Wednesday, november 8, 1978
daily nebraskan
page 9
Thone promises new era of progress as governor
liy L. Kent Wolgamott
Charles Thone was elected the 34th governor of the state
of Nebraska Tuesday evening in a race which was not as
close as some had expected.
Thone, who defeated Democratic Lt. Gov. Gerald
Whelan, was leading by 27,074 at 1:30 a.m. according to
Associated Press.
The Thone victory was called by United Press Inter
national at 9:20, but following political tradition, Thone
delayed his acceptance statement until after Whelan had
conceded defeat.
Raising his arms in the traditional victory sign to
supporters at the Lincoln Hotel, Thone said he hoped a new
era of progress would begin in Nebraska, progress through
the widest possible participation in state government,
progress through the advancement of what is best for all the
people in the state of Nebraska.
"All you people want a guy who is decent, a guy who is
honest, and I pledge to recommit myself tonight to the
pledge I made when I entered the race on January 4th.
"We pledge ourselves to economy and efficiency in
government, honesty and integrity in government, listen
ing to all of you people and to all of the people in the state
of Nebraska to make this life in Nebraska a better life."
"I want to repeat a strong statement in which I believe
so firmly. You heard me talk about it in '59, '60 and I
meant it then and I mean it now and the polls reconfirm
this 'we're for Charley Thone,' " Thone told his cheering
supporters.
"We're for his policy and principles, we're not against
anyone."
Whelan, conceding defeat to Charles Thone at about
midnight over Omaha's KETV, said he felt he had the
responsibility to "call the shots the way they are." If we
lose votes, we lose votes. But I don't feel too badly about
it."
"You're looking at a proud candidate. If we're beat,
we're beat, but I don't feel bad a bit."
Whelan said he felt proud because he had gotten across
his message that he was an open, accessible candidate. He
said even though some of his views were not popular, he is
glad the issues were brought before Nebraskans.
Whelan said hedid not get as many Douglas County
votes as he expected because there was a "big Republican
get-out -and-vote-campaign" in Omaha.
"I don't look back. I am a strong person and have a
strong family," he said. "I am a gracious loser, but would
have been a fine governor for this state."
Whelan said he looks forward to practicing law again.
But, he added, my main concern now is that we beat
;hose damn Okies on Saturday."
State Sen. Roland Luedtke, Thbne's running mate,
agreed the heavy vote for the Republican candidates in
Omaha aided their candidacy, but he said they could have
trailed the Democrats in Omaha by a small margin and
still won the race.
Luedtke said they will be "working on the entire
gamut of problems of transition of administration" be
tween now and January.
"In the midst of all this I will stand ready to assist the
governor elect in anyway I can.
"This will be a real team effort, it was a team victory,
we will work as a team, a whole new approach with a
strong lieutenant governor leading up to strong govern
ment." Thone and Luedtke both turn 55 on Jan. 4, in
auguration day.
car pool
Get to know vour Profs!
At l he
UNL Marketing Club
and
Delta Sigma Pi
Student-Vacuity Mixer
Thursday. Nov. 9
3:30-5:30
ClicstrrfieMVYtH-lit Club
V'
at
if:
km!
KesterfieM
Photo by Ted Kirk
Governor-elect Charles Thone receives congratulations from well-wishers following his election over former
Democratic Lt. Gov. Gerald Whelan of Hastings. Thone had served in the House of Representatives since 1970
before being elected governor.
VAorlnQrlm
Ladies' Night
4:30 - Closing
45 lbs., of beer for Ladies.
Highball
Drinks
for Ladies
at the bar
The new lights are
on at C, B, & P's Disco,
The Yacht Club.
M3
ITS
UJLT
ottomsl
e
oits
Public House, Ltd.
Public House, Ltd.
Gunny's 13th & Q 475-800
PUT YOUR
ENGINEERING
DEGREE TO WORK
Air Force Engineering team arrives
from San Antonio. Texas. No
vember 15. Interviews will be
conducted with Junior and
Senior engineering students
the Placement Office, secon
floor. Student Union. 10 unti
5. Bring transcripts.
A qroot way o Mr
tn W : 'i t?W
