. How many others realize that the Theory of Evolution goes hand in hand with Creationism. Simple conclusion is that GOD is a genetic engineer.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse11-219356-2024-04-18\" id=\"heading11-219356-2024-04-18\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse11-219356-2024-04-18\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse11-219356-2024-04-18\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tIf you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading11-219356-2024-04-18\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse11-219356-2024-04-18\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tBatman probably.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse12-219356-2024-04-18\" id=\"heading12-219356-2024-04-18\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse12-219356-2024-04-18\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse12-219356-2024-04-18\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat was the last song that got stuck in your head?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading12-219356-2024-04-18\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse12-219356-2024-04-18\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tWhite and Nerdy by Weird Al Yankovic\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse13-219356-2024-04-18\" id=\"heading13-219356-2024-04-18\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse13-219356-2024-04-18\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse13-219356-2024-04-18\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat is something that has been a struggle in your life?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading13-219356-2024-04-18\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse13-219356-2024-04-18\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tEvery day is an exciting challenge, never a struggle.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse14-219356-2024-04-18\" id=\"heading14-219356-2024-04-18\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse14-219356-2024-04-18\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse14-219356-2024-04-18\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading14-219356-2024-04-18\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse14-219356-2024-04-18\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tIT is supposed to control the purse strings AND it is the best indicator of public opinion as the term is only for 2 years.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse15-219356-2024-04-18\" id=\"heading15-219356-2024-04-18\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse15-219356-2024-04-18\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse15-219356-2024-04-18\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tDo you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading15-219356-2024-04-18\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse15-219356-2024-04-18\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tHaving some knowledge of it can be useful, but an intelligent representative can be up and running at full speed within a few weeks.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse16-219356-2024-04-18\" id=\"heading16-219356-2024-04-18\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse16-219356-2024-04-18\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse16-219356-2024-04-18\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading16-219356-2024-04-18\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse16-219356-2024-04-18\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tWe will be at war before 2030. Our US dollar is rapidly losing its World Reserve Currency status as the British Pound did before we took it over. We are going bankrupt with no end in sight to the rampant Santa Claus complex that our politicians have. Our family structure is being broken down with help from the massive donations from the CCP to anti family activist groups in the USA. (All the rioting in Oregon a couple of years ago was funded by the CCP)\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse17-219356-2024-04-18\" id=\"heading17-219356-2024-04-18\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse17-219356-2024-04-18\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse17-219356-2024-04-18\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tDo you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading17-219356-2024-04-18\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse17-219356-2024-04-18\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tYes, however it would be good to limit campaigning to just 30 days before and election. Work instead of campaigning.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse18-219356-2024-04-18\" id=\"heading18-219356-2024-04-18\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse18-219356-2024-04-18\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse18-219356-2024-04-18\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat are your thoughts on term limits?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading18-219356-2024-04-18\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse18-219356-2024-04-18\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI believe all Congressmen should be limited to 3 terms (6 years) and Senators should be limited to 2 terms (12 years). If they cannot make great improvements in that amount of time, they will never get it done. At this point is is more of a club for the rich and powerful.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse19-219356-2024-04-18\" id=\"heading19-219356-2024-04-18\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse19-219356-2024-04-18\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse19-219356-2024-04-18\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tIs there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading19-219356-2024-04-18\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse19-219356-2024-04-18\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI am very unique, and it is doubtful I can find someone with all my same characteristics. so NO.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse20-219356-2024-04-18\" id=\"heading20-219356-2024-04-18\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse20-219356-2024-04-18\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse20-219356-2024-04-18\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tBoth sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading20-219356-2024-04-18\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse20-219356-2024-04-18\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tTwo stories I heard while I was running for Governor I remember well. One was a health care worker who told me that since Obama care was implemented, it was quite difficult to get paid from insurance companies. What used to take days or weeks, now takes months.<br/><br/>\r\nThe second story was about a lady with cancer, who told me that ALL of her neighbors had cancer and they had all gotten it after a large cell phone tower had been installed near their homes.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse21-219356-2024-04-18\" id=\"heading21-219356-2024-04-18\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse21-219356-2024-04-18\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse21-219356-2024-04-18\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tTell us your favorite joke.\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading21-219356-2024-04-18\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse21-219356-2024-04-18\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tIt involves Joe Biden, limited parachutes, and the accidental taking of an elementary students backpack. I will leave that up to your imagination.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse22-219356-2024-04-18\" id=\"heading22-219356-2024-04-18\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse22-219356-2024-04-18\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse22-219356-2024-04-18\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tDo you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading22-219356-2024-04-18\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse22-219356-2024-04-18\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI will not stand by idly in the presence of evil, nor will I compromise on what is good and right.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse23-219356-2024-04-18\" id=\"heading23-219356-2024-04-18\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse23-219356-2024-04-18\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse23-219356-2024-04-18\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tThe Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading23-219356-2024-04-18\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse23-219356-2024-04-18\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThis IS the top priority for Congress. My office will make a budget that eliminates entire departments and has a budget surplus. The biggest job will be convincing others to step up and help save the country.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse24-219356-2024-04-18\" id=\"heading24-219356-2024-04-18\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse24-219356-2024-04-18\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse24-219356-2024-04-18\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tHow should the U.S. House use its investigative powers?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading24-219356-2024-04-18\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse24-219356-2024-04-18\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tWith all of the corruption in our government, YES the US House should use its investigative powers.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse25-219356-2024-04-18\" id=\"heading25-219356-2024-04-18\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse25-219356-2024-04-18\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse25-219356-2024-04-18\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading25-219356-2024-04-18\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse25-219356-2024-04-18\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tProlife organizations, 2nd Amendment organizations, Christian organizations, Law enforcement organizations, and Patriot organizations (and a handful of GOP groups)\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse26-219356-2024-04-18\" id=\"heading26-219356-2024-04-18\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse26-219356-2024-04-18\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse26-219356-2024-04-18\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat committees interest you?