Republican Karnes Takes Oath as Nebraska’s New Senator
Nebraska Republican David Karnes, appointed to complete the term of the late Sen. Edward Zorinsky, took the oath of office as a senator on Friday.
Senate Minority Leader Bob Dole (R-Kan.) said he will try to get Karnes on the Agriculture Committee--”a Nebraska tradition.”
Zorinsky, who died of a heart attack on March 6 at age 58 in Omaha, was the No. 2 Democrat on the committee.
Gov. Kay A. Orr on Wednesday appointed Karnes, a political newcomer and Omaha businessman, to complete Zorinsky’s term and was in the Senate chamber for the brief swearing-in ceremony.
Sen. J. James Exon (D-Neb.) escorted Karnes to the Republican side of the rostrum, where Vice President George Bush read the oath of office.
Senate Majority Leader Robert C. Byrd (D-W.Va.) said Karnes will give minority-party Republicans additional muscle in next week’s vote on contra aid. The House voted Thursday against releasing $40 million in aid to the Nicaraguan rebels.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
