Senate hopeful Ricketts visits CSC
U.S. Senate candidate Pete Ricketts of Omaha brought his message of reduced government to Chadron State College students Thursday morning.
Ricketts spoke to about 20 students during a 45-minute session at the CSC Student Center.
"This is the first time I've ran for office. I'm a businessman and a problem solver," the former brokerage firm CEO told the students.
Ricketts spent much of the presentation answering students' questions -- some critical -- about his conservative message. His platform supports the Bush administration's war on terrorism, strives for tighter border security, calls for drilling in the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge and opposes gay marriage.
Ricketts also said he supports the President in allowing the National Security Agency to eavesdrop on citizens without a warrant.
"Our government getting too large poses a bigger threat to our rights than the concessions that we make during a time of war," he said.
Ricketts, who served as Ameritrade's CEO until August 2005 and now serves as vice charman of its board of directors, is one of three Republicans bidding to unseat Democratic incumbent Ben Nelson. The others are Don Stenberg and David Kramer.
Category: Campus News