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading26-219356-2024-04-18\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse26-219356-2024-04-18\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI must coordinate with like minded individuals after the election to see in which committees I can be the most influential.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse27-219356-2024-04-18\" id=\"heading27-219356-2024-04-18\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse27-219356-2024-04-18\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse27-219356-2024-04-18\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading27-219356-2024-04-18\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse27-219356-2024-04-18\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI am VERY stringent on this. We have given billions to Ukraine with NO oversight. ALL funding should immediately stop unless it has strict oversight and financial transparency.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div></div>\n<div class=\"small\" data-nosnippet=\"\"><p><i><b>Note:</b> Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.</i></p></div>", "answer_text": "See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection\n\nMichael Connely completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Connely's responses.\nExpand all | Collapse all\nWho are you? Tell us about yourself. Former State Quality Assurance Director US Census Former Candidate for Governor I worked full time in Asia from the year 2,000 through 2016. I returned to the USA (Nebraska) to try and help everyone prepare for what was coming. There is a storm coming and nobody seems to notice. As a Marine who worked in military intelligence, I could see what was happening with China. They are engaged in a massive military buildup, the likes of which has never been seen before in human history. The Chinese have always had a 3:1 advantage over us in ground force strength (100:1 if they call up their reserve forces) but we ruled in all other areas. In the year 2020, they surpassed us in Naval strength. In 2023 they surpassed us in air strength. The Heritage Foundation currently lists our Air Force as \"very weak\". By late 2025, they will surpass us in nuclear strength as well. I fully expect us to be in a defensive war with China starting sometime from 2026-2030. I could go into multiple other reasons motivating me to run for office, but most of them are linked to the Communist Chinese Party Threat. The flood of illegals across our Southern Border includes a large number of young military age Chinese males. How many here realize that ALL Chinese leaving communist China must be given permission to leave the country. Those thousands or tens of thousands were SENT here by China. More details on my webpage www.connelyforcongress.com Read the news section. Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office? In Nebraska's 1st Congressional District, there are two candidates on the Republican ticket. One is a centrist, exactly dead center in political ideology between conservative and liberal, between individual focus and national focus. The other candidate is a strong conservative with a strong focus on individual rights and freedoms. As a Nebraskan, which type of candidate do you want representing you, a centrist, which you have, or a strong conservative who does not own statewide news services in Nebraska. You choose. What is happening on our southern border is an all out invasion. We know that that Biden family gets millions from Chinese companies for doing, as of yet, unidentified functions. We also know that the main ethnic group crossing the southern border are Chinese. We also know that the CCP must authorize departure of ANYONE leaving China. We also know that all military age males are by law Reservists in the Chinese Army. It has been reported by the author of \"Blood Money\" on the Glenn Beck Program that Chinese crossing the border illegally must only answer 7 questions to be streamlined into the USA, compared to the 40+ questions that must be answered by all others. This is what appears to be the start of a land invasion Our Justice Department has been completely weaponized. Hundreds of January 6 prisoners have been denied bail, denied a speedy court trial, and many were put into solitary confinement to force them to take a plea deal admitting to wrongdoing when in many cases our video evidence now shows no crimes were committed. All January 6 prisoners must be immediately released on bail. Judges must be impeached and prosecuting attorneys must be disbarred. The FBI must be disbanded as a law enforcement unit and only be allowed to offer investigative evidence to state and local law enforcement. Our Justice system must have ethics check as other countries do instead of allowing bad judges to run rampant. What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? At our current rate of debt increase, our country will cease to exist as a nation in only a matter of years. Even now it may be too late to save the USA, but we MAY be able to do it if we make serious and dramatic changes. We MUST eliminate 50% or more of our Federal government in 2025. In Argentina, the newly elected President eliminated 9 of the 18 departments of the national government and that country is now running a budget surplus, which will allow them to pay off their debt. IF elected, my office WILL make a national budget that eliminates entire departments and shrinks some departments down to offices. We CAN have a budget surplus which we need to pay off our debts. If we do not take immediate action, we will be bankrupt soon Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why? Brian Tracy, Earl Nightingale, Ronald Reagan Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy? Imagine a mix of Rand Paul, Jim Jordan and you can understand my philosophy. If you look at Activote, candidates answer various questions that show their political philosophy. I am a strong conservative with a push for individual rights and freedoms. My opponent is a centrist who wants to get along with all groups. You choose which you want as a representative. What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official? Integrity Courage Strength Empathy Transparency when it does not compromise national security. Thriftiness, as we MUST end the Santa Claus mentality. These are the most important characteristics that an elected official must have. What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder? This is a repeat of an earlier question. What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office? The core responsibilities are to ensure, as the representatives of the state, that the people of the state are both defended, have opportunity for life liberty and the pursuit of happiness, and not be taken advantage of by a rogue out of control government. At this time, those are the most important functions. What legacy would you like to leave? This is a derivative of an earlier question. What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time? The first historical event I remember I remember was the assassination of President Kennedy. I was not yet three years old. I do remember things before I was able to walk well. Years later the most impressionable event was watching the moon landing during early elementary. What was your very first job? How long did you have it? I sold seeds door to door during the summer. I was 7 years old. I did this until I was 10 and then I sold Grit Magazines on my own paper route. What is your favorite book? Why? The Bible, as it is really many books which have history, morality, laws, philosophy, and science. How many people realize that there is advance Astronomy in the book of Job. I teach this to my students. How many others realize that the Theory of Evolution goes hand in hand with Creationism. Simple conclusion is that GOD is a genetic engineer. If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be? Batman probably. What was the last song that got stuck in your head? White and Nerdy by Weird Al Yankovic What is something that has been a struggle in your life? Every day is an exciting challenge, never a struggle. What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution? IT is supposed to control the purse strings AND it is the best indicator of public opinion as the term is only for 2 years. Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics? Having some knowledge of it can be useful, but an intelligent representative can be up and running at full speed within a few weeks. What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade? We will be at war before 2030. Our US dollar is rapidly losing its World Reserve Currency status as the British Pound did before we took it over. We are going bankrupt with no end in sight to the rampant Santa Claus complex that our politicians have. Our family structure is being broken down with help from the massive donations from the CCP to anti family activist groups in the USA. (All the rioting in Oregon a couple of years ago was funded by the CCP) Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives? Yes, however it would be good to limit campaigning to just 30 days before and election. Work instead of campaigning. What are your thoughts on term limits? I believe all Congressmen should be limited to 3 terms (6 years) and Senators should be limited to 2 terms (12 years). If they cannot make great improvements in that amount of time, they will never get it done. At this point is is more of a club for the rich and powerful. Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after? I am very unique, and it is doubtful I can find someone with all my same characteristics. so NO. Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful? Two stories I heard while I was running for Governor I remember well. One was a health care worker who told me that since Obama care was implemented, it was quite difficult to get paid from insurance companies. What used to take days or weeks, now takes months. The second story was about a lady with cancer, who told me that ALL of her neighbors had cancer and they had all gotten it after a large cell phone tower had been installed near their homes. Tell us your favorite joke. It involves Joe Biden, limited parachutes, and the accidental taking of an elementary students backpack. I will leave that up to your imagination. Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking? I will not stand by idly in the presence of evil, nor will I compromise on what is good and right. The Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected? This IS the top priority for Congress. My office will make a budget that eliminates entire departments and has a budget surplus. The biggest job will be convincing others to step up and help save the country. How should the U.S. House use its investigative powers? With all of the corruption in our government, YES the US House should use its investigative powers. What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign? Prolife organizations, 2nd Amendment organizations, Christian organizations, Law enforcement organizations, and Patriot organizations (and a handful of GOP groups) What committees interest you? I must coordinate with like minded individuals after the election to see in which committees I can be the most influential. What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability? I am VERY stringent on this. We have given billions to Ukraine with NO oversight. ALL funding should immediately stop unless it has strict oversight and financial transparency.\nNote: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it."}, {"question": "Campaign website", "answer_html": "<p>Connely’s campaign website stated the following:\n</p>\n<div style=\"height:400px;overflow:scroll;border:1px solid gray;margin:20px;padding:10px;\">\n<table data-nosnippet=\"\" style=\"border-collapse: collapse; border: none;background-color: transparent; auto; ;\">\n<tbody><tr>\n<td style=\"border:none; color:#B2B7F2;font-size:35px;font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold; text-align: left; padding: 10px 3px;\" valign=\"top\" width=\"20\">“\n</td>\n<td style=\"border: none; padding: 4px 10px;\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>Immediate halt to ALL immigration that is undocumented.\n</p><p>This included a 100% deportation rate for those crossing illegally, with confiscation of ALL money cards and phones given to them by the Biden Administration either directly or through UN agencies funded by the US.\n</p><p>Illegals already residing and working here MUST complete legal paperwork to be accepted for work, but must leave the USA to complete the paperwork. This is Standard Operating Procedure for nearly every civilized country in the world.\n</p><p>Elimination of multiple departments in the Federal Government.\n</p><p>At this point, we cannot have a balanced budget, we need a surplus so we can begin paying DOWN the debt. This means entire departments must be eliminated with all information archived. Other departments need to be shrunk down to offices. We CANNOT kick the can down the road or we will be spending all our tax dollars just to pay the interest on our debt.\n</p><p>Investigate all isolated areas in the continental USA for potential military forward operating bases.\n</p><p>There are credible sources indicating that the CCP, during Obama's 2nd term, were allowed to set up forward operating bases within the boundaries of our country. This must be investigated.\n</p><p>Arrest and convict justice department officials who are devastating the constitutional rights of J6 Political prisoners\n</p><p>We now have video evidence that shows the majority of these defendants are merely selfie grabbing individuals. Other individuals who assisted the police have also been targeted.\n</p><p>Complete support of one of our closest allies, ISRAEL.\n</p><p>I trained along side IDF (Israeli military) while in the US military. I consider them brothers in arms. The IDF are some of the most professional and humane of any military forces. If they decide to make GAZA into a big farming region and move all those who lived there to the West Bank, they would be completely justified; and not for JUST what happened on October 7. Decisive military action should have been taken years ago. Imagine the US response if a neighboring area lobbed rockets into our communities.\n<sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-quotedisclaimer_5-0\"><a href=\"#cite_note-quotedisclaimer-5\">[5]</a></sup>\n</p>\n</td>\n<td style=\"border: none; color: #B2B7F2; font-size: 35px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold; text-align: right; padding: 10px 1px;\" valign=\"bottom\" width=\"20\">”\n</td></tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"cquotecite\" colspan=\"3\" style=\"border: none; padding-right: 4%\"><cite style=\"font-style: normal;font-size: smaller; float: right;\">—Michael Connely’s campaign website (2024)<sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-6\"><a href=\"#cite_note-6\">[6]</a></sup></cite>\n</td></tr></tbody></table>\n</div>\n<div style=\"clear:both;\"></div>\n<div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-10 col-md-6 col-xs-offset-1 col-md-offset-3\"><p><a href=\"https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\"><img align=\"middle\" alt=\"Candidate Connection\" src=\"https://cdn.ballotpedia.org/images/8/88/Candidate_Connection_Logo.png\" width=\"90%\"/></a></p></div></div>\n<p>Michael Connely completed <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a> survey in 2022. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Connely's responses.</p>\n<p><span class=\"expand-all\">Expand all</span> | <span class=\"collapse-all\">Collapse all</span></p>\n<div aria-multiselectable=\"true\" class=\"panel-group\" id=\"accordion\" role=\"tablist\"><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-104373-2022-01-31\" id=\"heading-bio-104373-2022-01-31\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-bio-104373-2022-01-31\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-104373-2022-01-31\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWho are you? Tell us about yourself.\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-bio-104373-2022-01-31\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-bio-104373-2022-01-31\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tWHO AM I?\r\n<p>I am a patriotic, aggressive Maine Corp Sgt who is not politically correct.\r\n</p><p>My youthful choice of stupidity included, jumping off corn quonsets into hay stacks (painful), jumping over our house with a 125 Kawasaki motorcycle (successful), going water skiing when there was still ice on the water (bad idea), and ripping flesh from my shin bone trying to show off how high I could jump, and then sewing it back up (you need pliers, needle +thread).\r\n\r\nI have cleaned pigsties, loaded iron, stacked concrete, detasseled corn, stacked hay, been a driver, a store clerk, a waiter, a newspaper boy, and a worker on an assembly line. I have worn most hats.\r\n</p><p>In the military I have walked through machine gun nests, been blown down runways, and have huddled half frozen on the Korean plains during operation Team Spirit. \r\n</p><p>I am just an average Nebraskan, originally from Broken Bow. My family has been in Nebraska for 7 generations. I know what Nebraska was, and what we have lost. I want it back. \r\n</p><p>WORK EXPERIENCE\r\n</p><p>Military \r\n</p><p>Helicopter Communications/Navigation\r\nMilitary Intelligence Security\r\nNBC Disaster Preparation\r\nMilitary Medical Laboratory\r\nMilitary Police\r\n</p><p>Government\r\n</p><p>Department of Defense (Testing Administrator)\r\nUS Census State Quality Assurance Director (Nebraska)\r\nForeign Advisor (Japanese Ministry of Education)\r\n</p><p>Civilian\r\n</p><p>Mechanical and Electrical Assembly\r\nResidential Construction\r\nAgriculture (Seed Corn, Ranching, Agroforestry)\r\n</p>\n</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-104373-2022-01-31\" id=\"heading-key-message-104373-2022-01-31\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-key-message-104373-2022-01-31\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-104373-2022-01-31\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tPlease list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-key-message-104373-2022-01-31\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-key-message-104373-2022-01-31\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\"><ul><li>Precinct by precinct, computer manipulation in our election will be investigated. If guilty, the computer executives will be arrested and prosecuted.</li><li>Wasteful bureaucratic independent agencies SHALL be brought under control and dramatically scaled back.</li><li>Eroded rights SHALL be restored.</li></ul></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-104373-2022-01-31\" id=\"heading1-104373-2022-01-31\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse1-104373-2022-01-31\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-104373-2022-01-31\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading1-104373-2022-01-31\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse1-104373-2022-01-31\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI do not believe in making idle promises. I believe in taking action. I have 10 legal initiatives out which are getting signatures every day across the state. I have 10 more waiting for the next initiative period. <br/><br/><br/>\n<p>These include:<br/><br/>\n</p>\n<ul><li>Replacing the State Department of Education<br/></li>\n<li>Medical Freedom (No Mandates)<br/></li>\n<li>Election Judicial Panel<br/></li>\n<li>Stand Your Ground Gun Right Restoration and many other right restoration rules.<br/></li></ul></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-104373-2022-01-31\" id=\"heading2-104373-2022-01-31\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse2-104373-2022-01-31\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-104373-2022-01-31\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWho do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading2-104373-2022-01-31\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse2-104373-2022-01-31\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tTeddy Roosevelt “Speak softly and carry a big stick”<br/><br/>\n<p>Ronald Reagan “Government is not the solution to our problem, government is the problem”<br/><br/>\r\nDonald Trump “I do not have time to be politically correct and neither does America”<br/><br/>\n</p>\nBrian Tracy “The act of taking the first step is what separates the winners from the losers.”\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-104373-2022-01-31\" id=\"heading3-104373-2022-01-31\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse3-104373-2022-01-31\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-104373-2022-01-31\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tIs there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading3-104373-2022-01-31\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse3-104373-2022-01-31\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tLook up my mentors.