Editorial: Standing On Principle

Over the weekend, Lieutenant Governor Rick Sheehy resigned.

The decision came suddenly, after reports surfaced regarding improper use of his state-issued mobile phone. Apparently Sheehy logged more than 2,000 calls to four women, one of whom admits to a romantic relationship with the now former Lieutenant Governor.

Of course, this is not the first time a politician has been caught with his pants down, literally or figuratively.

We wish to call attention to Governor Dave Heineman’s performance when he learned of the scandal.

He immediately called a press conference to announce the resignation and explain the reason for Sheehy’s departure. Although the Lieutenant Governor had been considered a shoe-in for the 2014 gubernatorial race—and picked up an endorsement from his boss—Heineman refused to rationalize or mince words.

“I had trusted him,” the Governor said, “and that trust was broken.”

Despite the fact that voters swept the pair into office in 2006 and reelected them handily in 2010, Heineman put propriety ahead of politics. When asked if his endorsement remained in place, the Governor responded with an emphatic no.

“I would not support him under the circumstances,” Heineman said.

Certainly these were not easy words to utter, given the pair’s longevity and success in office. But Heineman did not hesitate.

As is natural, we do not always agree with the Governor. But right now, we have never been prouder of his morals, his leadership or the manner in which he presents Nebraska and its values to the rest of the nation.