Deb Fischer

Not to be confused with the astronomer Debra Fischer.

Deb Fischer
United States Senator from Nebraska
Incumbent
Assumed office January 3, 2013 Servingwith Ben Sasse
Preceded by	Ben Nelson
Member of the Nebraska Legislature from the 43rd district
In office January 3, 2005 –January 3, 2013
Preceded by	Jim Jones
Succeeded by	Al Davis
Personal details
Born	Debra Lynelle Strobel [1] [ better source needed ] (1951-03-01) March 1, 1951 (age 69) Lincoln, Nebraska, U.S.
Political party	Republican
Spouse(s)	Bruce Fischer ​ (m. 1972)​
Children	3
Residence	Valentine, Nebraska, U.S.
Education	University of Nebraska–Lincoln (BS)
Occupation	Rancher
Website	Senate website

Debra Strobel Fischer (born March 1, 1951) is an American politician serving as the senior United States Senator from Nebraska since 2013. She was elected to the Senate in 2012 and reelected in 2018. Fischer served two terms in the Nebraska Legislature, representing a rural district in the Sandhills, from 2005 to 2013. She is a member of the Republican Party and the first woman elected to a full term as a U.S. senator from Nebraska.

Early life, education, and career

Fischer was born Debra Strobel in 1951, in Lincoln, Nebraska, the daughter of Florence M. (née Bock) and Gerold Carl "Jerry" Strobel. ^{[2] [3]} Her father was the State Engineer/Director of the Nebraska Department of Roads under Governors Kay Orr and Ben Nelson and her mother was an elementary school teacher with Lincoln Public Schools. ^[2]

In 1972, she married Bruce Fischer, from Valentine, whom she met at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. ^{[2] [3]} She and her husband raised three sons on the Fischer family cattle ranch south of Valentine. ^{[2] [3]} In 1987, she returned to the university and completed her B.S. degree in education. ^[3]

School board (1990-2004)

In 1990, Fischer was elected to the Valentine Rural High School Board of Education. She served until 2004. The governor appointed Fischer as a Commissioner to the Nebraska Coordinating Commission for Post-Secondary Education from 2000 to 2004. ^[4]

Nebraska Legislature (2005–2013)

Elections

In 2004, Fischer ran for the Nebraska Legislature from the 43rd legislative district. In the nonpartisan primary, she came in second in a field of seven, receiving 2226 votes (25.1%); front-runner Kevin T. Cooksley received 2264 votes (25.5%). In the general election, she defeated Cooksley with 8178 votes to his 8050, for a margin of 50.4%–49.6%. ^[5]

In 2008, she won re-election unopposed. ^[6] Nebraska's term-limits law precluded her running for re-election in 2012. ^[7]

Tenure

Fischer's district was geographically the largest in the Nebraska Legislature, comprising 12 counties and part of a 13th. ^[8] During her tenure in the legislature, she did a weekly radio show on seven stations covering her district, and wrote a weekly column printed in several newspapers. ^[9]

In 2007, she helped to filibuster a bill that created a statewide smoking ban for indoor workplaces and public places. ^[10]

In 2009, Fischer was one of fourteen co-sponsors of L.B. 675, which required abortion providers to display ultrasound images of the fetus at least one hour prior to the abortions, in a position where the abortion seeker could easily view them. A spokesman for the National Right to Life Committee stated that the Nebraska law was stronger than those of other states, which only required that the client be asked if she wanted to see an ultrasound image. The measure passed by a 40–5 vote, and was signed into law by Governor Dave Heineman. ^[11]

U.S. Senate (2013–present)

Elections

2012 election

Main article: 2012 United States Senate election in Nebraska

Primary

In January 2012, after incumbent Democratic Senator Ben Nelson announced his retirement, Fischer officially announced she would run for the U.S. Senate. ^[12] The Republican primary campaign was expected to shape up as a battle between Attorney General Jon Bruning and State Treasurer Don Stenberg; Fischer and three less well-known candidates were also on the ballot. ^{[13] [14]}

During the primary campaign, Fischer was criticized by environmentalists and others because her family's ranch near Valentine grazed cattle on federal land, leasing it for about $110,000 per year less than the market rate on private land. Opponents of federal grazing leases argued that she should relinquish her family's permit if she wants to remain "morally consistent" with her message of less government. Fischer argued that the poor quality of federal lands, plus the restrictions that come with federal leases, make it inappropriate to compare them to private leases. ^[15]