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-104373-2022-01-31\" id=\"heading4-104373-2022-01-31\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse4-104373-2022-01-31\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-104373-2022-01-31\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading4-104373-2022-01-31\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse4-104373-2022-01-31\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tAlready addressed this.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-104373-2022-01-31\" id=\"heading5-104373-2022-01-31\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse5-104373-2022-01-31\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-104373-2022-01-31\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading5-104373-2022-01-31\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse5-104373-2022-01-31\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tAlready addressed this.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-104373-2022-01-31\" id=\"heading6-104373-2022-01-31\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse6-104373-2022-01-31\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-104373-2022-01-31\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat legacy would you like to leave?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading6-104373-2022-01-31\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse6-104373-2022-01-31\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tReform and restructure the Nebraska Legislature...<br/><br/>\n<p>Simplify and dramatically downsize the Nebraska Government...<br/><br/>\n</p>\nMake Nebraska able to stand on its own as an independent state in emergency situations...\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-104373-2022-01-31\" id=\"heading7-104373-2022-01-31\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse7-104373-2022-01-31\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-104373-2022-01-31\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading7-104373-2022-01-31\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse7-104373-2022-01-31\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tNovember 22, 1963. Kennedy was shot. I had no idea who he was as I was not quite 3 years old, but I knew what getting shot meant. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-104373-2022-01-31\" id=\"heading8-104373-2022-01-31\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse8-104373-2022-01-31\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-104373-2022-01-31\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat was your very first job? How long did you have it?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading8-104373-2022-01-31\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse8-104373-2022-01-31\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tMy first job was door to door sales of greeting cards when I was 7 years old.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-104373-2022-01-31\" id=\"heading9-104373-2022-01-31\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse9-104373-2022-01-31\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-104373-2022-01-31\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat is your favorite book? Why?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading9-104373-2022-01-31\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse9-104373-2022-01-31\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tOne Second After. Read it and you will see why.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-104373-2022-01-31\" id=\"heading10-104373-2022-01-31\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse10-104373-2022-01-31\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-104373-2022-01-31\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tIf you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading10-104373-2022-01-31\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse10-104373-2022-01-31\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tBatman... Taking a mere human and doing great things with physical limitations.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse11-104373-2022-01-31\" id=\"heading11-104373-2022-01-31\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse11-104373-2022-01-31\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse11-104373-2022-01-31\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat was the last song that got stuck in your head?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading11-104373-2022-01-31\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse11-104373-2022-01-31\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI am a musician, no one song gets stuck in my head.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse12-104373-2022-01-31\" id=\"heading12-104373-2022-01-31\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse12-104373-2022-01-31\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse12-104373-2022-01-31\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat is something that has been a struggle in your life?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading12-104373-2022-01-31\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse12-104373-2022-01-31\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tSleep, it interferes with my work and study. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse13-104373-2022-01-31\" id=\"heading13-104373-2022-01-31\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse13-104373-2022-01-31\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse13-104373-2022-01-31\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tA governor is the top executive authority in his or her state. What does that mean do you?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading13-104373-2022-01-31\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse13-104373-2022-01-31\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThose with the greatest power have the responsibility to do the most good.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse14-104373-2022-01-31\" id=\"heading14-104373-2022-01-31\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse14-104373-2022-01-31\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse14-104373-2022-01-31\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tGovernors have many responsibilities, which vary from state to state. Which of those do you personally consider the most important in your state?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading14-104373-2022-01-31\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse14-104373-2022-01-31\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tNo comment, these questions are becoming trivial. There are other more pressing concerns.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse15-104373-2022-01-31\" id=\"heading15-104373-2022-01-31\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse15-104373-2022-01-31\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse15-104373-2022-01-31\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tDifferent states require governors to have different degrees of responsibility for the state budgeting process. If it were your choice, what do you believe is the appropriate degree of gubernatorial involvement with this process in your state?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading15-104373-2022-01-31\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse15-104373-2022-01-31\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tNo comment, these questions are becoming trivial. There are other more pressing concerns.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse16-104373-2022-01-31\" id=\"heading16-104373-2022-01-31\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse16-104373-2022-01-31\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse16-104373-2022-01-31\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tIn most states, governors have the power to make line-item vetoes. If that is true in your state, what would be your philosophy for how and when to use this power?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading16-104373-2022-01-31\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse16-104373-2022-01-31\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tNo comment, these questions are becoming trivial. There are other more pressing concerns.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse17-104373-2022-01-31\" id=\"heading17-104373-2022-01-31\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse17-104373-2022-01-31\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse17-104373-2022-01-31\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tIf the governor's office in your state does not have the line-item veto power, do you believe it should? Why or why not?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading17-104373-2022-01-31\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse17-104373-2022-01-31\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tNo comment, these questions are becoming trivial. There are other more pressing concerns.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse18-104373-2022-01-31\" id=\"heading18-104373-2022-01-31\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse18-104373-2022-01-31\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse18-104373-2022-01-31\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading18-104373-2022-01-31\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse18-104373-2022-01-31\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tNo comment, these questions are becoming trivial. There are other more pressing concerns.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse19-104373-2022-01-31\" id=\"heading19-104373-2022-01-31\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse19-104373-2022-01-31\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse19-104373-2022-01-31\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat do you love most about your state?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading19-104373-2022-01-31\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse19-104373-2022-01-31\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tMy family has been in Nebraska for 7 generations. It is my home.