McLeay discusses foreign policy, gridlock on final swing through Sidney

Bart McLeay believes that for Congress to work, its members must try to reach a consensus on issues. He also knows that the current body in Washington is notorious, at least in the public’s eye, for gridlock.

The Republican candidate for Nebraska’s U.S. Senate seat is adamant that he will not be a part of any legislative standstill.

“Nebraska clearly wants their representative in the Senate to advance conservative ideas, so we will have to vote no at times,” he said. “But I would never leave a successful business to go to Washington and sit in gridlock and read someone else’s script, unless it’s in the interest of Nebraska.”

With the primary campaign winding down before Tuesday’s election, McLeay made another swing through Sidney this week to promote is candidacy. The longtime lawyer said he understands how to take up the public’s cause after years advising clients then working on their behalf, even when they opted against his preferred course of action.

On the campaign trail, he added, “I have learned where Nebraska stands.”

The U.S. government faces ongoing challenges. In McLeay’s world view, leaders in Washington must act thoughtfully.

“We have made a lot of mistakes,” he said, referring to foreign policy decisions.

To understand and issue and act in the nation’s best interest requires research and knowledge of each side’s stake in the problem, he pointed out.

“We should not lead from behind,” McLeay said. “But that does not mean we send troops all over the globe.”

He is frustrated by the Obama administrations handling of several issues, domestic and foreign.

On Ukraine, McLeay observed that “it’s almost as if the President doesn’t understand (Vladimir) Putin.”

But McLeay backs the sanctions approach, though he would have insisted on more stringent punishment, along with measures to alleviate the concerns of European business leaders.

With the vote looming, McLeay said he enjoyed the campaign process and is ready for the election.

“I’m hoping on Tuesday people evaluate us on our ideas, conviction and plans,” he said.