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{{Short description|American attorney & politician (born 1941)}}
{{other people}}
{{Infobox officeholder
| name                = Ben Nelson
| image               = Ben Nelson official photo.jpg
| jr/sr               = United States Senator
| state               = [[Nebraska]]
| term_start          = January 3, 2001
| term_end            = January 3, 2013
| predecessor         = [[Bob Kerrey]]
| successor           = [[Deb Fischer]]
| order1              = 37th [[Governor of Nebraska]]
| lieutenant1         = [[Maxine Moul]]<br>[[Kim M. Robak|Kim Robak]]
| term_start1         = January 9, 1991
| term_end1           = January 7, 1999
| predecessor1        = [[Kay A. Orr|Kay Orr]]
| successor1          = [[Mike Johanns]]
| office2             = Director of the Nebraska Department of Insurance
| governor2           = [[J. James Exon]]
| term_start2         = 1975
| term_end2           = 1976
| predecessor2        = James Jackson
| successor2          = Berri Balka
| birth_name          = Earl Benjamin Nelson
| birth_date          = {{birth date and age|1941|5|17}}
| birth_place         = [[McCook, Nebraska]], U.S.
| death_date          = 
| death_place         = 
| party               = [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]]
| spouse              = Diane Nelson<ref>{{cite web |last=Walton |first=Don |title=Ben Nelson's Daughter Dies in a Fall |url=https://journalstar.com/news/state-and-regional/federal-politics/ben-nelsons-daughter-dies-in-a-fall/article_b8b2c594-b4ec-59c2-838a-a95e93d65793.html |website=journalstar.com |date=8 March 2016 |access-date=January 13, 2021 }}</ref>
| education           = [[University of Nebraska–Lincoln|University of Nebraska]] ([[Bachelor of Arts|BA]], [[Master of Arts|MA]], [[Juris Doctor|JD]])
| module              = {{Listen |pos=center |embed=yes |filename=Sen. Ben Nelson Questions Witnesses on Training and Improving Iraqi Military Forces.ogg |title=Nelson's voice |type=speech |description=Nelson questioning witnesses at a [[United States Senate Committee on Armed Services|Senate Armed Services Committee]] hearing on military operations and strategy in Iraq.<br>Recorded September 29, 2005}}
}}
'''Earl Benjamin Nelson''' (born May 17, 1941) is an American politician, attorney, and businessman who served as a [[United States Senate|United States Senator]] from [[Nebraska]] from 2001 to 2013. A member of the [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic Party]], he previously served as the 37th [[List of governors of Nebraska|governor of Nebraska]] from 1991 to 1999. As of {{CURRENTYEAR}}, he is the last Democrat to have won or held statewide office in Nebraska.

Nelson was an insurance executive before he entered politics. His first run for office was in [[1990 Nebraska gubernatorial election|1990]], when he narrowly defeated incumbent [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] governor [[Kay A. Orr|Kay Orr]]. He was reelected by a landslide in [[1994 Nebraska gubernatorial election|1994]].<ref name="nytimes1994">{{cite journal | date=November 10, 1994 | title= The 1994 Elections: Congress; Who Won Where—The Races For Governor | journal= [[The New York Times]] | url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/11/10/us/the-1994-elections-congress-who-won-where-the-races-for-governor.html | access-date=January 15, 2017}}</ref> He ran for an open [[United States Senate|U.S. Senate]] seat in [[1996 United States Senate election in Nebraska|1996]], losing in an upset to Republican [[Chuck Hagel]]. He was elected to Nebraska's other Senate seat in [[2000 United States Senate election in Nebraska|2000]], and reelected in [[2006 United States Senate election in Nebraska|2006]]. He did not run for a third term in [[2012 United States Senate election in Nebraska|2012]], and was succeeded by Republican [[Deb Fischer]].

Nelson was the most [[conservative Democrat]] during his time in the Senate, frequently voting against his party.<ref>{{cite journal | author = Wing, Nick | date =  January 4, 2011 | title = Ben Nelson Is Senate Democrat Most Likely To Vote Against His Party: Analysis | journal = [[HuffPost]]  | url = https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/01/04/ben-nelson-vote-democrats_n_804101.html | access-date = November 4, 2013}}</ref>

==Early life, education, and early career==
Earl Benjamin Nelson was born on May 17, 1941, in [[McCook, Nebraska|McCook]],<ref>{{Cite news |last=Rettig |first=Jessica |date=2010-03-29 |title=10 Things You Didn't Know About Ben Nelson |work=U.S. News & World Report |url=https://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2010/03/29/10-things-you-didnt-know-about-ben-nelson |access-date=2017-01-16}}</ref> in southwestern Nebraska. He is the only child of Birdella and Benjamin Earl Nelson.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hammel |first=Paul |title=Ben Nelson's childhood home joins museum complex highlighting politicians from McCook |url=https://www.omaha.com/news/nebraska/ben-nelson-s-childhood-home-joins-museum-complex-highlighting-politicians/article_13095fb0-a55f-54aa-84c1-6603a7615b03.html |website=Omaha.com|date=24 December 2017 }}</ref> He is an [[Eagle Scout]].<ref name="Wendell">{{Cite web |last=Wendell |first=Bryan |title=Statue honors Ben Nelson, Distinguished Eagle Scout and Nebraska senator |url=https://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2010/08/10/statue-honors-ben-nelson-distinguished-eagle-scout-and-nebraska-senator/ |access-date=2010-08-10 |website=Bryan on Scouting|date=10 August 2010 }}</ref>

He earned a [[Bachelor of Arts]] in 1963, a [[Master's degree]] in 1965, and a [[Juris Doctor]] in 1970 — all from the [[University of Nebraska–Lincoln]].<ref>{{Cite news |title=Ben Nelson biography |work=JournalStar.com |url=https://journalstar.com/ben-nelson-biography/article_0907e79a-8454-5832-bd9a-a72a6520fc15.html}}</ref>

After graduating from law school, Nelson landed a job as assistant general counsel for Central National Insurance Group of Omaha. After several years in the business, in 1975 the governor appointed him state insurance director.<ref name="Lincoln Journal Star 2000">{{Cite news |last=Hain |first=J. Christopher |date=2000-10-01 |title=Nelson's Past Motivates Crusade for Senate Seat |pages=1A, 10A |work=[[Lincoln Journal Star]] |url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:ORGB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=1177C9C0C0F6EAF0&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated4&req_dat=0D10F2CADB4B24C0 |access-date=2019-06-27 |via=NewsBank}}</ref> After the administration changed, he returned to work for Central National Insurance as an executive vice president and eventually president.<ref name="Lincoln Journal Star 2000" />