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse20-104373-2022-01-31\" id=\"heading20-104373-2022-01-31\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse20-104373-2022-01-31\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse20-104373-2022-01-31\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading20-104373-2022-01-31\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse20-104373-2022-01-31\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tWe will not last a decade at this rate.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse21-104373-2022-01-31\" id=\"heading21-104373-2022-01-31\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse21-104373-2022-01-31\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse21-104373-2022-01-31\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tTell us your favorite joke.\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading21-104373-2022-01-31\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse21-104373-2022-01-31\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tIt is DEFINITELY not politically correct.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse22-104373-2022-01-31\" id=\"heading22-104373-2022-01-31\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse22-104373-2022-01-31\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse22-104373-2022-01-31\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tUnder what circumstances should the governor of your state be able to use emergency powers?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading22-104373-2022-01-31\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse22-104373-2022-01-31\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tNo comment, these questions are becoming trivial. There are other more pressing concerns.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div></div>\n<div class=\"small\" data-nosnippet=\"\"><p><i><b>Note:</b> Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.</i></p></div>\n<div class=\"small\" data-nosnippet=\"\"><p><i><b>Note:</b> Connely submitted the above survey responses to Ballotpedia on January 31, 2022.</i></p></div>\n<div class=\"text-center\" style=\"margin-top: 30px\"><button class=\"btn btn-default showResponses text-center\">Show past responses</button><button class=\"btn btn-default hideResponses text-center\">Hide past responses</button></div>\n<div class=\"pastResponses\" style=\"display: none\"><p class=\"large-date\">\tOctober 21 submission</p><div aria-multiselectable=\"true\" class=\"panel-group\" id=\"accordion\" role=\"tablist\"><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-104373-2021-10-21\" id=\"heading-bio-104373-2021-10-21\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-bio-104373-2021-10-21\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-104373-2021-10-21\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\t\tWho are you? Tell us about yourself.\t\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-bio-104373-2021-10-21\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-bio-104373-2021-10-21\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\t\tMy background is extensive. You can find it here.\r\nhttps://www.michaelconnely.org/about\t\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-104373-2021-10-21\" id=\"heading-key-message-104373-2021-10-21\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-key-message-104373-2021-10-21\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-104373-2021-10-21\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\t\tPlease list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?\t\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-key-message-104373-2021-10-21\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-key-message-104373-2021-10-21\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\"><ul><li>Restore the voice of the people by allowing simpler and greater use of initiatives</li><li>Limit local rules that are more restrictive than state laws.</li><li>Create an election review judicial panel so ALL election disputes have standing</li></ul></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-104373-2021-10-21\" id=\"heading1-104373-2021-10-21\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse1-104373-2021-10-21\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-104373-2021-10-21\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\t\tWhat areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?\t\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading1-104373-2021-10-21\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse1-104373-2021-10-21\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\t\t* Parental control over child education<br/>\n<ul><li>NO medical mandates<br/></li>\n<li>Uninhibited 2nd Amendment Rights<br/></li>\n<li>Harsh penalties on Rioters and Looters<br/></li>\n<li>Banning C.S.E. and CRT in public schools<br/></li>\n<li>High levels of election integrity<br/></li>\n<li>Elimination of Lobbyist gifts and contributions<br/></li>\n<li>Mandatory origin of country food labeling<br/></li>\n<li>Establishment of Technology Safety Standards (The Towers)<br/></li>\n<li>Steam lining of regulations for essential industries in the state<br/></li>\n<li>Restricting News services that support or accept funding from hostile or communist countries<br/></li>\n<li>County by county organized militia under governor control\t\t\t\t</li></ul></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-104373-2021-10-21\" id=\"heading2-104373-2021-10-21\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse2-104373-2021-10-21\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-104373-2021-10-21\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\t\tWhat is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?\t\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading2-104373-2021-10-21\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse2-104373-2021-10-21\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\t\tApollo Moon Landing during elementary school.\t\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-104373-2021-10-21\" id=\"heading3-104373-2021-10-21\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse3-104373-2021-10-21\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-104373-2021-10-21\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\t\tWhat is your favorite book? Why?\t\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading3-104373-2021-10-21\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse3-104373-2021-10-21\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\t\tIt is better to have set responses with an option for additional information.\t\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-104373-2021-10-21\" id=\"heading4-104373-2021-10-21\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse4-104373-2021-10-21\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-104373-2021-10-21\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\t\tIf you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?\t\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading4-104373-2021-10-21\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse4-104373-2021-10-21\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\t\tIt is better to have set responses with an option for additional information.\t\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-104373-2021-10-21\" id=\"heading5-104373-2021-10-21\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse5-104373-2021-10-21\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-104373-2021-10-21\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\t\tWhat was the last song that got stuck in your head?\t\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading5-104373-2021-10-21\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse5-104373-2021-10-21\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\t\tIt is better to have set responses with an option for additional information.\t\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-104373-2021-10-21\" id=\"heading6-104373-2021-10-21\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse6-104373-2021-10-21\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-104373-2021-10-21\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\t\tIn most states, governors have the power to make line-item vetoes. If that is true in your state, what would be your philosophy for how and when to use this power?\t\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading6-104373-2021-10-21\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse6-104373-2021-10-21\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\t\tLegislative bills in Nebraska are single subject only so a line item veto is not needed.\t\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-104373-2021-10-21\" id=\"heading7-104373-2021-10-21\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse7-104373-2021-10-21\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-104373-2021-10-21\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\t\tTell us your favorite joke.\t\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading7-104373-2021-10-21\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse7-104373-2021-10-21\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\t\tIt is better to have set responses with an option for additional information.\t\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div></div><div class=\"small\" data-nosnippet=\"\"><p><i><b>Note:</b> Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.</i></p><p><i><b>Note:</b> Connely submitted the above survey responses to Ballotpedia on October 21, 2021.</i></p></div></div>\n<div style=\"clear:both;\"></div>\n<div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-10 col-md-6 col-xs-offset-1 col-md-offset-3\"><p><a href=\"https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\"><img align=\"middle\" alt=\"Candidate Connection\" src=\"https://cdn.ballotpedia.org/images/8/88/Candidate_Connection_Logo.png\" width=\"90%\"/></a></p></div></div>\n<p>Michael Connely completed <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a> survey in 2020. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Connely's responses.</p>\n<p><span class=\"expand-all\">Expand all</span> | <span class=\"collapse-all\">Collapse all</span></p>\n<div aria-multiselectable=\"true\" class=\"panel-group\" id=\"accordion\" role=\"tablist\"><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-77176-2020-03-30\" id=\"heading-bio-77176-2020-03-30\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-bio-77176-2020-03-30\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-77176-2020-03-30\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWho are you? Tell us about yourself.