NEWS

Our independent campaign got a boost today when Mark won the endorsement of a significant labor organization, the Midwest Nebraska Central Labor Council (CLC). Jeff Cooley, the CLC’s president, touted Mark’s engagement, energy and commitment to Nebraskans who work and their families.

“Mark had the courage to approach us about his plan to mount an independent challenge and the willingness to listen to our concerns,” Cooley said. “Through those conversations we determined that he aligns with what working families need. From railway safety to affordability, he gets it, and we’re proud to endorse him.”

In a speech at the CLC’s Labor Picnic in North Platte, Mark, who teaches karate in Ogallala, told attendees he was inspired to run when his karate instructor, a Bronze Star recipient, suggested he had an obligation to use his blessings and skills to make things better for Nebraska and for America.

Mark told the crowd, “The two-party system no longer works because it rewards extremism and pits neighbor against neighbor. It uses labels, distractions and platitudes to make every issue a black-and-white, us-against-them problem, while the rich get richer and problems go unsolved.”

He criticized the Republican incumbent, saying, “During 20 years in the House, Adrian Smith has made a series of decisions that have drained Nebraska’s wealth and enriched the coastal donors who fund him. He voted to add $3.3 trillion to our debt while cutting taxes for billionaires. He voted to cut $1 trillion from Medicaid, which will devastate rural hospitals and clinics and harm rural veterans. He was largely silent when this administration imposed tariffs that hit Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers hard. And now he supports an unnecessary war that cost this country $11.3 billion in its first six days, according to the Pentagon’s own briefing to Congress.”

Mark also criticized the Democratic Party, saying people in New York and San Francisco should not make decisions about gun policies in rural Nebraska. He said, “The Democratic leaders in the Senate and in the House are both from New York, and the Democrats wonder why they have trouble in red states.”

Cooley said Cohen’s independent status was not a factor in the CLC’s decision to endorse him. “We and our locals have supported Republicans and Democrats both,” Cooley said. “We only support candidates who we believe will fight for Nebraska’s working families, and we don’t care whether they are affiliated with a political party. Mark is the most qualified candidate the 3rd District has seen in years, and we’re convinced he will fight for labor and working families.”

The Midwest Nebraska CLC is one of nearly 500 state and local labor councils of the AFL-CIO.

Mark is a former Air Force judge advocate who first came to Nebraska more than 40 years ago. He served as a special assistant U.S. attorney for Nebraska and later practiced law in Omaha during the farm crisis of the late 1980s. He earned an advanced degree in agricultural law. He lives in Lemoyne and teaches karate in Ogallala.

On September 10th, after meeting with residents in Hemingford, I met with the hospital administrator at Box Butte General Hospital in Alliance. I really enjoyed this and I am grateful the staff was willing to give me some time. No matter where I go, hospital administrators are concerned about cuts to Medicaid and Medicare, burdensome regulations. the difficulty of attracting qualified workers to rural areas, and how short-sighted cuts to proven programs end up costing more in the long run.

Meanwhile, Adrian Smith was at the Trump-a-palooza event in Texas mingling with the coastal donors that he voted to give tax cuts to when he voted for the Big Bag of Gifts to Billionaires. This year, Third District residents don’t have to choose between Adrian and a Democrat. They can send a true independent to Washington.

On September 10th I had a chance to enjoy coffee with residents in Hemingford at Mobius Communications. I explained why I am running and why we will win, but spent most of the time answering questions. I hear Nebraskans from all over the Third District express many of the same concerns. Healthcare, data centers, water. Rural broadband is an important issue for many parts of the Third District. Mobius allowed Solomon to join us, and he was a hit.

On September 9 we held a town hall in Alliance. About forty people attended. I enjoyed meeting the people and answering their questions. The facility even allowed Solomon to come inside. He loved giving cuddles to the attendees, and they loved him. Great fun. Thanks to Tim Garwood for setting up this event.

Mark appeared on KNOP-TV in North Platte on Tuesday. Mark said he has watched the impact of shifting trade policy hit close to home for Nebraska’s agriculture industry.

“We’ve come full circle,” Mark said. “Markets require consistency and predictability. All of a sudden, this administration imposed tariffs and arranged financing for Argentina. And then here we are a year later, beef prices are up, and we’re waiving the tariffs to try to get the beef prices down. And so, it’s all been up and down, but none of it has helped Nebraska’s ranchers.”

Nebraska Public Media (NPM), the Omaha World-Herald, and radio station KRVN invited the 3rd Congressional District candidates to debate this fall. NPM says Independent Mark Cohen was the only candidate to accept by the deadline. Incumbent Adrian Smith declined to attend and Democrat Becky Stille did not respond until weeks after the deadline. NPM now says it has no plans for a 3rd District debate.

NPM News Director Matt Olberding wrote in a September 8 email to Mark’s campaign, “Mark was the only candidate to accept our invitation in a timely fashion.”