==Political career==
Nelson became involved in state politics, joining the [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic Party]]. In 1986, he served as state chairman of Democrat [[Helen Boosalis]]'s gubernatorial campaign. She was mayor of [[Lincoln, Nebraska]].<ref name="nelson"/> Boosalis was defeated by state treasurer Republican [[Kay Orr]], 53% to 47%.<ref name="nelson">{{cite journal | author = Walton, Don | date = June 15, 2009 | title = Former Lincoln Mayor Boosalis Dies | journal = [[Lincoln Journal Star]]  | format = online and print editions | url = http://journalstar.com/news/local/article_fffe6466-61bd-5a93-8a3f-6a48a75db445.html | access-date = October 7, 2011}}</ref><ref name=chronicle>{{cite journal |year = 2002 | title = Earl Benjamin Nelson | journal = [[San Francisco Chronicle]]  | url = http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/politics/election/2002nov/bios/sne1dem.dtl | access-date = October 7, 2011}}{{dead link|date=May 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | date = June 16, 2009 | title = Helen Boosalis Dies | journal = Koln/Kgin Tv | url = http://www.1011now.com/news/headlines/48077287.html | access-date = October 7, 2011 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120519134200/http://www.1011now.com/news/headlines/48077287.html | archive-date = 2012-05-19 }}</ref>

===Governor of Nebraska (1991-1999)===

[[File:President Bill Clinton meeting with Ben Nelson.jpg|thumb|right|Nelson with President [[Bill Clinton]] in 1993]]
Nelson first ran for electoral office in [[1990 Nebraska gubernatorial election|1990]],<ref>{{cite web |title=Gov. E. Benjamin Nelson |url=https://www.nga.org/governor/e-benjamin-nelson/ |website=nga.org |date=3 January 2019 |publisher=NGA |access-date=28 November 2019}}</ref> defeating first-term Republican incumbent Orr by 4,030 votes out of over 586,000 cast.<ref>{{cite web |author = Beermann, Allen J. |author2=Englert, Ralph |display-authors=et al | year = 1990 | title = Official Report of the Board of State Canvassers of the State of Nebraska: Primary Election May 15, 1990, General Election November 6, 1990 | website = State.NE.us | url = http://nlc1.nlc.state.ne.us/epubs/S1200/S001-1990prim_gen.pdf |page=10| access-date = January 15, 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160306062724/http://nlc1.nlc.state.ne.us/epubs/S1200/S001-1990prim_gen.pdf | archive-date = March 6, 2016 | df = mdy-all }}</ref> He was reelected in [[1994 Nebraska gubernatorial election|1994]] with 73% of the vote, the largest margin of victory for a governor in half a century, despite the national Republican gains that year.<ref name="nytimes1994"/>

During his tenure, Nelson cut spending from the previous administration by 64%, when it was forecast to rise by 13%.<ref>{{Cite report |url=https://govdocs.nebraska.gov/epubs/A2100/A002-198687.pdf |title=State of Nebraska Annual Budgetary Reports, 1987-1998 |date=June 30, 1987 |publisher=Department of Administrative Services Accounting Division, State of Nebraska |access-date=October 27, 2024}}</ref> He introduced legislation to cut crime through the Safe Streets Act and Juvenile Crime Bill, advocated for low-income families through the Kids Connection health care system, and enacted welfare reforms. He also cut taxes for over 400,000 middle-income families.<ref name=autogenerated2>{{cite web |url=http://nationaljournal.com/pubs/almanac/2002/people/ne/nes2.htm |title=Sen. Benjamin Nelson (D) - Nebraska |work=Almanac of American Politics 2002 |access-date=2007-12-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110614031851/http://nationaljournal.com/pubs/almanac/2002/people/ne/nes2.htm |archive-date=2011-06-14 }}</ref>

As governor, Nelson took some conservative stances on issues in right-leaning Nebraska. He pushed welfare reform before it was done at a national level and opposed President [[Bill Clinton]]'s efforts on health care.<ref name="Lincoln Journal Star 2000"/>

During the 1990 campaign, Nelson attacked Orr's support for a proposed low-level nuclear waste dump in the state. During his tenure, the Nebraska State Department of Environmental Quality denied the dump's application for an operating license, prompting a lawsuit that Nebraska settled for $145 million.<ref name=journalstar>{{cite journal | author =  Laukaitis, Algis J. | date = August 1, 2005 | title = Call Finally Ends Nuke Waste Dispute | journal = [[Lincoln Journal Star]]  | url = http://journalstar.com/news/local/article_d45d3c67-cf09-5053-98df-8ab5a7f8eeb6.html | access-date = January 15, 2017 }}</ref>

Nelson ran for a seat in the [[United States Senate|U.S. Senate]] in [[1996 United States Senate election in Nebraska|1996]] when fellow Democrat [[Jim Exon]] retired. He was defeated by Republican businessman and Vietnam veteran [[Chuck Hagel]] in an upset.<ref>{{cite web |title=Neb.: Senate Seat Goes Republican In Nebraska |url=https://www.cnn.com/ALLPOLITICS/1996/news/9611/05/senate/ne/ |publisher=CNN |access-date=27 November 2019}}</ref>

In [[1998 Nebraska gubernatorial election|1998]], Nelson was ineligible to run for re-election because of Nebraska's term-limits law. He was succeeded as governor by [[Mike Johanns]], the Republican mayor of Lincoln.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www3.nationaljournal.com/members/campaign/1998/bios/johanns.htm |title=1998 New Member Profiles -- Nebraska Governor Michael Johanns (R) |website=nationaljournal.com |access-date=2011-10-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000816094246/http://nationaljournal.com/members/campaign/1998/bios/johanns.htm |archive-date=2000-08-16 }}</ref> As of {{CURRENTYEAR}}, Nelson is the last Democrat to serve as governor of Nebraska.