\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-bio-77176-2020-03-30\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-bio-77176-2020-03-30\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tMichael Connely, Service-Disabled Military Veteran USMC\n<p>Passionate about the environment; health and safety of my family, friends and neighbors; simplification of governmental regulations, and the guarding of personal freedoms. \n</p><p>Nebraska is a good place to be, but I want to help make it the best place to be. I want Nebraska to be the shining light on the hill for every other state to admire and copy. I want us to be more than just the greatest football fans in the world. \n</p><p>State Senators should be YOUR direct link to the government\n</p><p>Born in Broken Bow Nebraska. \nWorked as many have in the cornfields of Nebraska detasseling and rouging.\nJoined the USMC after high school, worked on Helicopter Communication/Navigation Systems and Military Intelligence, Medical Laboratory and Military Police in the USA, Japan and Korea.\nAdditional Military Training in Nuclear Biological Chemical Disaster Preparation.\n</p><p>After the military, attended various colleges completing over 300 semester credit hours with majors in Political Science, Sociology, Business, Education, and Medical Lab.\nDuring the US Census, worked as State Quality Assurance Director.\nWorked overseas for the Japanese Ministry of Education\nMost recently the Director of high-level Academic Schools in Japan.\n</p><p>Hobbies:\nPlaying the piano, whistling, singing\nRaising chickens, horses, alpacas\nSitting all day reading books at Barnes and Noble\nStudying medical research and genetic analysis\n</p>\nWatching old movie\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-77176-2020-03-30\" id=\"heading-key-message-77176-2020-03-30\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-key-message-77176-2020-03-30\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-77176-2020-03-30\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tPlease list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-key-message-77176-2020-03-30\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-key-message-77176-2020-03-30\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\"><ul><li>Your State Senator should be your first line of defense against inappropriate government action. If you have been wronged, I want to know about it.</li><li>We have certain rights that are guaranteed by our constitution. I will support all of our country's constitutional laws and fight the unconstitutional ones.</li><li>There are at times, economic forces that are at odds with the health and safety of Nebraskans. I want a simplified, but responsible business environment.</li></ul></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-77176-2020-03-30\" id=\"heading1-77176-2020-03-30\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse1-77176-2020-03-30\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-77176-2020-03-30\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading1-77176-2020-03-30\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse1-77176-2020-03-30\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\t*Intelligent but practical sound environmental policies <br/>\n<ul><li>Protection of our constitutional rights and aggressive fight against the unconstitutional laws we currently have<br/></li>\n<li>I want to be the first line of defense for citizens in my district for any possible inappropriate government actions<br/></li>\n<li>Simplification of business regulation requirements<br/></li>\n<li>Protection of the health and safety of the citizens of the State of Nebraska<br/></li>\n<li>Judicial and law enforcement reform to ensure that you are INDEED innocent until proven guilty<br/></li></ul></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-77176-2020-03-30\" id=\"heading2-77176-2020-03-30\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse2-77176-2020-03-30\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-77176-2020-03-30\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWho do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading2-77176-2020-03-30\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse2-77176-2020-03-30\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tMy mentor Brian Tracy. No explanation is needed for Brian. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-77176-2020-03-30\" id=\"heading3-77176-2020-03-30\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse3-77176-2020-03-30\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-77176-2020-03-30\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tIs there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading3-77176-2020-03-30\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse3-77176-2020-03-30\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tTo be answered later...\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-77176-2020-03-30\" id=\"heading4-77176-2020-03-30\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse4-77176-2020-03-30\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-77176-2020-03-30\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading4-77176-2020-03-30\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse4-77176-2020-03-30\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tTo be answered later...\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-77176-2020-03-30\" id=\"heading5-77176-2020-03-30\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse5-77176-2020-03-30\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-77176-2020-03-30\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading5-77176-2020-03-30\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse5-77176-2020-03-30\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tTo be answered later...\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-77176-2020-03-30\" id=\"heading6-77176-2020-03-30\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse6-77176-2020-03-30\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-77176-2020-03-30\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading6-77176-2020-03-30\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse6-77176-2020-03-30\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThe Apollo 11 Lunar Landing in 1969... I watched live as Neil Armstrong took his first steps on the moon. I was in Elementary school.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-77176-2020-03-30\" id=\"heading7-77176-2020-03-30\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse7-77176-2020-03-30\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-77176-2020-03-30\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat was your very first job? How long did you have it?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading7-77176-2020-03-30\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse7-77176-2020-03-30\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tMy first job was selling Earl May garden seeds door to door, at the age of 7.<br/>\nAt 10 years old, my father woke me up at 5am and told me to take care of my chickens. I told him I did not have chickens. He informed me that as of that day, I was the owner of 250 chicks and I would learn how to run my own business.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-77176-2020-03-30\" id=\"heading8-77176-2020-03-30\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse8-77176-2020-03-30\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-77176-2020-03-30\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat is your favorite book? Why?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading8-77176-2020-03-30\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse8-77176-2020-03-30\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tAnswers will be submitted later...\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-77176-2020-03-30\" id=\"heading9-77176-2020-03-30\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse9-77176-2020-03-30\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-77176-2020-03-30\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tIf you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading9-77176-2020-03-30\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse9-77176-2020-03-30\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tAnswers will be submitted later...\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-77176-2020-03-30\" id=\"heading10-77176-2020-03-30\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse10-77176-2020-03-30\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-77176-2020-03-30\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat was the last song that got stuck in your head?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading10-77176-2020-03-30\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse10-77176-2020-03-30\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tAnswers will be submitted later...\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse11-77176-2020-03-30\" id=\"heading11-77176-2020-03-30\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse11-77176-2020-03-30\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse11-77176-2020-03-30\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat are the benefits and drawbacks of a unicameral state legislature, in your opinion?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading11-77176-2020-03-30\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse11-77176-2020-03-30\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThe benefit of a unicameral is efficiency in legislative action. The drawback is that rural areas lose voting power and large cities can completely dominate the political climate.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse12-77176-2020-03-30\" id=\"heading12-77176-2020-03-30\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse12-77176-2020-03-30\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse12-77176-2020-03-30\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tDo you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading12-77176-2020-03-30\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse12-77176-2020-03-30\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tPrevious experience in government or politics is not needed to become an effective state legislator. A couple of weeks of research can prepare most individuals for a public office and its duties.