Upon learning that NPM will not sponsor a debate, Mark said, “Nebraska’s Third District is one of only a handful in America where a credible independent is running against a Republican and a Democrat. Adrian Smith is afraid of me and if the Democratic candidate can’t respond to an invitation in a timely fashion, it’s fair to question her ability to represent this district in Congress.”

Nebraska Public Media had sent out invitations for a televised debate at its Ron Hull Television Studio in Lincoln on July 20.

Given that NPM has no plans to hold a debate, Mark left open the possibility that his campaign would stage a debate of its own with a podium for Smith. Cohen said, “At this point there would be no point in inviting any other candidate because I’m the only candidate that can defeat Adrian Smith.”

On September 4th we kicked of our Back Roads Tour in Adrian Smith’s hometown of Gering. About 40 people attended the event and the Star Herald wrote a detailed news article about it.

‍In a fiery speech that draw frequent applause Mark told the crowd that he first discovered the Nebraska Sandhills while driving Nebraska’s back roads while stationed at Offutt Air Force Base south of Omaha.

Mark said, “The back roads represent real people with real values. People more interested in doing things right than in doing them quickly. They represent independent thinkers who don’t always follow the crowd.  Our campaign is like that.”

Mark mocked the notion that his campaign can’t win. “Some say we can’t win. They believe their own flawed narrative – this is an 80% MAGA district, nobody can beat big, bad Adrian Smith and his big money coastal donors. Blah, blah, blah. I say that’s a loser’s attitude. And it’s bad logic… Two years ago, there was not a credible independent on the ballot. Two years ago, tariffs had not devastated Nebraska’s agricultural sector. Two years ago, Congress had not cut $1 trillion from the Medicaid program that funds rural hospitals and clinics to pay for tax cuts for billionaires. Two years ago, we were not mired in an unnecessary war that is driving up prices.”

“The people of this district are good people with an independent streak that goes back to William Jennings Bryan and George Norris. All we need are people like us – good Nebraskans willing to do what it takes to take our country back from those who divide and distract us while they enrich themselves. We’ll win. But we will do it in an unconventional way. We won’t have Adrian’s money, but we’ll outwork him. We will be relentless. We will be determined. We will be original. We will take the back roads to victory.”

“Voters in Nebraska’s Third District have a real choice this year,” Mark said. “Adrian Smith won’t be able to avoid accountability by reciting platitudes about conservative values. I’m here to tell you — he’s no conservative. You can’t add $3.3 trillion to our children’s debt and be a conservative. You can’t sit in silence while Russia invades Ukraine, threatens our allies, and interferes in our elections and call yourself a conservative.”

To view the video of Mark’s Q&A, go here:  https://youtu.be/pEozC2f8zE8?si=_tGqndzghyjZ5ErC

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After meeting with Hispanic leaders in Grand Island on the morning of Saturday August 29th and learning more about their concerns on a host of issues, I headed home, managed a quick change of clothes, then headed to Lewellen for an evening of music at The Most Unlikely Place with my friends Dennis and Cynthia Miller. Got to chat a little with Ogallala City Manager, Kevin Wilkins and listened to his concerns about how federal funding cuts impact local governments.

On August 28th my team and I visited Grand Island to attend the State Fair. A woman drove all the way from O’Neill just to meet me, and then agreed to serve as a volunteer in Holt County. We had a great afternoon seeing old friends and making new ones. We capped the day by walking in the parade, with me kind of dancing to the tune of Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress. My brother says I dance like Chuck Wepner, and I’m good with that.

On August 21, I attended the UNK Blue Gold Showcase to help welcome students back. It was great to meet so many young people and listen to their concerns. Several of our team members attended also, including Karen Benzel from Gering, Melanie Knight from Clay Center, and Bryce Grothman from Kearney. One thing we heard over and over again was rejection of the two-party system.

On August 21 I was privileged to tour the Sweetwater Hemp Company facility in Pleasanton, NE. Rory Cruise and Brian Mayo treated us to an amazing tour of their facility. Innovators like this bring jobs to Nebraska and offer many beneficial products. I will work hard for federal legislation that reduces the regularly burden for such companies.

On August 20th I attended the Grocery Summit sponsored by the Nebraska Grocery Industry Association. Several of our senior staffers also attended. Rep. Adrian Smith spoke for about 30 minutes, but did not otherwise participate. We stayed for the entire event, and then met with some attendees after the event to learn more about their concerns. The event reinforced my belief that we must reform and enforce our antitrust laws to protect small town grocery stores and the residents who depend on them.

Former legislative candidate, Melanie Knight, from Clay Center, has joined Mark’s team as a deputy campaign manager. Melanie has a strong background in education, and as a former candidate herself, brings valuable experience. We are grateful for her dedication and hard work.

Bryce Grothman, a former regional manager for senate candidate Dan Osborn’s campaign, has joined our team as a deputy campaign manager. Bryce brings significant experience and great vigor, and we are delighted to welcome him aboard.