===U.S. Senator (2001-2013)===
====2000 election====
{{Main|2000 United States Senate election in Nebraska}}
[[File:NELSONHOYER.jpg|thumb|right|Senator Ben Nelson (right) with House Majority Leader [[Steny Hoyer]] (D-MD)]]
Nelson was nominated by the Democrats for the Senate in the [[U.S. Senate election, 2000|2000 election]] after his fellow Democrat, incumbent [[Bob Kerrey]], announced his retirement. His opponent was [[Nebraska Attorney General|Attorney General]] [[Don Stenberg]]. Nelson won the election with 51% of the vote after a campaign in which he spent 50% more ($1,004,985) than Stenberg. Despite initially pledging to work together,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/news/vote2000/ne/main.htm|title=Nelson, Hagel pledge to work together|last=<!--no byline-->|date=November 8, 2010|work=USA Today|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20011108194227/http://www.usatoday.com/news/vote2000/ne/main.htm|archive-date=November 8, 2001|department=Election 2000}}</ref> Nelson and his fellow colleague Hagel had a somewhat frosty relationship.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_pg=1673&u_sid=2266334|title=Hagel says Ricketts win vital to GOP hold on Congress|last=Thompson|first=Jake|date=October 23, 2006|work=[[Omaha World-Her.|Omaha World-Herald]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071214034056/http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_pg=1673&u_sid=2266334|archive-date=December 14, 2007}}</ref>

====2006 election====
{{Main|2006 United States Senate election in Nebraska}}
[[File:2006 United States Senate election in Nebraska results map by county.svg|thumb|Election results by county for Nelson's 2006 re-election bid]]
Nelson was thought to be in danger of losing his seat in [[2006 United States Senate elections|2006]], as it was thought his successor as governor, [[Mike Johanns]], was almost certain to run against him; that speculation ended when Johanns was appointed [[United States Secretary of Agriculture|U.S. Secretary of Agriculture]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Johanns Gets Ag Nod |url=https://www.wowt.com/home/headlines/1118732.html |website=wowt.com |access-date=30 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041209084601/https://www.wowt.com/home/headlines/1118732.html |archive-date=December 9, 2004 }}</ref> With Johanns's move to Washington, few high-profile Republicans stepped up to run against Nelson, as the state party focused its attention on the [[Nebraska gubernatorial election, 2006|governor's race]].{{citation needed|date=January 2017}} The Republican nomination was won by [[Pete Ricketts]], a former [[TD Ameritrade]] executive.<ref>{{cite web |title=Nebraska Senate 2006 Race |url=https://www.opensecrets.org/races/summary?cycle=2006&id=NES1 | publisher=[[OpenSecrets]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180712053646/https://www.opensecrets.org/races/summary?cycle=2006&id=NES1 |archive-date=July 12, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref>

In the general election, Nelson was endorsed by the [[National Rifle Association of America]], Nebraska Right to Life ([[National Right to Life]]'s state affiliate),<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.journalstar.com/articles/2006/07/18/local/doc44bc07ad13290863899288.prt|title=Tension marked Nelson endorsement|last=Walton|first=Don|date=July 18, 2006|work=[[Linc. J. Star|Lincoln Journal Star]]|access-date=2006-08-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930171131/http://www.journalstar.com/articles/2006/07/18/local/doc44bc07ad13290863899288.prt|archive-date=September 30, 2007}}</ref> Nebraskans United for Life,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nebraskansunitedforlife.org/2006.htm#2006|title=Welcome to Nebraskans United for Life!|last=<!--no byline-->|publisher=Nebraskans United for Life|at=2006 NUFL Endorsements|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012054007/http://www.nebraskansunitedforlife.org/2006.htm#2006|archive-date=October 12, 2007}}</ref> the [[United States Chamber of Commerce|U.S. Chamber of Commerce]], the [[National Federation of Independent Business]],<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.journalstar.com/articles/2006/05/30/local/doc447cbf008219e179974789.txt|title=Nelson challenges Ricketts on immigration|last=Walton|first=Don|date=May 30, 2006|work=[[Linc. J. Star|Lincoln Journal Star]]|access-date=2006-08-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930165616/http://www.journalstar.com/articles/2006/05/30/local/doc447cbf008219e179974789.txt|archive-date=September 30, 2007}}</ref> Nebraska Farmers Union PAC, [[National Farmers Union (United States)|National Farmers Union]] PAC, the [[Veterans of Foreign Wars]] PAC, the Business-Industry Political Action Committee, and the Omaha Police Union, all conservative-leaning groups.

Nelson defeated Ricketts 64%-36%, the biggest victory margin for a Democratic Senate candidate in Nebraska since [[Edward Zorinsky]] won 66% of the vote in 1982.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_pg=1673&u_sid=2276806&u_rnd=3460094|title=Big-money campaign, lopsided victory|last1=Tysver|first1=Robynn|date=November 8, 2006|work=[[Omaha World-Her.|Omaha World-Herald]]|access-date=2006-11-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061116001617/http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_pg=1673&u_sid=2276806&u_rnd=3460094|archive-date=November 16, 2006|last2=Thompson|first2=Jake}}<!--[https://web.archive.org/web/20070804154849/http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_pg=1673 Archived copy] at [[WebCite]] (July 8, 2007).--></ref> In doing so, he received the votes of 42% of Republicans and 73% of Independents on top of 96% of those from his own party. He also won all but 13 counties in the western part of the state, a surprising feat in normally heavily Republican Nebraska.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2006//pages/results/states/NE/S/01/epolls.0.html |title=Elections 2006 |publisher=CNN |access-date=August 29, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2006//pages/results/states/NE/S/01/map.html |title=Elections 2006 |publisher=CNN |access-date=August 29, 2010}}</ref>
[[File:Defense Secretary and Senators Ben Nelson and Jim Webb prior to a hearing before the ASC on the START treaty.jpg|thumb|Defense Secretary [[Robert Gates]] and Senators Ben Nelson and [[Jim Webb]] prior to a hearing before the [[United States Senate Committee on Armed Services|Senate Armed Services Committee]] on the [[New START|START Treaty]].]]

