John Weaver, (Liz Macias, Central Nebraska Today)
KEARNEY — John Glen Weaver is running for a two-year term to represent Nebraska in the United States Senate.
Weaver is challenging incumbent Sen. Pete Ricketts, who was appointed to the seat by Governor Jim Pillen after Sen. Ben Sasse resided to become the president of the University of Florida.
Weaver introduced himself as a retired Lt. Col. who served in the Air Force and deployed multiple times to combat zones in Iraq and Afghanistan.
“I’m a Christian, husband, father, combat veteran (22 years, 11 deployments), and businessman,” Weaver’s Top Gun themed campaign website stated.
When asked about his desire to run for the Senate seat, Weaver said he has always been drawn to public service, “I know what its like to have skin in the game,” he said, citing his military service.
Weaver said the “disastrous,” United States withdrawal from Afghanistan was one of the primary reasons he is running for election. “My generation spent our 20s and 30s over there fighting for freedom for 20 years, the longest war in American history.”
The way the withdrawal was handled is something he disagrees with and felt it was harmful to those who had served in Afghanistan. He said he wants to hold the executive branch accountable for their actions and how they handle military operations.
When asked about further qualifications, Weaver said he is committed to serving the Constitution and defending the country. He said he has solid morals, a high work ethic and belief in God. He said if he makes it to Washington D.C., he will be there for the good of the people of Nebraska.
“I showed up every day in Iraq and Afghanistan, I will show up every day in Washington D.C.,” he said.
When asked about his public policy interests, he said his priorities are those of Nebraskans.
He started off saying the southern border between the United States and Mexico needs to be secured.
“Unchecked, illegal immigrants are entering our country at record rates. Joe Biden’s do-nothing policies give millions of aliens a free pass to break our laws, traffic drugs into our communities, contribute to rising crime and take jobs away from hardworking Americans,” Weaver’s website states.
“We also must reform our legal immigration system. In no other developed country do we allow migration primarily based on family relations rather than skills. Millions of people want to come here, and we should only allow them if they contribute something meaningful to our country,” the site states.
Weaver also wants a foreign policy that puts America first.
“For two decades, global elites have played a trick on normal Americans: send your sons and daughters to die for nation-building wars in some far-flung corner of the world, and when their utopian fantasies fail, accept millions of refugees into middle and working-class neighborhoods. This is a bad deal for Americans, a bad deal for our troops, a bad deal for the refugees, but a good deal for the elites who profit from endless war,” Weaver’s site states.
He questioned sending funds to Ukraine, feeling that this is another endless war and a drain on resources. “Supporting Ukraine and sending more money over there could at some point in time send American forces over there.”
However, Weaver supports sending aid and funds to Israel, “I believe it is written in the Bible that we have to support God chosen people and I support funding in Israel.”
Weaver also believes the Department of Justice is being, “weaponized” and feels the DOJ’s prosecution of former President Donald Trump is election interference. “Nobody in the Senate is standing up to it,” he said.
He also seeks to reign in spending and inflation. “The result of needless spending is runaway inflation, which has made it harder for normal Americans to afford necessities. Inflation has hit our seniors especially hard, many of whom live on a fixed income. It’s time to get this inflation under control,” Weaver’s website states.
At the state level he believes in school choice, is against abortion, seeks to protect children, and supports state rights.
To stay connected, if elected and serving in Washington D.C., Weaver said he would make it a point to visit all 93 counties in the state at least once a year to connect with the people. “To serve the people of Nebraska, you have to show up where they are,” he said.
If elected, Weaver seeks to establish a Senate Freedom Caucus that would mirror what has been established in the House of Representatives. He said they need 25 senators to elect a leader to support their policies.
In conclusion, Weaver reminded everyone that voting takes place on May 14 and ballots go out at the end of April in the mail. “Take a proactive role…I am your guy for the Senate, I will fight for you.”
Editor’s Note: John Weaver appeared on 1340 KGFW and this article was written using information provided during that interview. The full interview can be found here.