In an interview with the Washington County Enterprise, Mark answered questions from editor Don Harrold, including questions on where he agrees with Democrats and where he agrees with Republicans.

During the interview Mark rejected the suggestion that he and Democrat Becky Stille will split votes. Mark said the NE-03 race is different than the senate race where no Democrat is running. Mark said he wants a 3-way race so voters in the third district “will have a chance to lead America by declaring independence from a two-party system that pits neighbor against neighbor while nothing gets done.”

On August 15th Solomon and I visited McCook to show support for those who gathered in support of humane treatment of immigrants. The event was held on private property and was peaceful. Congrats to the organizers who made it happen in a way that kept everyone safe.

On August 12th the Nebraska Secretary of State approved our petitions. We’re on the ballot! Not only that, but only 16% of our signatures were deemed invalid; the average rejection rate is around 30%. A big shout out to nearly 100 volunteers across NE-03 who helped make this happen!

And a special thank you to Jeff Tracy from Scottsbluff, who led the effort. We turned in 184% of the required number of signatures. We are delighted that Jeff is staying on as a senior advisor.

On July 30th, we delivered 3,680 signatures to the Nebraska Secretary of State. We delivered 419 petitions with signatures from people in 54 counties, gathered by nearly 100 volunteers. None of our circulators were paid. Joining me in Lincoln were Interim Campaign Manager, Jeff Angus, from Buffalo County; Melanie Knight from Clay Center, and Tim Garwood from Alliance.

Together with members of our team, I attended the Soulstice in the Park festival in Hastings on July 25th. Although the temperature was 105 degrees, we snagged some shade beneath a tree and caught up with some supporters who have been with us from the start. Thanks to the organizers for help loading and unloading!

On July 17th I attended the Dawson County Fair in Lexington, and on this trip I was privileged to be accompanied by my significant other, Nurse Sheri. Nurse Sheri is originally from Crete, Nebraska, and was the Nebraska State Pork Queen! So, she knows what it is like to attend county fairs and similar events when it is hot.

On July 11th our team walked in the parade for Oregon Trail Days in Gering. I got to ride in a red convertible thanks to a local supporter. The applause got louder as we passed people; they are ready for change.

On July 10th I attended Fur Trade Days in Chadron with some of our awesome volunteers. Gathered more signatures and met plenty of nice folks. It was hot!

On July 8th I made a joint appearance with Dan Osborn at a yard party in Scottsbluff. About 120 people attended. After Dan and I spoke, we both took questions. During the past ten months I have gotten to know Dan, and while we may not agree on every issue, he is a genuinely decent human being. And we both agree that before we can solve any of the issues facing Nebraska we must get the money out of politics so our representatives listen to the people rather than their big donors.

On July 8th I hosted a lunch in the park event in Sidney. About two dozen people attended. It was a wonderful event on a gorgeous day with a nice breeze. News Channel Nebraska stayed for more than an hour. It was really fun to participate in an informal Q&A to hear the concerns of area residents.

On July 5th I met with a veterans advocate in Grand Island and learned more about the concerns of Nebraska’s veterans about the VA. Then it was on to Kearney for a town hall and a meeting with some of our key team members.

I spent the 4th of July enjoying festivities in Clay Center and meeting people there, then visited Blue Hill later that afternoon. One of my volunteers and advisors, Melanie Knight, sang the national anthem at the celebration in Clay Center.

On July 3rd I got to meet with Nebraskans in Aurora, York, and Geneva. I was also interviewed by the York News-Times. Thanks to the wonderful volunteers who set up these events.

On June 28th we visited Fairmont. I got to speak with some seniors and listen to their concerns. Some of our awesome team marched in the parade, and they deserve praise because it was HOT!

On June 27th we attended Homestead Days in Beatrice. The weather was moderate, so Solomon was able to walk the entire parade route. It was so much fun to watch all the young children run up to him to give him a hug or get a face licking. I am thankful for our dedicated team in Beatrice.

On the evening of June 26th I got to attend the Sawyer Brown concert at Chesterfest in Chester, Nebraska, along with some of our team. I even danced a little. My brother remarked that I “dance like Chuck Wepner.” It was nice to see our dedicated volunteers get a chance to have fun.

On June 26th we traveled to Nebraska City for a town hall. After the event I drove across the river to Iowa so Solomon could say he had set paw in Iowa. It was great to be back in Nebraska City. I have fond memories of visiting it when I served at Offutt Air Force Base. It’s beautiful.

On June 25th I appeared at a candidate forum in Tobias, NE. The Democratic candidate also participated. Adrian Smith declined.

I asserted that Adrian Smith is not a conservative - he’s a big spender who is silent while Russia threatens our allies. He voted to harm rural clinics and hospitals to fund tax cuts for billionaires.