==Political positions==
===Abortion===
Nelson is [[Anti-abortion movements|anti-abortion]].<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://bennelson.senate.gov/press/press_releases/042809-01.cfm |title=NELSON STATEMENT ON SEBELIUS CONFIRMATION |access-date=2010-04-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100505051328/http://bennelson.senate.gov/press/press_releases/042809-01.cfm |archive-date=2010-05-05 }}</ref> In the 2006 election, he was endorsed by Nebraska Right to Life<ref name=betrayed /> and Nebraskans United for Life.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://nebraskansunitedforlife.org/pac/nufl-endorsements/2006-nufl-general-endorsements/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170225211224/http://nebraskansunitedforlife.org/pac/nufl-endorsements/2006-nufl-general-endorsements/|archive-date=February 25, 2017|title=2006 Endorsements " Nebraskans United for Life|website=nebraskansunitedforlife.org|access-date=January 16, 2017}}</ref> He lost Nebraska Right to Life's support after voting for the Senate version of health-care legislation, the [[Affordable Care Act]], which did not contain the Stupak language.<ref name=betrayed>{{cite web | author = Schmit-Albin, Julie | date = December 19, 2009 | title = Betrayed by Senator Nelson's Action on Senate Healthcare Bill | website = NERightToLife.org | url = http://www.nerighttolife.org/SiteResources/Data/Templates/t4.asp?docid=610&DocName=Healthcare%20Bill | access-date = April 26, 2010 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20091226075956/http://www.nerighttolife.org/SiteResources/Data/Templates/t4.asp?docid=610&DocName=Healthcare%20Bill | archive-date = 2009-12-26 }}</ref>

===Earmarks===
In July 2007, Senator [[Tom Coburn]] of [[Oklahoma]] criticized earmarks that Nelson had inserted into the 2007 defense spending bill, alleging that they would benefit Nelson's son Patrick's employer with millions in federal dollars, and that the situation violated terms of the [[Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006]], which the Senate passed but had not yet been voted on in the House. Nelson's spokesperson said he did nothing wrong<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.foxnews.com/story/omaha-companys-windfall-hiring-of-lawmakers-son-irks-senator|title=Omaha Company's Windfall, Hiring of Lawmaker's Son Irks Senator|access-date=July 24, 2007|author=Brendan Dougherty, Michael|publisher=Fox News|date=July 24, 2007|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070726065948/http://www.foxnews.com/story/0%2C2933%2C290532%2C00.html|archive-date=2007-07-26}}</ref> and was acting with "an abundance of caution" when he withdrew the amendment after the new Senate Ethics Rules were passed. Some government watchdogs, including [[Public Citizen]], commented that the earmark probably didn't violate ethics rules.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20090208235612/http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=2798&u_sid=10094581 Omaha World Herald, 8/3/2007, "Future of Nelson earmarks unclear"]</ref> More than one publication questioned Coburn's motives, as his criticism did not include his own state delegation's earmark requests.<ref>Omaha World Herald editorial August 16, 2007, The Oklahoman 8/6/2007, Senator attacks 'pork'; State avoids extra trims from Coburn</ref>

===Health care and "Cornhusker Kickback"===
In late 2009, the Senate's 40 Republicans unanimously opposed the [[Affordable Care Act]], the Senate's version of health-care legislation. To end a Republican [[filibuster]] and pass the measure, the Democrats needed the votes of all 58 of their senators, plus those of two independents who caucused with their party. Nelson was the 60th and final senator to vote for cloture.<ref name=wapohealthdeal>Murray, Shailagh, and Lori Montgomery.  [https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/19/AR2009121900797.html?sid=ST2009121900844 "Deal on health bill is reached".]  [https://www.washingtonpost.com/ ''Washington Post''.]  December 20, 2009. Retrieved April 26, 2010.</ref>

According to Nelson, he wanted to ensure that the final version of the law prohibited the use of public funds for abortions.<ref>[http://bennelson.senate.gov/press/speeches/120709-02.cfm "Nelson Speaks on Senate Floor About Nelson–Hatch Amendment".] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100505040053/http://bennelson.senate.gov/press/speeches/120709-02.cfm |date=2010-05-05 }}  Transcript of Nelson's remarks on Senate floor; press release on [http://bennelson.senate.gov/index.cfm Nelson's Senate website.] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100505024351/http://bennelson.senate.gov/index.cfm |date=2010-05-05 }}  December 7, 2009. Retrieved April 26, 2010.</ref> His [[cloture vote]] came after the measure was amended to permit states to opt out of allowing insurance exchange plans to provide abortion coverage. People with plans that covered abortion costs would pay for that coverage separately from their payment for the rest of the plan.<ref>Kane, Paul.  [https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/19/AR2009121902383.html "To sway Nelson, a hard-won compromise on abortion issue".]  [https://www.washingtonpost.com/ ''Washington Post''.]  December 20, 2009. Retrieved April 26, 2010.</ref> The bill also provided full and permanent federal reimbursement for the expenses Nebraska would incur in its mandated expansion of Medicaid eligibility,<ref name=wapohealthdeal /> an amount the [[Congressional Budget Office]] estimated at $100 million.<ref>O'Brien, Michael.  [https://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/57392-cbo-pegs-nelsons-nebraska-medicaid-deal-cost-at-100-million/ "CBO pegs Nelson's Nebraska Medicaid deal cost at $100 million".]  [https://thehill.com/ The Hill.]  December 20, 2009. Retrieved April 26, 2010.</ref>

The health-care measure was controversial, and Nelson's vote provoked a strong response. Opponents of the Medicaid reimbursement scheme derided it as the "Cornhusker Kickback".<ref>Frates, Chris.  [https://www.politico.com/story/2009/12/payoffs-for-states-get-reid-to-60-030815 "Payoffs for states get Harry Reid to 60 votes".]  [https://www.politico.com/ Politico.]  December 19, 2009. Retrieved April 26, 2010.</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.omaha.com/livewellnebraska/obamacare/what-was-the-cornhusker-kickback-the-deal-that-led-to/article_a2eb3a1d-df14-513b-a141-c8695f6c258e.html|title=What was the 'Cornhusker Kickback,' the deal that led to Nelson's crucial ACA vote?|first=Steve |last=Jordon |website=Omaha.com|date=20 July 2017 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/tallying-the-health-care-bills-giveaways/|title=Tallying the Health Care Bill's Giveaways|date=21 December 2009 |publisher=CBS News}}</ref> Among those denouncing the provision was [[Dave Heineman]], Nebraska's Republican governor.<ref>Hayworth, Bret.  [http://www.siouxcityjournal.com/app/blogs/politically_speaking/?p=1932 "Dems push back to defend Nelson health vote".]  [http://www.siouxcityjournal.com/ ''Sioux City Journal.'']  December 23, 2009. Retrieved April 26, 2010.</ref> To these criticisms, Nelson responded that he had been attempting to eliminate an unfunded federal mandate upon the states,<ref>[https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/obamasdeal/etc/cronnelson.html "Sen. Ben Nelson's Chronology".]  [http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/ PBS Frontline.]  April 13, 2010. Retrieved April 26, 2010.</ref> and that the Nebraska item was a "placeholder", intended from the start to be replaced by a revision that would provide reimbursement for the increased Medicaid costs of every state.<ref name=toast>Morton, Joseph.  [https://archive.today/20130131043834/http://www.omaha.com/article/20100116/NEWS01/100119745 "'Cornhusker kickback' is toast".]  [http://www.omaha.com/ ''Omaha World-Herald''.]  January 16, 2010. Retrieved April 26, 2010.</ref>

