Nebraska's dominant political party has a new crop of workers and candidates on the way.
The effort to build a stronger Republican college base is being driven by a 22-year-old senior at Nebraska Wesleyan University who was motivated by something he once heard one of his professors say.
The number of College Republicans in the state has multiplied to about 600, State Chairman Dylan Frederick said. A chapter recently was added at Chadron State College, with Peru State College and Midland University in Fremont next on the list.
"Our goal is to have a presence on every campus in Nebraska," Frederick said. "We want students emerging as young leaders with the courage to stand up for their principles early on."
So, what started his motor?
"When I was a sophomore, I overheard a professor say there is nothing wrong with the redistribution of wealth.
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"That got to me. It runs counter to hard work and making the most of your opportunities. I decided to take a more active political role."
Frederick, who grew up in Falls City, has been working to build the Nebraska Republican future. And that's a perfect match for one of GOP State Chairman Mark Fahleson's longtime goals of growing a stronger base of future Republican leaders at both the high school and college levels.
College Republicans help supply energetic campaign workers ready to stuff envelopes, make fundraising calls and walk the precincts.Â
"Boots on the ground," Frederick said.Â
He and some of his cohorts have signed on as volunteers for the campaign of Lincoln attorney Mike Hilgers, who is attempting to oust state Sen. Ken Haar of Malcolm, a Democrat, in the 21st District legislative race this year.
They're also prepared to lobby state senators to support Gov. Dave Heineman's tax reduction agenda, he said, including repeal of Nebraska's remnant of the inheritance tax.
And sometimes they can be a youthful sounding board for established Republican leaders.
Frederick, a former intern in Rep. Jeff Fortenberry's office, now helps in his Lincoln campaign office.Â
One day recently, Fortenberry stopped Frederick and asked what he thought about whether the congressman ought to consider entering the 2012 Republican Senate race.
"Sir, we can win this thing," Frederick recalled responding.
Fortenberry ultimately decided not to jump into the Senate scrap, but will seek re-election to a fifth term in the House this year. No longer, however, will he represent Frederick's family. Falls City was moved into Rep. Adrian Smith's 3rd District by legislative redistricting last year.
Frederick, who is majoring in history and political science, is thinking about pursuing a post-graduate degree in public policy, perhaps at Georgetown University.
Beyond that, he thinks he'd like to be a candidate for public office in Nebraska someday.Â