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse13-77176-2020-03-30\" id=\"heading13-77176-2020-03-30\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse13-77176-2020-03-30\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse13-77176-2020-03-30\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat do you perceive to be your state’s greatest challenges over the next decade?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading13-77176-2020-03-30\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse13-77176-2020-03-30\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tTo be answered later....\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse14-77176-2020-03-30\" id=\"heading14-77176-2020-03-30\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse14-77176-2020-03-30\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse14-77176-2020-03-30\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and the state legislature?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading14-77176-2020-03-30\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse14-77176-2020-03-30\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tTo be answered later...\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse15-77176-2020-03-30\" id=\"heading15-77176-2020-03-30\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse15-77176-2020-03-30\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse15-77176-2020-03-30\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tDo you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading15-77176-2020-03-30\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse15-77176-2020-03-30\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tTo be answered later...\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse16-77176-2020-03-30\" id=\"heading16-77176-2020-03-30\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse16-77176-2020-03-30\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse16-77176-2020-03-30\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tIf you are not a current legislator, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading16-77176-2020-03-30\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse16-77176-2020-03-30\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tTo be answered later...\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse17-77176-2020-03-30\" id=\"heading17-77176-2020-03-30\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse17-77176-2020-03-30\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse17-77176-2020-03-30\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tIf you are a current legislator, what appealed to you about your current committees?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading17-77176-2020-03-30\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse17-77176-2020-03-30\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tTo be answered later...\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse18-77176-2020-03-30\" id=\"heading18-77176-2020-03-30\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse18-77176-2020-03-30\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse18-77176-2020-03-30\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tIf you are not currently a member of your party’s leadership in the legislature, would you be interested in joining the leadership? If so, in what role?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading18-77176-2020-03-30\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse18-77176-2020-03-30\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tTo be answered later...\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse19-77176-2020-03-30\" id=\"heading19-77176-2020-03-30\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse19-77176-2020-03-30\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse19-77176-2020-03-30\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tIs there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading19-77176-2020-03-30\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse19-77176-2020-03-30\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tTo be answered later...\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse20-77176-2020-03-30\" id=\"heading20-77176-2020-03-30\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse20-77176-2020-03-30\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse20-77176-2020-03-30\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tAre you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading20-77176-2020-03-30\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse20-77176-2020-03-30\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tTo be answered later...\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse21-77176-2020-03-30\" id=\"heading21-77176-2020-03-30\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse21-77176-2020-03-30\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse21-77176-2020-03-30\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tBoth sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading21-77176-2020-03-30\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse21-77176-2020-03-30\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tTo be answered later...\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div></div>\n<div class=\"small\" data-nosnippet=\"\"><p><i><b>Note:</b> Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.</i></p></div>", "answer_text": "Connely’s campaign website stated the following:\n“ Immediate halt to ALL immigration that is undocumented. This included a 100% deportation rate for those crossing illegally, with confiscation of ALL money cards and phones given to them by the Biden Administration either directly or through UN agencies funded by the US. Illegals already residing and working here MUST complete legal paperwork to be accepted for work, but must leave the USA to complete the paperwork. This is Standard Operating Procedure for nearly every civilized country in the world. Elimination of multiple departments in the Federal Government. At this point, we cannot have a balanced budget, we need a surplus so we can begin paying DOWN the debt. This means entire departments must be eliminated with all information archived. Other departments need to be shrunk down to offices. We CANNOT kick the can down the road or we will be spending all our tax dollars just to pay the interest on our debt. Investigate all isolated areas in the continental USA for potential military forward operating bases. There are credible sources indicating that the CCP, during Obama's 2nd term, were allowed to set up forward operating bases within the boundaries of our country. This must be investigated. Arrest and convict justice department officials who are devastating the constitutional rights of J6 Political prisoners We now have video evidence that shows the majority of these defendants are merely selfie grabbing individuals. Other individuals who assisted the police have also been targeted. Complete support of one of our closest allies, ISRAEL. I trained along side IDF (Israeli military) while in the US military. I consider them brothers in arms. The IDF are some of the most professional and humane of any military forces. If they decide to make GAZA into a big farming region and move all those who lived there to the West Bank, they would be completely justified; and not for JUST what happened on October 7. Decisive military action should have been taken years ago. Imagine the US response if a neighboring area lobbed rockets into our communities. [5] ” —Michael Connely’s campaign website (2024) [6]\n\n\nMichael Connely completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2022. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Connely's responses.\nExpand all | Collapse all\nWho are you? Tell us about yourself. WHO AM I? I am a patriotic, aggressive Maine Corp Sgt who is not politically correct. My youthful choice of stupidity included, jumping off corn quonsets into hay stacks (painful), jumping over our house with a 125 Kawasaki motorcycle (successful), going water skiing when there was still ice on the water (bad idea), and ripping flesh from my shin bone trying to show off how high I could jump, and then sewing it back up (you need pliers, needle +thread).\r\n\r\nI have cleaned pigsties, loaded iron, stacked concrete, detasseled corn, stacked hay, been a driver, a store clerk, a waiter, a newspaper boy, and a worker on an assembly line. I have worn most hats. In the military I have walked through machine gun nests, been blown down runways, and have huddled half frozen on the Korean plains during operation Team Spirit. I am just an average Nebraskan, originally from Broken Bow. My family has been in Nebraska for 7 generations. I know what Nebraska was, and what we have lost. I want it back. WORK EXPERIENCE Military Helicopter Communications/Navigation\r\nMilitary Intelligence Security\r\nNBC Disaster Preparation\r\nMilitary Medical Laboratory\r\nMilitary Police Government Department of Defense (Testing Administrator)\r\nUS Census State Quality Assurance Director (Nebraska)\r\nForeign Advisor (Japanese Ministry of Education) Civilian Mechanical and Electrical Assembly\r\nResidential Construction\r\nAgriculture (Seed Corn, Ranching, Agroforestry) Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office? Precinct by precinct, computer manipulation in our election will be investigated. If guilty, the computer executives will be arrested and prosecuted. Wasteful bureaucratic independent agencies SHALL be brought under control and dramatically scaled back. Eroded rights SHALL be restored. What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? I do not believe in making idle promises. I believe in taking action. I have 10 legal initiatives out which are getting signatures every day across the state. I have 10 more waiting for the next initiative period. These include: Replacing the State Department of Education Medical Freedom (No Mandates) Election Judicial Panel Stand Your Ground Gun Right Restoration and many other right restoration rules. Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why? Teddy Roosevelt “Speak softly and carry a big stick” Ronald Reagan “Government is not the solution to our problem, government is the problem” Donald Trump “I do not have time to be politically correct and neither does America” Brian Tracy “The act of taking the first step is what separates the winners from the losers.” Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy? Look up my mentors. What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official? Already addressed this. What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office? Already addressed this. What legacy would you like to leave? Reform and restructure the Nebraska Legislature... Simplify and dramatically downsize the Nebraska Government... Make Nebraska able to stand on its own as an independent state in emergency situations... What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time? November 22, 1963. Kennedy was shot. I had no idea who he was as I was not quite 3 years old, but I knew what getting shot meant. What was your very first job? How long did you have it? My first job was door to door sales of greeting cards when I was 7 years old. What is your favorite book? Why? One Second After. Read it and you will see why. If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be? Batman... Taking a mere human and doing great things with physical limitations. What was the last song that got stuck in your head? I am a musician, no one song gets stuck in my head. What is something that has been a struggle in your life? Sleep, it interferes with my work and study. A governor is the top executive authority in his or her state. What does that mean do you? Those with the greatest power have the responsibility to do the most good. Governors have many responsibilities, which vary from state to state. Which of those do you personally consider the most important in your state? No comment, these questions are becoming trivial. There are other more pressing concerns. Different states require governors to have different degrees of responsibility for the state budgeting process. If it were your choice, what do you believe is the appropriate degree of gubernatorial involvement with this process in your state? No comment, these questions are becoming trivial. There are other more pressing concerns. In most states, governors have the power to make line-item vetoes. If that is true in your state, what would be your philosophy for how and when to use this power? No comment, these questions are becoming trivial. There are other more pressing concerns. If the governor's office in your state does not have the line-item veto power, do you believe it should? Why or why not? No comment, these questions are becoming trivial. There are other more pressing concerns. What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature? No comment, these questions are becoming trivial. There are other more pressing concerns. What do you love most about your state? My family has been in Nebraska for 7 generations. It is my home. What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade? We will not last a decade at this rate. Tell us your favorite joke. It is DEFINITELY not politically correct. Under what circumstances should the governor of your state be able to use emergency powers? No comment, these questions are becoming trivial. There are other more pressing concerns.\nNote: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.\nNote: Connely submitted the above survey responses to Ballotpedia on January 31, 2022.\nShow past responses Hide past responses\nOctober 21 submission Who are you? Tell us about yourself. My background is extensive. You can find it here.\r\nhttps://www.michaelconnely.org/about Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office? Restore the voice of the people by allowing simpler and greater use of initiatives Limit local rules that are more restrictive than state laws. Create an election review judicial panel so ALL election disputes have standing What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? * Parental control over child education NO medical mandates Uninhibited 2nd Amendment Rights Harsh penalties on Rioters and Looters Banning C.S.E. and CRT in public schools High levels of election integrity Elimination of Lobbyist gifts and contributions Mandatory origin of country food labeling Establishment of Technology Safety Standards (The Towers) Steam lining of regulations for essential industries in the state Restricting News services that support or accept funding from hostile or communist countries County by county organized militia under governor control What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time? Apollo Moon Landing during elementary school. What is your favorite book? Why? It is better to have set responses with an option for additional information. If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be? It is better to have set responses with an option for additional information. What was the last song that got stuck in your head? It is better to have set responses with an option for additional information. In most states, governors have the power to make line-item vetoes. If that is true in your state, what would be your philosophy for how and when to use this power? Legislative bills in Nebraska are single subject only so a line item veto is not needed. Tell us your favorite joke. It is better to have set responses with an option for additional information. Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it. Note: Connely submitted the above survey responses to Ballotpedia on October 21, 2021.\n\n\nMichael Connely completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2020. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Connely's responses.\nExpand all | Collapse all\nWho are you? Tell us about yourself. Michael Connely, Service-Disabled Military Veteran USMC Passionate about the environment; health and safety of my family, friends and neighbors; simplification of governmental regulations, and the guarding of personal freedoms. Nebraska is a good place to be, but I want to help make it the best place to be. I want Nebraska to be the shining light on the hill for every other state to admire and copy. I want us to be more than just the greatest football fans in the world. State Senators should be YOUR direct link to the government Born in Broken Bow Nebraska. \nWorked as many have in the cornfields of Nebraska detasseling and rouging.\nJoined the USMC after high school, worked on Helicopter Communication/Navigation Systems and Military Intelligence, Medical Laboratory and Military Police in the USA, Japan and Korea.\nAdditional Military Training in Nuclear Biological Chemical Disaster Preparation. After the military, attended various colleges completing over 300 semester credit hours with majors in Political Science, Sociology, Business, Education, and Medical Lab.\nDuring the US Census, worked as State Quality Assurance Director.\nWorked overseas for the Japanese Ministry of Education\nMost recently the Director of high-level Academic Schools in Japan. Hobbies:\nPlaying the piano, whistling, singing\nRaising chickens, horses, alpacas\nSitting all day reading books at Barnes and Noble\nStudying medical research and genetic analysis Watching old movie Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office? Your State Senator should be your first line of defense against inappropriate government action. If you have been wronged, I want to know about it. We have certain rights that are guaranteed by our constitution. I will support all of our country's constitutional laws and fight the unconstitutional ones. There are at times, economic forces that are at odds with the health and safety of Nebraskans. I want a simplified, but responsible business environment. What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? *Intelligent but practical sound environmental policies Protection of our constitutional rights and aggressive fight against the unconstitutional laws we currently have I want to be the first line of defense for citizens in my district for any possible inappropriate government actions Simplification of business regulation requirements Protection of the health and safety of the citizens of the State of Nebraska Judicial and law enforcement reform to ensure that you are INDEED innocent until proven guilty Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why? My mentor Brian Tracy. No explanation is needed for Brian. Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy? To be answered later... What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official? To be answered later... What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office? To be answered later... What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time? The Apollo 11 Lunar Landing in 1969... I watched live as Neil Armstrong took his first steps on the moon. I was in Elementary school. What was your very first job? How long did you have it? My first job was selling Earl May garden seeds door to door, at the age of 7. At 10 years old, my father woke me up at 5am and told me to take care of my chickens. I told him I did not have chickens. He informed me that as of that day, I was the owner of 250 chicks and I would learn how to run my own business. What is your favorite book? Why? Answers will be submitted later... If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be? Answers will be submitted later... What was the last song that got stuck in your head? Answers will be submitted later... What are the benefits and drawbacks of a unicameral state legislature, in your opinion? The benefit of a unicameral is efficiency in legislative action. The drawback is that rural areas lose voting power and large cities can completely dominate the political climate. Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics? Previous experience in government or politics is not needed to become an effective state legislator. A couple of weeks of research can prepare most individuals for a public office and its duties. What do you perceive to be your state’s greatest challenges over the next decade? To be answered later.... What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and the state legislature? To be answered later... Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer. To be answered later... If you are not a current legislator, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of? To be answered later... If you are a current legislator, what appealed to you about your current committees? To be answered later... If you are not currently a member of your party’s leadership in the legislature, would you be interested in joining the leadership? If so, in what role? To be answered later... Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after? To be answered later... Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future? To be answered later... Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful? To be answered later...\nNote: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it."}]
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