[[Anti-abortion]] organizations also responded negatively to Nelson's vote. In April 2010, Nebraska Right to Life declared that it would never again endorse Nelson.<ref>Walton, Don.  [http://journalstar.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/article_d12751ba-4804-11df-a831-001cc4c002e0.html "Nebraska Right to Life OKs Dave Heineman, abandons Ben Nelson".]  [http://journalstar.com/ ''Lincoln Journal Star''.]  April 14, 2010. Retrieved April 26, 2010.</ref>

Nelson's popularity fell among Nebraskans in the wake of his cloture vote. According to Omaha.com, "Almost overnight, the controversial vote knocked [Nelson's] Nebraska voter approval rating from 78 percent, the highest in the Senate, to 42 percent, according to one poll, and prompted relentless criticism, with many observers saying his political career was over."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.omaha.com/livewellnebraska/obamacare/ex-nebraska-sen-ben-nelson-whose-obamacare-vote-caused-controversy/article_e281e351-5faf-5009-9677-72c60ab633b6.html|title=Ex-Nebraska Sen. Ben Nelson, whose Obamacare vote caused controversy, says odds are against GOP on health care|first=Steve |last=Jordon|website=Omaha.com|date=21 July 2017 }}</ref> A December 2009 [[Rasmussen Reports|Rasmussen]] poll indicated that in a hypothetical Nelson–Heineman race, the Republican would get 61% of the vote to Nelson's 30%. In the same poll, 64% of the Nebraska voters surveyed opposed the health-care bill.<ref>[https://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/elections2/election_2012/nebraska/election_2012_nebraska_senate "Election 2012: Nebraska Senate"]  [https://www.rasmussenreports.com/ Rasmussen Reports.]  December 29, 2009. Retrieved April 26, 2010.</ref>

With the victory of Republican [[Scott Brown (politician)|Scott Brown]] in the special election to fill the Senate seat vacated by the death of Senator [[Ted Kennedy|Edward Kennedy]], Democrats lost their filibuster-proof majority. Since Brown had declared himself opposed to the health-care measure, the party's leadership opted to enact the legislation through the [[Reconciliation (United States Congress)|budget reconciliation]] process.<ref>Stolberg, Sheryl Gay, Jeff Zeleny, and Carl Hulse.  [https://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/21/health/policy/21reconstruct.html?pagewanted=1 "Health Vote Caps a Journey Back From the Brink".]  [https://www.nytimes.com/ ''New York Times''.]  March 20, 2010. Retrieved April 27, 2010.</ref> Nelson voted against the final version of the legislation, the [[Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010]].<ref name=nelsonvotesno>Herszenhorn, David.  [http://prescriptions.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/03/22/nelson-to-vote-no-on-reconciliation-bill/ "Nelson to Vote Against Reconciliation Bill".]  [https://www.nytimes.com/ ''New York Times''.]  March 22, 2010. Retrieved April 27, 2010.</ref> His support for the measure was no longer essential to its passage, since the reconciliation bill was not subject to filibuster and required only a simple majority.<ref>Stolberg, Sheryl Gay and Robert Pear.  [https://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/04/health/policy/04health.html?hp "Obama Calls for 'Up or Down Vote' on Health Care Bill".]  [https://www.nytimes.com/ ''New York Times''.]  March 22, 2010. Retrieved April 27, 2010.</ref>

The measure as ultimately passed eliminated the special Medicaid reimbursement for Nebraska, as Nelson had requested in a letter to Senate Majority Leader [[Harry Reid]] about a month after his crucial cloture vote.<ref name=toast /> Nelson said his opposition to the final measure arose from newly added provisions related to [[student loans]]<ref name=nelsonvotesno /> that would adversely affect Nebraska-based student-lending firm [[Nelnet]].<ref>Morton, Joseph.  [https://archive.today/20120908093727/http://www.omaha.com/article/20100327/AP09/703279776 "Students win, firms like Nelnet lose".]  [http://www.omaha.com/ ''Omaha World-Herald''.]  March 27, 2010. Retrieved April 27, 2010.</ref><ref>Olberding, Matt.  [http://journalstar.com/business/local/article_e1492e4a-391f-11df-a246-001cc4c03286.html "End of student loan program will mean job cuts at Nelnet".]  [http://journalstar.com/ ''Lincoln Journal Star''.]  March 26, 2010. Retrieved April 27, 2010.</ref> Despite voting against it, he subsequently defended the law, saying, "I am willing to fight to improve it, but not to repeal it."<ref>Walton, Don.  [http://journalstar.com/news/local/article_d2cc26d4-d4a7-5330-912d-393e4507f573.html "Nelson stands firm on health care reform."]  [http://journalstar.com/ ''Lincoln Journal Star''.]  September 30, 2011. Retrieved October 8, 2011.</ref>

===Iraq===
On March 15, 2007, Nelson was among two Democratic senators to have voted against invoking cloture on a resolution aimed at withdrawing most American combat troops from [[Iraq]] in 2008. The vote, requiring 60 votes to pass, was 50 to 48 against.<ref name="NYTimes">{{cite journal | author= Toner, Robin  | date=March 15, 2007 | title=Senate Rejects Measure for Iraq Pullout | journal=The New York Times | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/15/washington/15cnd-cong.html| access-date=March 15, 2007 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131021205602/http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/15/washington/15cnd-cong.html?hp| archive-date=October 21, 2013| url-status= live}}</ref>