Throughout the campaign, Fischer was outspent by Bruning, who raised $3.6 million, and Stenberg, who spent $865,000. Fischer's campaign raised only $440,000. However, Bruning and Stenberg spent much of their resources attacking one another; Fischer benefitted from the damage that each did to the other's approval ratings. She was also aided by $725,000 in television ads bought by the Club for Growth attacking Bruning. Shortly before the election, she was endorsed by Nebraska U.S. Representative Jeff Fortenberry and by 2008 Vice-Presidential candidate Sarah Palin, who recorded robocalls endorsing her; and a super PAC financed by former Omaha businessman Joe Ricketts paid for $250,000 worth of television advertising promoting Fischer and opposing Bruning. ^{[13] [16]}

Fischer won the primary election with 40% of the vote. Bruning ranked second with 35%, and Stenberg ranked third with 18%. Fischer took a plurality of votes in 75 of Nebraska's 93 counties. Bruning won 15 counties and Schuyler businessman Pat Flynn received a plurality in his home Colfax County. Fischer and Bruning tied in Kimball and Sioux counties. ^{[14] [17]}

General election

In the general election, Fischer faced Democrat Bob Kerrey, a former Nebraska governor and U.S. senator, who was running for the seat that he had held from 1989 to 2001.

In the course of the campaign, Kerrey's advertising accused Fischer of unprincipled conduct in the matter of a 1995 adverse possession suit, whereunder the Fischers had attempted to obtain title to 104 acres (42 ha) of land adjoining their property. ^[18] Fischer maintained that their intent in filing the suit was to obtain a more manageable boundary for their ranch, after repeated attempts to purchase the land had failed; an Omaha World-Herald analysis stated that the Kerrey campaign's statements regarding Fischer's actions in the Legislature failed to mention her support for a compromise measure that would have allowed NGPC to buy the land. ^[19] A Fischer spokesman accused Kerrey of "reckless disregard for the truth" and "gutter politics" in the matter. ^[18]

In the general election, Fischer defeated Kerrey 58%–42%. Fischer won mainly by swamping Kerrey in the state's rural areas. She won 88 of Nebraska's 93 counties. Kerrey only won Douglas, Lancaster, Saline, Thurston, and Dakota counties. ^[20]

2018 election

Main article: 2018 United States Senate election in Nebraska

Fischer was re-elected to the U.S. Senate in 2018, defeating Democratic challenger Jane Raybould by a significant margin. ^[21]

Tenure and political positions

Fischer with Judge Brett Kavanaugh in July 2018

Fischer became the third female U.S. Senator in Nebraska's history, and the first since 1954. ^{[22] [23]} She was the first elected to a full term: of the earlier woman Senators, Eva Bowring was appointed in 1954 to occupy the seat vacated by the death of Dwight Griswold until a special election could be held to replace him later that year; ^[24] Hazel Abel won that special election to finish Griswold's term, but did not seek a full term. ^[25]

114th Congress (2015-2017)

After the 2016 Orlando nightclub shooting, Fischer said any legislative proposals to restrict people on the terrorist watchlist from buying guns would not stop mass shootings. She said that preventing self-radicalization was more important than restricting gun access. ^[26]

117th Congress (2021-present)

Before the January 6, 2021, United States Electoral College count, Fischer announced that she would vote to certify the election results. ^[27] Fischer was on Capitol Hill to participate in the count when Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol. During the attack, Fischer tweeted that "These rioters have no constitutional right to harm law enforcement and storm our Capitol. We are a nation of laws, not some banana republic. This must end now." ^[28]

Committee assignments

• Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
  • Subcommittee on Livestock, Marketing, and Agriculture Security (Chairwoman)
• Committee on Armed Services
  • Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities
  • Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support
  • Subcommittee on Strategic Forces (Chairwoman)
• Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation
  • Subcommittee on Aviation Operations, Safety, and Security
  • Subcommittee on Competitiveness, Innovation, and Export Promotion
  • Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety, and Insurance
  • Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard
  • Subcommittee on Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety, and Security (Chairwoman)
• Committee on Environment and Public Works
  • Subcommittee on Fisheries, Water, and Wildlife
  • Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure
  • Subcommittee on Water and Wildlife
• Committee on Rules and Administration
• Special Committee on Aging

Political positions

Fischer supports more troops on the southern border and opposes college benefits for undocumented immigrants. ^{[29] [ better source needed ]}

Fischer has expressed support for an amendment to the U.S. Constitution limiting senators to two six-year terms and representatives to three two-year terms. She pledged to "limit herself to two terms in office". She also stated that members of the U.S. Congress should be placed under a lifetime ban from becoming federally registered lobbyists. ^{[30] [ better source needed ]}

