David Bernard-Stevens
David Bernard-Stevens | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Nebraska Legislature from the 42nd district | |
| In office December 30, 1987 – August 15, 1996 | |
| Preceded by | James Pappas |
| Succeeded by | Don Pederson |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1951 (age 74–75) |
| Party | Republican |
| Education | Nebraska Wesleyan University American University University of Nebraska–Lincoln (B.A.) Bellevue University (M.S.) |
| Occupation | Teacher |
David Bernard-Stevens (born 1951) is a Republican politician from Nebraska who served as a member of the Nebraska Legislature from the 42nd district from 1987 to 1996.
Early life
[edit]Bernard-Stevens was born in Gothenburg, Nebraska, and attended Nebraska Wesleyan University and American University.[1] While attending American, he worked as a press aide to U.S. Senator Roman Hruska, and ultimately graduated from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln with his bachelor's degree in political science.[1][2][3] He received his teaching certificate and began teaching at Papillion High School, and was selected as Nebraska's Teacher of the Year in 1982.[2][3] Bernard-Stevens subsequently taught at North Platte High School.[3]
Nebraska Legislature
[edit]In 1987, following the resignation of State Senator James Pappas from the legislature, Governor Kay A. Orr appointed Bernard-Stevens to fill the vacancy.[4] Bernard-Stevens was sworn in on December 30, 1987.[5] His appointment was condemned by local Republicans, who criticized Orr for not appointing Pappas's 1986 opponent, Bill Hord, to fill the vacancy.[4]
A special election was held in 1988 for the remaining two years of Pappas's term, and though Hord was expected to run against Bernard-Stevens in the 1988 special election,[2] he declined to run and instead decided to serve as Bernard Stevens's campaign manager.[6] Bernard-Stevens was challenged by former North Platte Mayor Carl Bieber,[7] and narrowly placed first in the primary, winning 54 percent of the vote to Bieber's 46 percent.[8] They both advanced to the general election,[9] where Bernard-Stevens won, 54–46 percent.[8]
Bernard-Stevens ran for a full term in 1990.[10] He was challenged by Lincoln County deputy sheriff Steven Bade,[11] who attacked Bernard-Stevens for his opposition to a measure to require parental notification before minors could receive abortions.[12] Bernard-Stevens was endorsed by Nebraska Voters for Choice, while Bade was supported by pro-life groups.[13] In the primary election, Bernard-Stevens placed first by a wide margin, receiving 67 percent of the vote to Bade's 33 percent.[14] They both advanced to the general election, where Bernard-Stevens won re-election in a landslide, 66–34 percent.[14]
Bernard-Stevens ran for re-election in 1994, and was re-elected unopposed.[15][16]
In 1996, Bernard-Stevens announced that he would resign from the legislature.[17] He left office on August 15, 1996.[18]
Post-legislative career
[edit]Following his resignation from the legislature, Bernard-Stevens was appointed the president of the North Platte Chamber of Commerce.[19] He received his master's degree in leadership at Bellevue University and later started a leadership development company.[2]
References
[edit]- 1 2 Strong, Angela J., ed. (1995). Nebraska Blue Book 1994-95 (PDF). Clerk of the Nebraska Legislature. Retrieved April 10, 2026.
- 1 2 3 4 Wax, Bill (October 13, 2014). "Alumnus David Bernard-Stevens, Out to Change the World". Bellevue University. Retrieved April 10, 2026.
- 1 2 3 Stafford, Ned (December 24, 1987). "North Platte Teacher Named to Pappas' Seat". Omaha World-Herald. p. 46024. Retrieved April 10, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- 1 2 Knapp, Fred (December 24, 1987). "Jim Pappas' legislative seat to David Bernard-Stevens". Lincoln Journal. p. 17. Retrieved April 10, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- ↑ O'Donnell, Patrick J., ed. (1988). Legislative Journal of the State of Nebraska: Ninetieth Legislature, Second Session (PDF). Vol. 1. p. 66-67. Retrieved April 10, 2026.
- ↑ "Bill Hord to Direct Bernard-Stevens Bid". Omaha World-Herald. January 20, 1988. p. 40. Retrieved April 10, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- ↑ "Carl Bieber Running For Legislative Seat". Omaha World-Herald. February 26, 1988. p. 46. Retrieved April 10, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- 1 2 Beermann, Allen J. (1988). Official Report of the Nebraska State Canvassing Board, Primary Election, May 10, 1988, General Election, November 8, 1988 (PDF). Nebraska Secretary of State. Retrieved April 10, 2026.
- ↑ Cordes, Henry J. (May 12, 1988). "Nebraskans Give a Double Shot Of Confidence to State Legislators". Omaha World-Herald. p. 7. Retrieved April 10, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- ↑ Moser, Dan (March 1, 1990). "NP senator files for 4-year term; Haberman gets challenger". North Platte Telegraph. p. 2. Retrieved April 10, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- ↑ "Bade kicks off campaign bid". North Platte Telegraph. March 27, 1990. p. 3. Retrieved April 10, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- ↑ Moser, Dan (May 8, 1990). "Politics, pork on menu at local gathering of candidates Sunday". North Platte Telegraph. p. 3. Retrieved April 10, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- ↑ Joyce, James (May 17, 1990). "Pro-choice, pro-life camps both claim election-day victories". Lincoln Star. p. 15. Retrieved April 10, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- 1 2 Beermann, Allen J. (1990). Official Report of the Nebraska State Canvassing Board, Primary Election, May 15, 1990, General Election, November 6, 1990 (PDF). Nebraska Secretary of State. Retrieved April 10, 2026.
- ↑ "7 senators running unchallenged". North Platte Telegraph. March 12, 1994. p. 1. Retrieved April 10, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- ↑ Beermann, Allen J. (1994). Official Report of the Nebraska State Canvassing Board, Primary Election, May 10, 1994, General Election, November 8, 1994 (PDF). Nebraska Secretary of State. Retrieved April 10, 2026.
- ↑ Boellstorff, Leslie (April 17, 1996). "Bernard-Stevens to Leave Legislature". Omaha World-Herald. p. 17. Retrieved April 10, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- ↑ O'Donnell, Patrick J., ed. (1997). Legislative Journal of the State of Nebraska: Ninety-Fifth Legislature, First Session (PDF). Vol. 1. p. 2. Retrieved April 10, 2026.
- ↑ "Ex-Sen. David Bernard-Stevens to Lead Chamber". Omaha World-Herald. August 21, 1996. p. 26. Retrieved April 10, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.