As a result of traveling to Iraq four times, the last in September 2007,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/have-you-been-to-iraq--76-sens.-say-they-have-2007-08-01.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071209033851/http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/have-you-been-to-iraq--76-sens.-say-they-have-2007-08-01.html|archive-date=December 9, 2007|title=News Archive|website=The Hill|access-date=January 16, 2017}}</ref> Nelson took the position that a transition of the mission in Iraq was necessary, as opposed to full withdrawal of troops.<ref name="autogenerated1">{{cite web|url=https://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0709/13/sitroom.01.html|title=CNN.com - Transcripts|publisher=CNN|access-date=January 16, 2017}}</ref> The Jones Commission supported his view on September 6, 2007, when General [[James L. Jones]] presented a report to Congress claiming that "The circumstances of the moment may continue to present the opportunity for considering a shift in the disposition and employment of our forces... such a strategy would include placing increasing responsibilities for the internal security of the nation on the ISF, especially in urban areas. Coalition forces could be re-tasked to better ensure the territorial defense of the state by increasingly concentrating on the eastern and western borders and the active defense of the critical infrastructures essential to Iraq."<ref name="JonesCommReport">{{cite report|url=http://www.c-span.org/pdf/jonesreport090607.pdf|title=Report to Congress|author=Independent Commission on the Security Forces of Iraq|date=September 6, 2007|access-date=2007-09-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011044722/http://www.c-span.org/pdf/jonesreport090607.pdf|archive-date=October 11, 2007}}</ref>{{rp|p. 127}} The premise that stability in Iraq would only be achieved through political reconciliation acted on through legislation, a view long held by Nelson, was also recommended by Jones, reporting, "The future of Iraq… hinges on the ability of the [[Iraqi people]] and the government to begin the process of achieving national reconciliation and to ending sectarian violence."<ref name = JonesCommReport/>{{rp|p. 130}}

In the spring of 2007, Senators Nelson, [[Susan Collins (politician)|Susan Collins]] of [[Maine]], and [[John Warner]] of [[Virginia]] authored a list of measures, or "benchmarks", that were included in the Iraq Supplemental bill. These benchmarks allowed for progress to be measured in certain areas such as recognition of minority groups, strengthening of internal security forces, and equal distribution of oil revenue. President [[George W. Bush]] and General [[David Petraeus]] were required to report on the advancement of these "benchmarks".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://siouxcityjournal.com/news/state-and-regional/nelson-break-ranks-on-democratic-call-for-iraq-pull-out/article_50b0e745-dcd3-50fa-a912-fddfc6a0d426.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120919151857/http://siouxcityjournal.com/articles/2007/03/16/news/nebraska/7a59d60ac1ed1029862572a00001b20b.txt|title=Nelson break ranks on Democratic call for Iraq pull out|website=Sioux City Journal|date=16 March 2007 |archive-date=2012-09-19|access-date=2019-08-03}}</ref>

Nelson and Collins also introduced legislation on July 11, 2007, that would transition U.S. troops out of [[Baghdad]]. The legislation called for turning over internal security efforts to Iraqi forces after which the U.S. military would secure the borders, protect the infrastructure, and continue to search for [[al-Qaeda]] forces.<ref name=autogenerated1 />

===Judicial appointments===
Nelson was the lead Democratic senator among the "[[Gang of 14]]," a bloc of 14 senators who, on May 23, 2005, forged a compromise on the Democrats' use of the judicial [[filibuster]], thus blocking the Republican leadership's attempt to implement the so-called "[[nuclear option]]".<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Newton-Small |first1=Jay |title=Can Ben Nelson Get a Bipartisan Stimulus Win? |url=https://content.time.com/time/politics/article/0,8599,1877535,00.html |magazine=Time |date=6 February 2009 |access-date=1 December 2019}}</ref> Under the gang's agreement, Democrats would retain the power to filibuster one of Bush's judicial nominees only in an "extraordinary circumstance",<ref>{{cite news |last1=Rudin |first1=Ken |title=Judging Alito: The Gang of 14 Factor |url=https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5080836 |publisher=NPR |date=4 January 2006 |access-date=1 December 2019}}</ref> and the three most conservative Bush [[United States court of appeals|appellate court]] nominees ([[Janice Rogers Brown]], [[Priscilla Owen]] and [[William H. Pryor, Jr.|William Pryor]]) would receive a vote by the full Senate.<ref>{{cite web |title=Senators compromise on filibusters |url=https://www.cnn.com/2005/POLITICS/05/24/filibuster.fight/ |publisher=CNN |access-date=1 December 2019}}</ref> Nelson was the only Democrat to vote to confirm Brown; he was later the first Democratic senator to support [[Samuel Alito]]'s confirmation to the [[Supreme Court of the United States|U.S. Supreme Court]].<ref>[https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm Roll Call Vote 109th Congress - 2nd Session (on the confirmation of Samuel Alito of New Jersey)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170321194124/https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm |date=2017-03-21 }}, ''[[United States Senate]]'', January 31, 2006. Retrieved November 26, 2018.</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Kirkpatrick|first1=David D.|title=Alito Sworn In as Justice After Senate Gives Approval|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/02/01/politics/politicsspecial1/alito-sworn-in-as-justice-after-senate-gives.html|access-date=26 November 2018|work=The New York Times|date=1 February 2006}}</ref> Nelson also voted twice, with three other Democrats, to end Senate debate over Bush's [[United Nations]] Ambassador nominee [[John R. Bolton|John Bolton]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Stout |first1=David |title=Republicans Fail to Force Senate Vote on Bolton's Nomination |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/06/20/politics/republicans-fail-to-force-senate-vote-on-boltons-nomination.html |newspaper=The New York Times |date=20 June 2005 |access-date=29 November 2019}}</ref>

In an [[op-ed]] column, Nelson wrote: "The president's nominees, especially to the Supreme Court, deserve an up-or-down vote, even if the nominee isn't popular with the special-interest groups in [[Washington, D.C.|Washington]]."<ref>{{cite journal | author = Adler, Jonathan | date = November 17, 2005 | title = Nelson on Alito | journal = [[National Review]] | format = online edition | url = http://bench.nationalreview.com/post/?q=ZmRjZjVhNTViODU2YjRiNzc3ZTEyMmJlMjE2Yzc4Zjc= | access-date = May 15, 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090601113825/http://bench.nationalreview.com/post/?q=ZmRjZjVhNTViODU2YjRiNzc3ZTEyMmJlMjE2Yzc4Zjc%3D | archive-date = June 1, 2009 }}
</ref>

