Nebraska’s Judicial and Political Landscape: Judge Bazis Confirmed and Osborn Sets Fundraising Milestone

Nebraska’s Judicial and Political Landscape: Judge Bazis Confirmed and Osborn Sets Fundraising Milestone

Date: April 10, 2024 Deb Fischer

In a notable advancement for Nebraska’s judiciary, the U.S. Senate has recently confirmed Susan Bazis as a federal district judge for the District of Nebraska. This confirmation follows strong endorsements from Senator Deb Fischer, who praised Bazis for her “skill, expertise, and integrity,” and Senator Pete Ricketts, who commended her “intellect and temperament.” Bazis, who has previously served both as a U.S. Magistrate Judge and a state court judge in Omaha, is expected to bring a wealth of experience in administering justice and upholding the law to her new role. The confirmation highlights the bipartisan effort in ensuring the state has the necessary judicial resources for the efficient administration of justice. Fischer, having recommended Bazis to the White House, played a pivotal role in the confirmation process, emphasizing the importance of judicial integrity and capacity in Nebraska’s legal system.

Parallel to the developments in Nebraska’s judicial system, the political arena is witnessing a remarkable campaign by independent Senate candidate Dan Osborn, who is challenging incumbent Senator Deb Fischer. Osborn’s campaign has shattered Nebraska fundraising records for an independent candidate, amassing $456,000 in the first quarter of 2024 alone, with a total of $609,000 raised so far. This financial milestone, unprecedented in Nebraska’s political history for a candidate running outside the major party lines, indicates a significant shift in the traditional partisan campaign dynamics. Osborn’s campaign revealed that the average individual contribution was $37, showcasing substantial grassroots support with 98% of donations being under $200.

These concurrent developments in Nebraska’s judicial and political spheres underscore a period of significant transition and activity. With Judge Susan Bazis set to bring her extensive judicial experience to the federal court, and Dan Osborn’s groundbreaking fundraising achievement setting the stage for a competitive Senate race, Nebraska is poised at the crossroads of change. These events reflect the evolving landscape of law and politics in the state, highlighting the importance of both judicial integrity and political engagement in shaping the future of Nebraska.