In June 2020, of the Supreme Court decision in Bostock v. Clayton County that "extended Civil Rights Act protections to gay, lesbian and transgender workers", Fischer said, "It's important that we recognize that all Americans have equal rights under our Constitution. I'm fine with it." ^[31]

Personal life

Fischer and her husband Bruce operate the family ranch, Sunny Slope Ranch, near Valentine, Nebraska. Their adult sons Adam, Morgan, and Luke own the majority of the stock in the family corporation, while the elder Fischers retain a minority share. ^[32]

Electoral history

2012 U.S. Senate primary election results, Nebraska ^[33]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Republican	Deb Fischer	79,941	41.0
	Republican	Jon Bruning	70,067	35.9
	Republican	Don Stenberg	36,727	18.8
	Republican	Pat Flynn	5,413	2.8
	Republican	Spencer Zimmerman	1,601	0.8
	Republican	Sharyn Elander	1,294	0.7
Total votes			195,043	100

2012 U.S. Senate general election results, Nebraska ^[34]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%	±%
	Republican	Deb Fischer	455,593	57.77%	+21.65%
	Democratic	Bob Kerrey	332,979	42.23%	-21.65%
Total votes			'788,572'	'100.0%'	N/A
	Republican gain from Democratic

2018 U.S. Senate primary election results, Nebraska ^[35]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Republican	Deb Fischer (incumbent)	128,157	75.79%
	Republican	Todd F. Watson	19,661	11.63%
	Republican	Jack Heidel	9,413	5.57%
	Republican	Jeffrey Lynn Stein	6,380	3.77%
	Republican	Dennis Frank Macek	5,483	3.24%
Total votes			169,094	100%

2018 U.S. Senate general election results, Nebraska ^[36]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%	±%
	Republican	Deb Fischer (incumbent)	403,151	57.69%	-0.08%
	Democratic	Jane Raybould	269,917	38.62%	-3.61%
	Libertarian	Jim Schultz	25,349	3.63%	N/A
	Write-in		466	0.07%	N/A
Total votes			'698,883'	'100%'	N/A
	Republican hold