In 2010, when [[Barack Obama]] nominated [[Elena Kagan]] to the Supreme Court, Nelson was the only Democrat to vote against her [[Elena Kagan Supreme Court nomination|confirmation]], saying "I have heard concerns from Nebraskans regarding Ms. Kagan, and her lack of a judicial record makes it difficult for me to discount the concerns raised by Nebraskans, or to reach a level of comfort that these concerns are unfounded. Therefore, I will not vote to confirm Ms. Kagan's nomination"<ref>{{Cite news |author=John Stanton |date=2010-07-30 |title=Nebraska's Nelson Will Vote Against Kagan |url=https://rollcall.com/2010/07/30/nebraskas-nelson-will-vote-against-kagan/ |access-date=2024-07-17 |newspaper=Roll Call |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=U.S. Senate: U.S. Senate Roll Call Votes 111th Congress - 2nd Session |url=https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1112/vote_111_2_00229.htm |access-date=2024-07-17 |website=Senate.gov}}</ref>

===Same-sex marriage===
In 1996, Nelson proposed and supported legislation to prevent Nebraska from recognizing [[same-sex marriage]]s formed in other states. This was his response to [[Baehr v. Miike|a court case in Hawaii]] that Nelson feared would legalize gay marriage.<ref>{{cite news |last=Knapp |first=Fred |date=March 1, 1996 |title=Nelson doesn't want to be forced to recognize same-sex marriages |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/297519227/ |work=Lincoln Journal Star |access-date=July 22, 2020 }}</ref>

Nelson supported [[Nebraska Initiative 416|Initiative 416]], an amendment to the Nebraska constitution prohibiting same-sex marriage and domestic partnership.<ref>{{cite news |agency=Associated Press |title=Key findings from Nebraska |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/550255135/ |work=Fremont Tribune |location=Fremont, Nebraska |date=November 8, 2000 |access-date=July 22, 2020 }}</ref>

===Taxes===
Nelson was among five Democratic senators to vote for the [[Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001]]. The measure called for $1.35 trillion in tax cuts over 11 years and nearly $2 trillion in spending for the next fiscal year. The spending was close to that proposed by Bush; the tax cuts were slightly less than the $1.6 trillion Bush sought.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html|title=CONGRESS ADOPTS BUDGET PROPOSAL WITH BIG TAX CUT|first=David E.|last=Rosenbaum|date=May 11, 2001|access-date=January 16, 2017|work=The New York Times}}</ref> Nelson also voted for passage of the [[Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003|2003 tax cut]] which accelerated many of the provisions in the 2001 tax cut in addition to benefits for small businesses.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Moon |first1=Matt |title=Specter Joins Nelson as Only Democrats Who Voted for 2001 and 2003 Tax Cuts |url=https://taxfoundation.org/specter-joins-nelson-only-democrats-who-voted-2001-and-2003-tax-cuts/ |website=taxfoundation.org |date=29 April 2009 |publisher=Tax Foundation |access-date=1 December 2019}}</ref>

In October 2009, [[Americans for Tax Reform]] stated that Nelson was the only Democratic senator who had signed its [[Taxpayer Protection Pledge]],<ref name="ATR">{{cite web | date = November 30, 2011  | title=The Taxpayer Protection Pledge Signers 112th Congressional List | url=https://s3.amazonaws.com/atrfiles/files/files/091411-federalpledgesigners.pdf | website = ATR.org | publisher = Americans for Tax Reform | access-date=November 30, 2011 }}</ref> and launched an advocacy campaign to urge him to oppose the [[America's Healthy Future Act|health care reform proposals]] in Congress, which, they asserted, contained "billions of dollars in income tax hikes."<ref>{{cite web| author = Radman, Adam | date = December 14, 2009 | title = Ask Sen. Ben Nelson to Keep His Taxpayer Protection Pledge on Any Health Care Votes | website = ATR.org  | url = http://atr.org/sen-ben-nelson-his-taxpayer-protection-a4090 | access-date = November 6, 2009 }}</ref>

In July 2012, Nelson, with 18 other senators,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.opensecrets.org/lobby/billspons.php?id=129878|title=OpenSecrets|website=opensecrets.org|access-date=January 16, 2017}}</ref> cosponsored a bill that would allow states to collect sales taxes on interstate sales, including catalogue and Internet sales.<ref>{{cite journal | author = Hammel, Paul | date = August 5, 2012 | title = Internet Sales Tax Proposals Gaining 'Likes' Among Lawmakers | journal = Omaha World-Herald | url = http://www.omaha.com/article/20120805/NEWS/708059942/1685 | archive-url = https://archive.today/20130130181344/http://www.omaha.com/article/20120805/NEWS/708059942/1685 | archive-date = January 30, 2013 | access-date = August 27, 2012 }}</ref>  The bill ([[Marketplace Fairness Act (S.1832;112th Congress)|Marketplace Fairness Act]], S.1832) would require any seller who sold a product or service to a consumer from another state to calculate, collect and pay to that other state the sales tax based on that state's tax rates.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.congress.gov/bill/112th-congress/senate-bill/1832/text|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130920044129/http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c112%3AS.1832%3A|title=Text - S.1832 - 112th Congress (2011-2012): Marketplace Fairness Act|first=Michael B.|last=Enzi|date=November 9, 2011|archive-date=September 20, 2013|website=congress.gov}}</ref> Proponents argued that the measure would redress an unfair economic advantage enjoyed by online sellers over local businesses arising from the fact that the former were often not required to collect sales taxes from their customers.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.marketplacefairness.org/questions-and-answers/|title=The Marketplace Fairness Act (S.698) official website|website=marketplacefairness.org|access-date=January 16, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161028202027/http://marketplacefairness.org/questions-and-answers/|archive-date=October 28, 2016}}</ref> Opponents maintained that it would be unfair to require interstate merchants to collect sales taxes in jurisdictions where they had no physical presence, and thus derived no benefit from the taxes; and that the variety and complexity of state and local sales taxes would place a burden on merchants required to keep track of them in order to collect the taxes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.retailonlineintegration.com/article/proposed-marketplace-fairness-act-threatens-direct-marketers/1#|title=Proposed Marketplace Fairness Act Threatens Direct Marketers|first=George S.|last=Isaacson|website=retailonlineintegration.com|access-date=January 16, 2017}}</ref>