I again asserted that billionaires and large corporations spend money to divide and distract us when the real battle is not a manufactured left/right battle, but is a battle between billionaires and the rest of us. They have used their money to buy our government so they get tax breaks and build a global surveillance state while we work harder and harder for less and less. Their control of our government is why Nebraska’s farmers don’t have a right to repair and why the big four meatpackers have so much power.

I also made the case that even when the Democratic party controls the White House and the Congress, the Democrats are rarely able to bring about significant change. Because they take corporate money, too, and lack the courage to push for big change.

I explained that as an independent not beholden to a party boss I will better represent the people of Nebraska’s 3rd district.

On June 24th I held a town hall in Grand Island. I explained why I was running and why Adrian Smith is not a true conservative. After the event a local Democratic leader who is supporting me messaged me and wrote, “Some of my Democratic friends who attended the event were skeptical, but they are now on Team Cohen!”

On June 14th Solomon and I attended the Let Them Eat Cake event in North Platte. One couple holding signs consisted of a man and a woman both over 90 year of age.

Many passing vehicles honked in support of these Nebraskans exercising their First Amendment right to free speech; a few people shouted nasty things toward the crowd, but I noticed they always did from the safety of their passing vehicles.

In case you’re wondering, Solomon did get a little slice of cake.

On June 13th I had a chance to visit with people in Lexington as we continue our signature gathering efforts. A special shout out to Tom Beytien and Robin Stevens for their help.

From Lexington we continue to the Wurst Tag in Eustis. Eustis is a gorgeous little town, and Solomon was a big hit with the children.

On June 9th I visited IBEW Local 1920 in North Platte and then IAM Lodge 180. My friend, Mike Gage, who leads the Nebraska AFL-CIO is from North Platte and once led the IBEW 1920. I am a strong proponent of railway safety and workers’ rights.

Stand Up Nebraska looked at all the candidates in the NE-03 race, and it is backing our campaign. In a statement on its website the organization wrote, “We have been impressed with the campaign efforts of Mark Cohen. Since he declared his candidacy, Mark has traveled and visited with Nebraskans all across the huge 3rd district area, working to build a District-wide network of supporters.” The organization concluded that our campaign “offers the best prospects for pro-democracy results.”

On June 6th we set up a table in Yanney Park in Kearney and gathered at least 100 signatures. As always, Solomon was a big hit. I want thank some of my volunteers who drove long distances to help at this event. That kind of sacrifice is humbling.

On June 1st, I attended the Independent Candidate Forum in North Platte. The response was overwhelmingly positive. After acknowledging the many problems Nebraskans face, I said, “But I have to tell you a hard truth: We are not going to fix any of these problems at all until we take our democracy back.”

I told attendees that Adrian Smith is not a conservative because you can’t be a conservative and add $3.3 trillion to our deficit. You can’t be a conservative and look the other way while Russia invades Ukraine, threatens our allies, and interferes in our elections.

I also stated my belief that the Democratic party shares some of the blame for Trump’s victories, and again stated my intent to build a coalition of moderate Democrats and Reagan / McCain Republicans who are not getting the change they had hoped for.

I was delighted that my friend, Mike Gage, the head of the AFL-CIO in Nebraska, was able to attend.

I am grateful for the opportunity to have participated in this event.

On May 31, we attended the Pridefest sponsored by Panhandle Equality in Scottsbluff, and then I conducted a town hall in Scottsbluff. A big shout out to our Scottsbluff team for putting all of this together.

On Saturday May 30th Solomon (my 140 pound Irish Wolfhound) was the hit of the parade in Bridgeport, NE. Riding in the back of truck we repeatedly heard people say things such as, “Wow, look at that dog.” This event was extra special because my significant other, who is from Crete, NE, was able to join us and throw candy from the back of the truck.

On May 23rd I held a yard party at my home in Lemoyne. Some folks came from Tobias, NE, which is more than four hours away. All attendees received kisses from Solomon.

On May 14th I attended a drone show in Alliance. It was a wonderful event on a beautiful evening, and we gathered plenty of signatures.

On May 6th I met with residents in Chappell, NE, in the beautiful memorial library and art museum. What a wonderful venue. I also enjoyed meeting the staff. Attendees included Army vet Jerry and his wife, Jacie, who also have an Irish Wolfhound. Solomon was happy to see them again.

On May 2, I conducted a Town Hall in Ogallala at the Public Library. I enjoyed meeting new people and hearing what they had to say. I also enjoyed the fact that Ogallala is only about 25 miles from my home in Lemoyne.

On May 1st I attended the Workers over Billionaires event in North Platte, and then we went on to Grand Island where I was the featured speaker that evening. It was wonderful to see so many concerned Nebraskans exercise their right to speak up about issues that matter to them. Before the Grand Island event we met with Danielle Helzer at Rooted Books and Gifts in Grand Island, and it’s a fantastic store. Really enjoyed it.

