This is a non-partisan analysis of the policies and political positions of Deb Fischer (R) and Bob Kerrey (D), politicians contesting for the U.S. Senate seat from Nebraska in the 2012 elections for the Senate. Fischer scored an unexpected victory over GOP favorite Jon Bruning in the Republican primary and went on to defeat Bob Kerry to win the senatorial election.
Comparison chart
 | Bob Kerrey | Deb Fischer |
|---|---|---|
 |  | |
| Born | Joseph Robert Kerrey, (1943-08-27) August 27, 1943 (age 68), Lincoln, Nebraska | (1951-03-01) March 1, 1951 (age 61), Lincoln, Nebraska |
| Political party | Democratic | Republican |
| Residence | Omaha, Nebraska | Valentine, Nebraska |
| Alma mater | University of Nebraska-Lincoln | University of Nebraska-Lincoln |
| Introduction (from Wikipedia) | Joseph Robert "Bob" Kerrey (born August 27, 1943) was the 35th Governor of Nebraska from 1983 to 1987 and a United States Senator from Nebraska from 1989 to 2001. After serving in the Vietnam War and being awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions, | Debra Strobel 'Deb' Fischer (born March 1, 1951) is a member of the Nebraska Legislature and Nebraska's Republican nominee for the U.S. Senate. Her rural legislative district is in the north-central portion of the state and is the largest geographica |
Economic Policy
Tax Policy
- Fischer May 2012 Voted for the largest tax relief package in Nebraska history
- Kerrey July 1999 Voted NO on $792B tax cuts
Stimulus Spending and Bailouts
- Fischer Jan 2012 Supports the Cut-Cap-and-Balance Pledge
- Kerrey March 1997 Voted NO on Balanced-budget constitutional amendment
Regulation
- Fischer April 2012 No campaign contributions from industry tied to your office
- Kerrey Oct 1997 Voted YES on McCain-Feingold overhaul of campaign finance
Healthcare Policy
- Fischer May 2012 Repeal ObamaCare; reform tort system
- Kerrey June 2000 Voted YES on including prescription drugs under Medicare
Social Policy
Abortion
- Fischer May 2012 Support a culture of life
- Kerrey Oct 1999 Voted NO on banning partial birth abortions
Immigration
- Fischer May 2012 More troops on our southern border
- Kerrey July 1998 Voted YES on allowing more foreign workers into the U.S. for farm work
Women's Rights
- Fischer Nov 2004 No affirmative action in public employment nor contracting
- Kerrey March 1998 Voted YES on setting aside 10% of highway funds for minorities & women
Education Policy
- Fischer Nov 2004 Endorse voluntary prayer in public schools
- Kerrey July 1994 Voted NO on requiring schools to allow voluntary prayer
Gun Control
- Fischer May 2012 Advocate for gun owners and our 2nd Amendment rights
- Kerrey May 1999 Voted YES on background checks at gun shows
Differences in Foreign Policy
Position on Afghanistan
- Fischer May 2012 We must fight and win the war on terrorism
- Kerrey July 2004 Multilateral coalition for Muslim youth outreach
Energy Policy
- Fischer Nov 2004 Support alternative fuel AND coal, natural gas, and oil
- Kerrey April 2000 Voted NO on preserving budget for ANWR oil drilling
Environmental Policy
- Fischer May 2012 Agriculture plays a crucial role in our Nebraska economy
- Kerrey Sept 1999 Voted NO on more funding for forest roads and fish habitat
Kerrey vs Fischer in Opinion Polls
| Poll source | Date(s) administered | Bob Kerrey (D) | Deb Fischer (R) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rasmussen Reports | May 16, 2012 | 38% | 56% |
| Public Policy Polling | March 22-25, 2012 | 38% | 48% |
| Rasmussen Reports | March 5, 2012 | 34% | 46% |
Democrat 
Romney 
Obamacare 
Liberal 
Scott Brown 
Tim Kaine
Comments: Bob Kerrey vs Deb Fischer