Nelson, Ben (1941-…), served as a member of the United States Senate from 2001 to 2013. Nelson, a Democrat, represented Nebraska. He served as governor of Nebraska from 1991 to 1999.
Earl Benjamin Nelson was born in McCook, Nebraska, on May 17, 1941. He attended the University of Nebraska, where he earned B.A. and M.A. degrees in philosophy, as well as a law degree. Before running for governor, Nelson practiced law and held several positions in the insurance industry. For example, he served as general counsel for the Central National Insurance Group from 1972 to 1981 and was the state insurance director for Nebraska in 1975 and 1976.
Nelson was elected governor of Nebraska in 1990 and won reelection in 1994. As governor, he focused on education, environmental protection, and economic development. Proceeds from a state lottery established during his first term supported educational projects and Nebraska’s Environmental Trust Fund. The trust fund, which Nelson introduced, awarded money grants for environmental projects. The governor also worked to reduce Nebraska’s government spending, to reform the state’s welfare system, and to restructure its health and human services agencies.
Nelson became known as a conservative Democrat who voted with Republicans on such issues as abortion and tax increases. In the Senate, Nelson sponsored legislation supporting increased benefits for active and retired military personnel. He also sponsored bills to increase the production of ethanol and other renewable fuels. He became known for his efforts to gain federal funding for projects based in Nebraska. Nelson did not seek reelection to the Senate in 2012.