On April 29th I met with community leaders in Valentine, NE. I toured the hospital and several local businesses, then conducted a town hall. The drive to Valentine is just wonderful. Thanks to Rick Medema for putting this together!

On April 27th I appeared on Mr. Beat’s podcast. Matt Beat a/k/a Mr. Beat is writer and former history teacher who make videos about subjects that include current affairs. His YouTube Channel has more than 1.3 million followers. You can watch the full podcast HERE

On April 19th I met with residents in Lexington, Nebraska. We discussed many things, including the need for Congress to change what is required for a plaintiff to prevail in an action brought under the Packers and Stockyards Act. Many who claim to believe in the free market forget that free market theory assumes robust competition. That’s why Theodore Roosevelt (a Republican) worked to pass antitrust laws.

On April 18th I met with citizens in Grand Island. One highlight of this trip for me was the chance to see my friend of 42 years - Col. (ret) John Kellogg, of Palmer, NE. What an honor to have John and his wife sign a petition to get my name on the ballot. John’s wife is retired Lt. Colonel.

On April 8th I met with Garden County residents at The Most Unlikely Place in Lewellen — which turns out to be the perfect place for exactly that kind of talk.

One woman asked about "socialism." I asked how she got there. She drove on county roads. I asked if those roads were paid for by tax dollars. She said yes. I welcomed her to "socialism" — and explained why simplistic, undefined labels like that hinder real discussion and divide us into false camps.

She also didn't like my Libertarian position on legalizing and regulating marijuana. A former police officer in the audience said he'd much rather arrest someone who was stoned than someone who was drunk.

She didn't agree with anything I said and ultimately left — but she got honest answers. So did everyone else. I told the crowd I would increase taxes on the wealthy, that I oppose Citizens United, that I would restore ICE funding to pre-Trump levels, and that the new war on Iran was unnecessary — and in my opinion was intended to distract from serious allegations against the President and others. As Ricky Nelson once sang, you can't please everyone, so you've got to please yourself.

The attendees said it was refreshing to hear a candidate who was not afraid to say what he thinks without tap-dancing around every issue.

Jerry Kuenning served as President of the Nebraska Cattlemen. Jerry is a third generation Nebraska agriculturist, and he proudly works alongside the fourth and fifth generations in the family operation in and around Imperial. He knows Nebraska and agriculture, and what it takes to fight for them. And he's backing Mark Cohen for Congress. Here’s what Jerry said about Mark:

"Mark is my neighbor. I’ve seen how hard he works. I know his character. I know he can’t be bought or bullied.”

Nebraska deserves a representative who shows up for farmers, ranchers, and district residents—not one who cuts taxes for billionaires while tariffs destroy our markets and healthcare premiums double.

markfornebraska.com

#Nebraska #NebraskaFarmers #NE03Item description

On March 28th Mark and Solomon attended the No Kings Day event in Kearney. The founders knew the dangers of kings and purposely created a system of checks and balances so that no single person would have absolute power. A representative who takes an oath to defend the Constitution should keep that in mind.

On March 25th Mark met with members of BLET Div. 88 in North Platte. Mark told members about his background and that he is running because he believes in America as it was before big money and corporate media conglomerates gained so much power over our elections. A resident of Lemoyne, where roughly 30 coal trains pass each day, Mark assured members he would fight for railroad safety and oppose efforts to do away with two-person train crews.

On March 24th Mark became the only candidate in NE-03 to be officially listed by Unrig Washington, a national campaign by End Citizens United calling on candidates to commit to real anti-corruption reform.

Washington is broken — not because of bad luck, but because billionaires and special interests have rigged the system in their favor. Mark has made three concrete commitments: refuse all corporate PAC money, support banning members of Congress from trading individual stocks, and fighting to end the dark money that lets secret donors buy our elections.

As a former Air Force officer and prosecutor, Mark knows what it means to serve something bigger than yourself. This listing is a reflection of the kind of representative Mark will be — one who works for the people of greater Nebraska, not the donors and lobbyists who have had their hooks in Washington for too long.

Learn more at endcitizensunited.org/unrig-washington and visit us at markfornebraska.org

On March 24th, Mark and Solomon attended the Democracy on Life Support demonstration in Beatrice. After the event, Mark held a town hall and took questions from community members.

On March 23rd, Mark Spoke at the Nebraska AFL-CIO convention in Lincoln. Mark told attendees that no legislation helping working Americans will pass until we take back control of our government.

In a fiery speech, Mark criticized the current administration as an affront to democracy. He told attendees he has been teaching karate a long time and is not afraid of this administration. He said that as an independent he would not be beholden to a party boss such as Mike Johnson or Hakeem Jeffries.

Mark also criticized the Democratic party, telling those present that the ineptitude and tone-deafness of the party were some of the reasons he left the party. He said that in his travels he found many people who did not like Donald Trump but who voted for him because they wanted change and they did not trust the Democratic party to bring meaningful change.