See also

• Women in the United States Senate

References

1. https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/60966284/ Marriages
2. McCARTHY, MARK (December 24, 2019). "Senator Deb Fischer: 'I love public policy making'". starherald.com. Retrieved February 21, 2020.
3. Dianne G. Bystrom; Barbara Burrell (December 31, 2018). Women in the American Political System: An Encyclopedia of Women as Voters, Candidates, and Office Holders [2 volumes]. ABC-CLIO. p. 160. ISBN   978-1-61069-974-7.
4. https://bioguideretro.congress.gov/Home/MemberDetails?memIndex=F000463
5. "Official Report of the Board of Canvassers of the State of Nebraska: Primary Election, May 11, 2004 and General Election, November 2, 2004". Archived March 6, 2016, at the Wayback Machine Nebraska Library Commission. pp. 31 (primary) and 30 (general). Retrieved 2013-01-14.
6. "Official Report of the Board of Canvassers of the State of Nebraska: General Election, November 4, 2008". Archived March 5, 2016, at the Wayback Machine Nebraska Library Commission. p. 17. Retrieved 2013-01-14.
7. Hansen, Matthew. "Deb Fischer's path to politics fueled by grit, determination". Archived October 23, 2012, at the Wayback Machine Omaha World-Herald. 2012-09-30. Retrieved 2013-01-13.
8. "U.S. Senate candidate makes final rounds before Primary". The Imperial Republican. Imperial, Nebraska. Retrieved May 16, 2012.
9. "Senator moonlights as cowpoke on weekends". Unicameral Update. 2005-01-26. Retrieved 2013-01-13.
10. Young, JoAnne. "Lawmakers give first-round OK to smoking ban". Lincoln Journal Star. 2007-03-05. Retrieved 2013-01-13.
11. "Nebraska Lawmakers Pass Abortion Ultrasound Bill". Fox News. 2009-05-29. Retrieved 2013-01-13.
12. Thayer, John. "Senator Deb Fischer Files for U.S. Senate". KSCR-AM. 2012-02-01. Retrieved 2012-05-16.
13. Tysver, Robynn. "Fischer trips Bruning, will take on Kerrey for Senate seat". Kearney Hub. 2012-05-16. Retrieved 2012-06-16.
14. "Official Report of the Board of State Canvassers of the State of Nebraska: Primary Election, May 15, 2012". Nebraska Secretary of State. pp. 15-18. Retrieved 2013-01-13.
15. Tysver, Robynn. "Critics: Subsidy benefits Fischer". Omaha World-Herald. 2011-10-23. Retrieved 2011-12-07.
16. "2012 House and Senate Campaign Finance for Nebraska: Stenberg for Senate 2012 Committee". Federal Election Commission. 2012-09-30. Retrieved 2013-01-13.
17. Blum, Julie. "Flynn takes 2nd run at U.S. Senate". Columbus Telegram. 2012-03-12. Retrieved 2013-01-14.
18. Wetzel, Diane. "Kerrey critical of Fischer's treatment of neighbor". North Platte Telegraph. 2012-10-16. Retrieved 2013-01-09.
19. Tysver, Robynn, and Matthew Hansen. "'Perfect' land at heart of Fischer dispute with neighbors". Archived November 2, 2012, at the Wayback Machine Omaha World-Herald. 2012-10-28. Retrieved 2013-01-09.
20. "Official Report of the Board of State Canvassers of the State of Nebraska: General Election, November 6, 2012". Nebraska Secretary of State. pp. 12. Retrieved 2013-01-14.
21. Sanderford, Aaron (November 6, 2018). "Deb Fischer cruises to win over Raybould, returning to U.S. Senate". Omaha.com. Retrieved March 17, 2020.
22. White, Steve. "Fischer Win Makes Clean Sweep for Nebraska GOP". Archived March 4, 2016, at the Wayback Machine Nebraska.TV (ABC) 2012-11-14. Retrieved 2013-06-07.
23. Weiner, Rachel (May 16, 2012). "How Deb Fischer pulled an upset in Nebraska". The Washington Post. Retrieved May 16, 2012.
24. "Bowring, Eva Kelly". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. Retrieved 2013-06-07.
25. "Abel, Hazel Hempel". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. Retrieved 2013-06-07.
26. Morton, Joseph. "Nebraska, Iowa Senate Republicans say Dems' gun proposals are unlikely to halt future attacks". Omaha World-Herald. Retrieved October 5, 2017.
27. "'I will uphold my oath': Nebraska Sen. Deb Fischer says widespread voter fraud not proven in 2020 election". KETV. January 5, 2021. Retrieved January 14, 2021.
28. "'This must end now': Nebraska Sen. Deb Fischer condemns 'rioters' storming US Capitol". KETV. January 6, 2021. Retrieved January 14, 2021.
29. "Deb Fischer on Immigration". www.ontheissues.org. Retrieved January 30, 2019.
30. "The Voter's Self Defense System". Vote Smart. Retrieved April 15, 2018.
31. Everett, Burgess; Levine, Marianne (June 15, 2020). "GOP backs Gorsuch's LGBTQ decision after conservative blowback". Politico. Retrieved September 19, 2020.
32. Reed, Leslie. "Fischer: Don't count me out". Omaha World-Herald. 2012-04-21. Retrieved 2012-05-19.
33. "Official Report of the Board of State Canvassers of the State of Nebraska" (PDF). Secretary of State of Nebraska . Retrieved March 17, 2020.
34. "2012 U.S. Senate General Election Results" (PDF). Nebraska Secretary of State. Retrieved March 17, 2020.
35. "2018 Nebraska primary election results" (PDF). Retrieved March 17, 2020.
36. "2018 Nebraska primary election results" (PDF). Retrieved March 17, 2020.

Further reading

• "Sen. Deb Fischer – District 43 – Biography". Nebraska Legislature. Retrieved 2012-03-16. Archived from original 2012-06-05.
• "Outstanding LEAD Alum". Nebraska LEAD Alumni Association. Retrieved 2012-05-19.

External links

• Biography at the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress
• Profile at Vote Smart
• Financial information (federal office) at the Federal Election Commission
• Legislation sponsored at the Library of Congress
• Senator Deb Fischer official U.S. Senate website
• Campaign website
• Deb Fischer at Curlie
• Appearances on C-SPAN

Party political offices
Preceded by Pete Ricketts	Republican nominee for U.S. Senator from Nebraska (Class 1) 2012, 2018	Most recent
U.S. Senate
Preceded by Ben Nelson	U.S. Senator (Class 1) from Nebraska 2013–present Served alongside: Mike Johanns, Ben Sasse	Incumbent
U.S. order of precedence (ceremonial)
Preceded by Elizabeth Warren	United States Senators by seniority 61st	Succeeded by Ed Markey