Thread by @asanderford

Little question what’s happening today.

Signs point to State Sen. Carol Blood of Bellevue running for #Nebraska governor.

She’s the first Democrat in the race to replace @GovRicketts in 2022.

I’ll be covering this today for @3NewsNowOmaha.

The folks introducing Blood talked about her focus on policy and results, her love of debate, and a focus on getting young people involved.

Blood: The narrative today has unfortunately become us versus them. In Nebraska we have an amazing unicameral tradition. Elected officials must work together for the greater good of all Nebraskans.

Blood: Unfortunately, many in our state government have taken on this us versus them mentality. "I know we can do better and seize opportunities" for meaningful change.

Blood: The first thing we must do for this to happen is to listen first to understand. We do not need to agree or disagree. We need only to listen to each other.

Blood: We don't need to shut down others or expect that they will change their opinion. We can listen and bridge our differences.

Blood: We must prioritize making Nebraska feel like home by working together. (She spoke against prejudice, and hate.)

Blood: Let's get back to our roots and use words like Nebraskans, friends, neighbors. I know when Nebraskans stand together ... and work together .. our lives do get better.

Blood: "We can lead by example and expect that same from those we elect to office."

Blood: We need policy that exposes the truth of property taxes, makes sure prosperity goes to all people, improves public health, encourage educational opportunities that encourage equity and understanding.

Blood: "I love Nebraska, but I know we can do better."

Blood: We must get back to normalizing listening, extend grace and achieve common interests. The aim is meaningful civic action.

Blood: It starts with us. It starts today. I am here today to put actions behind these very words. I would be honored to be your next Nebraska governor. And today, I am launching my campaign.

Blood: Let's get rid of toxic polarization. Look forward to my conversations with all of you in the future.

Blood, after Q: First of all, (on the attack ads), I don't think much of it. They're all half-truths and lies. It's disappointing that we can't come together and talk instead of slinging mud. "I am disappointed in the GOP. They're not going to talk about any real issues."

Blood: They won't talk about Mead or land taken by international companies through eminent domain (for Keystone XL pipeline), and more.

Blood: Let's not make it about party, not because party isn't important, but this divisive narrative is killing Nebraska.

Blood: I am on the committee for redistricting. I have pushed for us to come together and to be kind for one another. So I guess the symbolism is that I want to continue doing what's best for Nebraska by running for governor.

Blood after Q on wedge issues: We have too many issues that don't get addressed because we've made people scared of the boogeyman. If we don't change the narrative now, it's never going to change, and it's going to get worse.

Q on Texas-style abortion bill: Blood: I'm not going to talk about wedge issues until I see a bill. I understand what that is. It's marketing. I'll wait and not comment until I see a bill.

Blood: I'm not a sacrificial lamb. And nobody talked me into this guys. I stepped up to the plate, because I'm sick and tired of the political rhetoric. Too many voices are deafened by the sound of hate.

Blood: If not me, who? We all have to step up to the plate and be better about working together. It doesn't help anything when we're divisive and use that rhetoric.

That’s it for the announcement. We will have the story for you on @3NewsNowOmaha.

(Just a reminder that anything without a quote in these tweets is paraphrased.)

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