Nothing that the temperature in Lincoln was 97 degrees in March and the recent Morrill fire, Mark said we can no longer pretend that global warming is not real.

On March 19th Mark spoke with residents in Sidney, Nebraska, and also did an interview with the Sidney Sun-Telegraph. It was fun to meet so many new people who care about nation and our state.

On March 13 the Grand Island Independent published Mark’s Op ED:

Don’t Let the Labels Distract You

Politicians use labels to keep you from asking the right questions. Rural Nebraskans deserve better.

I teach karate. One thing I teach students is how to feint — how to misdirect an opponent so they react to the wrong threat. Once you understand misdirection, you see it everywhere. Including in politics.

Turn on any cable news channel and you’ll hear the same playbook. Call your opponents “socialists” or “fascists.” Call your neighbor “woke” or “deplorable.” Frighten your audience. Then ask for donations. Both parties run this play, and both parties profit from it.

Here in Nebraska, some politicians label anyone who supports rural healthcare a “socialist,” anyone who questions tariffs that hurt our farmers a “trade radical,” and anyone who asks about the Epstein files a “conspiracy theorist.” They throw “pro-life” and “pro-choice” at each other like grenades, knowing those phrases end conversations rather than start them. Every label serves the same purpose: stop you from asking the next question.

Nothing illustrates this better than the word “conservative.”

I grew up understanding conservatism to mean something specific: limited government, fiscal responsibility, strong defense, and respect for individual freedom. States handled what states could handle. Washington stayed out of people’s lives.

Ask yourself: does that description fit what we see today? Adrian Smith — our congressman — voted to add four trillion dollars to the national debt. Ronald Reagan stood at the Brandenburg Gate and told Gorbachev to “tear down that wall.” Today’s self-described conservatives silently watch Russia interfere with our elections, initiate cyberattacks on our businesses, and invade a democratic neighbor. Reagan would not recognize them.

The old conservatism believed Washington should leave people alone. Today’s version wants the federal government to regulate what doctors tell their patients, what books school librarians shelve, and what private decisions adults make in their own homes. That is not limited government. That is overreach.

I hold the other side to the same standard. “Progressive” politicians who spent decades promising to help working families while cashing checks from the same insurance and pharmaceutical companies they claimed to oppose owe us an honest reckoning too.

The labels attempt keep us from noticing any of this — and that is the point. Ronald Reagan once said, “You and I are told increasingly we have to choose between a left or right. Well I'd like to suggest there is no such thing as a left or right. There's only an up or down - [up] man's old-aged dream, the ultimate in individual freedom consistent with law and order, or down to the ant heap of totalitarianism.”

While I did not agree with President Reagan on everything, he correctly pointed out that the real world is not tw0-dimensional.

The issues facing rural Nebraska do not fit a label. The Ogallala Aquifer does not care which party you belong to. The hospital that closed or downgraded its status in your county did not check your voter registration. The fact that Congress has not enacted a new Farm Bill since 2018 hurts Republicans and Democrats alike.

The next time a politician pins a label on your neighbor, ask yourself what they want you to stop thinking about.

On March 12th Mark and Solomon were forced to evacuate from their home in Lemoyne due to the Morrill Fire. Mark said, “I saw the flames to the north and guessed they were 7-10 miles away, but with 70 mph winds, that’s not a lot of time to get out.”

We want to thank the firefighters and other emergency responders.

On March 7th, Mark travelled to Kearney to attend the Women’s March organized by Indivisible. Prior to the March he had a chance to meet with representatives of various organizations involved with women’s issues, women’s health, and gay and trans rights. Solomon enjoyed the march, too. Mark was the only candidate in NE-03 to attend this event.

On March 3rd Mark issued a video on YouTube and social media blasting Defense Secretary Hegseth’s assertion concerning what Hegseth called the “stupid rules of engagement.”

A former Air Force JAG who also served as a military law expert for MSNBC, Mark called Hegseth’s comments “ignorant and reckless.”

Mark cited the case of his former boss, Col. Hank Fowler, who spent six years in the Hanoi Hilton and endured torture. Col. Fowler was no longer able to fly when he returned to the states, so the Air Force put him through law school. Mark pointed out that if America does not abide by the established laws of armed conflict, other nations will feel no obligation to do so.

You can view the video HERE

On February 25th Mark appeared on KNEB TV and radio in Scottsbluff, then met with area residents for a Q&A. It was one of our largest crowds yet!

You can view the video of the interview here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZnDtnp4m40

I am honored to share that Matt Beat (a/k/a Mr. Beat) has endorsed me. Matt is a former history and civics teacher known for his outstanding videos on American history, geography, and government. Through his channels Mr. Beat and The Beat Goes On, he has garnered more than 1 million subscribers with content like "Compared" and "Supreme Court Briefs".  

