by Sophia Ridder, reporter
OMAHA – Chris Janicek, the winner of the democratic primary for senate, lost the support of the party after a texting scandal involving a campaign staffer. After he failed to resign on September 1st, the party was forced to put their support behind write in candidate Preston Love Jr.
Preston Love Jr. said, “If I were a senator I surely could do a great job and represent another segment of the country. By being a different kind of senator. Having come from very meager beginnings, having had my ups and downs, but experience and wisdom of life.”
Preston is a well-known name in North Omaha. He has worked on causes like the North Omaha Voter participation Project, which works to increase the voter turnout in the area.
“I live in North Omaha; I work in North Omaha. I’m an advocate and a voice in North Omaha, and a name recognized in North Omaha. I hope that my candidacy would generate excitement and add to the positive emotion to get the North Omahans to come out and vote,” Love said.
Voter turnout in Douglas county in the 2016 election was 69 percent, but in North Omaha it was only 40 percent. Community activists like Dona Polk are hoping to see this number significantly higher in the upcoming election.
“With higher voter turnout, if we could be victorious I think people who support equal rights. People who are supportive of a government that’s not race based, feel that we need changes at every level,” Donna Polk said.
Being a write in candidate has a narrow road to victory, but that’s not keeping him from being positive.
“You only can have a miracle if you put yourself in the position to receive one,” Love said.
To vote for a write in Candidate you need to write their full name or last name and fill in the bubble next to the line for the vote to be counted.
