When it comes to elections, much of the attention among voters is paid to races for offices such as governor and members of Congress. Understandably so given the importance of those races.
But races of individual seats in the Nebraska Legislature are important, too. Although the 49 state lawmakers are often lumped together and referred to collectively, the men and women who hold those seats are crucial players in terms of the state budget and the passage of new laws and defeat of other proposals.
Northeast and North Central Nebraska have been fortunate over the years to be represented by qualified, intelligent and perspective individuals who have sacrificed a great deal of time to serve. That they do so given the nominal amount they are paid speaks even more highly of them.
There are two legislative districts in this corner of the state that are up for election next month. Both candidates are running unopposed, which is not ideal in terms of the democratic process but is also not uncommon.
State Sen. Barry DeKay of Niobrara is running unopposed for his second four-year term in District 40, which includes Antelope, Cedar, Holt and Knox counties and parts of Dixon and Pierce counties...