One of the issues where Matt and I share common ground is the desire to explore uncapping to the House of Representatives. Nebraska’s Third District covers eighty counties and borders six states. One representative cannot meaningfully serve 760,000 constituents — and that’s the situation every House member faces today, because Congress capped the House at 435 members in 1929 and never revisited it, even as our population tripled.

I am open to uncapping the House. More representatives means smaller districts, members who know their constituents, lower campaign costs, and less power for outside money. It makes gerrymandering harder, increases diversity in the legislature, and could bring the Electoral College closer in line with the popular will. That’s a conversation worth having.

To check out some of the educational videos that have made Matt so popular, please browse his YouTube channel:

https://www.youtube.com/@iammrbeat

On February 16th Mark met with community leaders in Gordon, Nebraska.. They said they could not recall the last time their representative had visited Gordon.

Mark then continued to Chadron and had a chance to meet about thirty area residents who are aligned with the Indivisible group in Chadron. It was wonderful to see so many people committed to the principles that America is supposed to stand for.

On February 11, 2026, Mark (and Solomon) attended a Signs of Fascism demonstration in Hastings, Nebraska. Hastings was one of the cities where Mark announced his candidacy, and it was good to see so many great people committed to the principles our Constitution is built on.

On February 5, 2026, Mark attended the BLET Division 622 Solidarity Gala in Alliance and had a chance to meet with union members and some of BLET’s national leaders. Independent senate candidate Dan Osborn also attended. Although Mark and Dan had spoken before, this was the first time the two had met in person. Dan, a Navy veteran, joked about Marks Air Force service. And Mark returned fire, poking fun at the Navy.

On February 4, 2026, Mark named Jeff Angus as his Interim Campaign Manager.

 Angus, a Buffalo County resident, is a management consultant who has worked with start-ups, large corporations, and non-profits. His political experience includes serving as a state operations manager for a third-party presidential candidate as well as management roles in various other federal and state campaigns in Nebraska and other states. He also served as a U.S. Senate legislative aide, and in that capacity worked on issues that included agriculture, small business, alternative energy, Native American affairs, antitrust matters, and science policy.

Mr. Angus is also a professional baseball writer and is the author of Management by Baseball (HarperCollins). Mark said he appreciates the “outside the box” perspective Jeff offers.

 Jeff said he agreed to serve as Mark’s Interim Campaign Manager because Mark’s status as an independent and his background as a veteran, prosecutor, agricultural lawyer, and karate instructor make him uniquely qualified to forcefully represent the people Nebraska’s third district without being beholden to either of the two major parties.

On February 4, 2026, Mark met with members of the Dawson County Action Network in Gothenburg. These people are out there walking the walking every day trying to help their neighbors. Gothenburg was one of the cities on Mark’s tour when he announced his candidacy, and it was a wonderful chance to meet again with people who genuinely care and to see friends.

On January 20, 2026, Mark spoke with members of BLET Division 388 in North Platte. Mark stands with labor in opposing proposals that would endanger railroad workers and the public such as proposals that would allow one-person crews on trains.

On January 10, 2026, Mark and Solomon hit the campaign trail and visited McCook. Mark attended an outstanding lecture by UNK professor Nathan Tye about Nebraska’s former independent Senator, George Norris. Solomon was a big hit, and we made some great new friends in McCook.

Grand Island lawyer Mark Porto has agreed to serve as our campaign’s chairperson for central Nebraska. Mark earned his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Nebraska, and is highly accomplished in both criminal and appellate law. We are grateful for his help. You can learn more about Mark HERE.

Today Mark was honored to be a guest on Rural Radio’s Irons in the Fire show, hosted by Nebraska Farmers Union President, John Hansen. Mark emphasized his commitment to Nebraska’s ag sector and the need to make sure rural Nebraskans have affordable healthcare.

On December 19, 2025, Mark met with Mike Gage, the new President of the AFL-CIO in Nebraska. Mark and Mike had met several times before, but not since Mike moved to Lincoln and assumed his new office. It was a great opportunity for Mark to learn more about current issues impacting Nebraska workers. Mike also got to renew his friendship with Mark’s Irish Wolfhound, Solomon.

On December 19, 2025, Mark met with John Hansen, President of the Nebraska Farmers Union, in Lincoln. John graciously provided Mark with a comprehensive briefing on the many issues confronting farmers and ranchers in Nebraska. Mark believes we must enforce existing antitrust laws and strengthen them to increase competition in the beef industry and in many other industries.

On November 14, 2025, the Coast Guard issued a new harassment policy reclassifying swastikas and nooses — long treated as hate symbols — as merely "potentially divisive." When the Washington Post broke the story on November 20, the backlash was fierce. Acting Commandant Adm. Kevin Lunday responded within hours, issuing a memo declaring that "divisive or hate symbols and flags are prohibited" and explicitly listing swastikas and nooses as banned. DHS called the original reporting "demonstrably false."

