Ben Nelson

If you're like me, you might be curious how a guy like Sen. Ben Nelson was elected from conservative Nebraska. This excerpt from wikipedia on Nelson's tenure as governor might help explain things:

During his tenure, Nelson cut spending from the previous administration by 64% while it was scheduled to rise by 13%. He introduced legislation to cut crime through the Safe Streets Act and Juvenile Crime Bill, advocated for low-income families through the Kids Connection health care system, and enacted welfare reforms that helped welfare recipients get the support needed to return to work. He also cut taxes for over 400,000 middle income families in Nebraska.

As governor, Nelson took frequent conservative stances on issues in right-leaning Nebraska. He was the first governor in 35 years to execute someone. He pushed welfare reform before it was done at a national level. And he opposed President Bill Clinton's efforts on health care reform.

Funny what eight years in Washington can do to someone.