Nelson energizes Democratic delegates

Change is the word of the day at the Nebraska Democratic Party convention being held at Midland Lutheran College this weekend.

U.S. Sen. Ben Nelson brought the delegates to their feet during his speech Saturday morning.

“Change is the word of the day and the word of the future,” Nelson said. “Change is what all of us are looking for in Washington.”

Nelson highlighted the growth of the party during the past two years. Democrats have picked up more than 15,000 registered voters.

“Our party is changing. It’s growing,” he said. “We’ve increased active participation.”

The senator criticized newspaper columnists who questioned whether the party could deliver in November.

“They should be writing over and over again about the energy, the enthusiasm,” he said. “It’s hard to ignore what’s happening in Fremont today and what will happen in November.”

Nelson said Democrats want change.

“We want progress. We want good government,” he said. “The administration seems to want more of the same.”

He was critical of an appropriations bill that would fund the war in Iraq.

“They under fund the war and exceed the appropriations. �- Then they think Congress should authorize loans from China to fund it,” he said.

"November is just the preliminary,” Nelson added.. “Because we’re going to put an end to that mismanagement next January when Barack Obama moves into 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.”

Nelson warmed up the delegates with a couple of jokes.

He said everyone is upset about gasoline prices.

“But there is one not of hope: This is all part of the president’s health plan to make us walk more. Unfortunately, it’s working,” Nelson said.

He also said the Washington is being impacted by global warming. Just the other day, he said, a chunk of ice fell off Vice President Dick Cheney.

The Nebraska Democratic Party convention continues through Sunday.