But on December 15, the original manual — still containing the "potentially divisive" language — went into effect anyway. The Washington Post reported on December 16 that the Coast Guard had quietly allowed this to happen despite the commandant's earlier assurances, triggering a new wave of outrage from lawmakers and veterans' advocates.

Mark, an Air Force veteran, blasted this as an insult to the hundreds of thousands of American servicemembers who gave their lives to defeat Nazi Germany. Mark said, "Nebraskans deserve a representative who won't sit silently while our government insults those who gave their lives."

Update: On December 19, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem announced that the "potentially divisive" language would be fully removed from the Coast Guard's policy, stating that the superseded pages would be taken off the record entirely.

Mark meet with Garden County residents in Lewellen on Saturday December 12th. County residents are fortunate to have access to Garden County Health Services, a non-profit that maintains a critical access hospital in Oshkosh. In the past few years at least one hospital in NE-03 has closed, as have several clinics. One reason for these closures is recent cuts to Medicaid. More cuts are coming and the problem is likely to get worse if Congress does not change course.

On December 12th Mark met with railroad workers in Alliance and listened to their concerns. Mark supports legislation that requires a minimum of two crew members on all freight trains, stricter safety regulations, and more robust paid sick leave policies. Thanks to Dave Brennan and IBEW Local 1517 for the opportunity.

Jeff Cooley, the President of the Midwest Nebraska Central Labor Council, has agreed to serve as our advisor on labor and railroad safety issues. Jeff’s experience will invaluable. On top of that, Jeff and his wife have become good friends with Solomon, Mark’s Irish Wolfhound.

Cella Quinn, former reporter for the Lincoln Journal Star and co-founder of the Nebraska ACLU, has endorsed Mark. Cella wrote, “I’ve known Mark for more than forty years. He will stand up for women and fight to protect the freedoms of all rural Nebraskans. I’ve Mark since he was in the Air Force. He will make rural Nebraskans proud.”

We are honored to announce that Jerry Kuenning, the former president of the Nebraska Cattlemen, has agreed to serve as Mark’s agricultural advisor. Jerry brings decades of valuable experience in farming and ranching. Mark looks forward to working with Jerry to give farmers and ranchers in Nebraska’s third district a real voice in Washington.

On November 21, 2025, Mark Cohen, the former Air Force JAG running for Congress as an independent in Nebraska’s third congressional district, issued a statement scolding the administration for incorrect statements about military law.  

The issue arose most recently when several Democratic lawmakers, all veterans, publicly urged servicemembers to refuse to obey illegal orders. The President responded by accusing the lawmakers of “seditious behavior punishable by DEATH!” 

Cohen, who served four years on active duty as a judge advocate at Offutt Air Force Base and as a military law expert for MSNBC, said Article 92 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice requires that servicemembers obey lawful orders. “Servicemembers,” he said, “have a right and sometimes a duty to disobey unlawful orders. Their oath is to the Constitution, not to a president. Following illegal orders was not a defense at Nuremberg, and that has not changed.”

LEMOYNE, NE — Mark Cohen announced Wednesday that he will run for the U.S. House in Nebraska’s third district as an independent. Cohen, a former Air Force Judge Advocate, lives in Lemoyne and teaches karate in Ogallala.

In a fast paced tour across Nebraska, Cohen spoke with groups in Hastings, Kearney, Gothenburg, and Gering.  

Cohen told attendees, “Nebraskans are fed up with a two-party system that forces us to choose between extremists, and they’re tired of a system that rewards politicians for speaking in sound bites. I won’t sit quietly while  those who should represent us destroy agriculture and cut rural healthcare to give tax cuts to billionaires.” 

Cohen told guests that after forming his exploratory committee several people encouraged him to run as a Democrat and a few suggested he run as a Republican. He rejected both options and explained, “With all the big money in politics only an independent can be a true voice for the people. I will represent rural Nebraskans – not party bosses or big donors.” He also said an independent would be better able to help heal what he called the “hateful divide” the two parties have created to raise money. 

At each stop Cohen told attendees the next election offers rural Nebraskans a rare opportunity to lead America by issuing a new Declaration of Independence – “Independence from a two-party system that rewards extremists, independence from big money buying elections, and independence from divisive rhetoric that pits neighbor against neighbor.”

Asked if he was concerned about the financial advantages a Republican or Democrat might have, Cohen replied, “That’s a loser’s attitude. Nebraskans are smarter than the pundits and politicians often assume. The big money won’t distract them from the realities they now face.”

Cohen first came to Nebraska in 1983 as an Air Force Judge Advocate. He also served as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney for Nebraska. After leaving active duty, Cohen practiced law in Omaha for eight years, representing an agricultural lender during the farm crisis of the late 1980s. He later earned an advanced law degree (LL.M.) in agricultural law from the University of Arkansas, where he also served as an adjunct faculty member. He wrote two mysteries published by Time-Warner. He has been a Nebraska Admiral for thirty-nine years.