===Other votes===
Nelson's votes in the Senate often placed him at odds with the leadership of his party. A ''[[National Journal]]'' congressional vote rating from 2006 placed him to the right of five Senate Republicans ([[Gordon Smith (politician)|Gordon Smith]], [[Olympia Snowe]], [[Arlen Specter]], [[Susan Collins (politician)|Susan Collins]], and [[Lincoln Chafee]]). [[Mary Landrieu]] was the only other Democrat to the right of any Republicans (she placed to the right of Chafee).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://nationaljournal.com/voteratings/pdf/Centrists.pdf |title=The Centrists |work=National Journal |access-date=2007-02-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090327092616/http://nationaljournal.com/voteratings/pdf/Centrists.pdf |archive-date=2009-03-27 }}</ref> A similar 2007 ''National Journal'' rating went even further, placing Nelson to the right of eight Senate Republicans (the above five as well as [[Richard Lugar]], [[Norm Coleman]], and [[Mike DeWine]]), with Landrieu once again to Chafee's right and the only other Democrat to the right of any Republicans.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://nationaljournal.com/voteratings/sen/cons.htm |title=National Journal's 2007 Vote Ratings |work=National Journal |access-date=2007-02-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080703235155/http://nationaljournal.com/voteratings/sen/cons.htm |archive-date=2008-07-03 }}</ref><!-- NATIONAL JOURNAL: 2007 Vote Ratings (03/07/2007)--> For 2012, the [[American Conservative Union]] rated his overall performance at 48 percent, the highest of any Democratic senator.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://conservative.org/ratings/ratingsarchive/2010/House-Senate-combo.htm#NE |title=2010 Combined Ratings - Nebraska |website=conservative.org |access-date=13 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110213221913/http://conservative.org/ratings/ratingsarchive/2010/House-Senate-combo.htm#NE |archive-date=13 February 2011 }}</ref><!--  [http://www.conservative.org/ The American Conservative Union.]  Retrieved April 20, 2011.-->

Nelson was one of only two Democratic senators to vote against the [[Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act]] of 2002. He voted with Republicans on bankruptcy reform, environmental protection, class action lawsuits, and trade. In 2004 he was one of only three Democratic senators to vote to invoke [[cloture]] on the proposed [[Federal Marriage Amendment]]; in 2006 he was one of only two Democratic senators to vote that way.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=109&session=1&vote=00129 |title=U.S. Senate: Legislation & Records Home > Votes > Roll Call Vote |publisher=Senate.gov |access-date=August 29, 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100809102207/https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=109&session=1&vote=00129| archive-date= August 9, 2010 | url-status= live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=109&session=1&vote=00142 |title=U.S. Senate: Legislation & Records Home > Votes > Roll Call Vote |publisher=Senate.gov |access-date=August 29, 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100814080323/https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=109&session=1&vote=00142| archive-date= August 14, 2010 | url-status= live}}</ref> He was the only Democratic senator to vote against a 2006 bill that would have extended federal funding for [[Stem cell|stem cell research]]. But he consistently voted against drilling in the [[Arctic National Wildlife Refuge]]. He also opposed Bush's plan to send 21,500 more troops to Iraq.<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://bennelson.senate.gov/news/details.cfm?id=267812&& |title=NELSON OFFERS BIPARTISAN IRAQ RESOLUTION |access-date=2007-01-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070128054730/http://bennelson.senate.gov/news/details.cfm?id=267812&& |archive-date=2007-01-28 }}</ref> Early in Bush's first term he voted with the majority of his party against scrapping President [[Bill Clinton]]'s expansive new rules on ergonomics regulation for workers; many of his fellow conservative Democrats like [[John Breaux]], [[Max Baucus]], [[Blanche Lincoln]], and [[Zell Miller]] voted with Republicans on the issue.  On April 26, 2010, Nelson was one of two Democratic senators in attendance to vote against the motion to move a financial regulations bill forward, siding with Senate Republicans. The other was [[Harry Reid]], who voted against his own proposed bill for procedural reasons.

On December 18, 2010, Nelson voted with Democrats for the [[Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act of 2010]].<ref>[http://politics.nytimes.com/congress/votes/111/senate/2/281?ref=politics "Senate Vote 281 - Repeals 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'".] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151027055830/http://politics.nytimes.com/congress/votes/111/senate/2/281?ref=politics |date=2015-10-27 }}  [https://www.nytimes.com/ ''New York Times''.]  January 26, 2011. Retrieved January 27, 2011.</ref>

==Post-Senate career==
In January 2013, Nelson was named [[chief executive officer]] of the [[National Association of Insurance Commissioners]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://thehill.com/business-a-lobbying/140116-ben-nelson-gets-1m-payday/|title=Ben Nelson gets $1M payday|first=Dustin|last=Weaver|date=January 23, 2013|website=The Hill|access-date= January 16, 2017}}</ref> an organization of state insurance regulatory agencies for the United States and several of its territories. The body establishes standards and coordinates regulatory oversight for the state agencies.<ref>{{cite press release | date = January 22, 2013 | title = Ben Nelson Named NAIC CEO | publisher = National Association of Insurance Commissioners | url = https://www.naic.org/Releases/2013_docs/ben_nelson_named_naic_ceo.htm | access-date = January 23, 2013}}</ref> He left the association and returned to his private law practice in January 2016.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Morton |first1=Joseph |title=Ex-Sen. Ben Nelson leaving insurance group CEO post, returning to private law practice in Nebraska, D.C. |url=https://omaha.com/news/local/article_4fc17246-4ac1-58de-9211-d5f8057fa3fb.html |work=Omaha World-Herald |date=14 October 2015 |access-date=1 December 2019}}</ref>

==Electoral history==
{{Election box begin no change| title=[[1990 Nebraska gubernatorial election]]}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change|
 |party = Democratic Party (United States)
 |candidate = Ben Nelson
 |votes = 292,771
 |percentage = 49.91
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change| 
 |party = Republican Party (United States)
 |candidate = [[Kay Orr]] (incumbent)
 |votes = 288,741
 |percentage = 49.23
}}
{{Election box candidate no change|
 |party= Write-in
 |candidate = Mort Sullivan
 |votes = 1,887
 |percentage = 0.32
}}
{{Election box candidate no change|
 |party= Write-in
 |candidate = Others
 |votes = 3,143
 |percentage = 0.54
}}
{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin no change| title=[[1994 Nebraska gubernatorial election]]}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change|
 |party = Democratic Party (United States)
 |candidate = Ben Nelson (incumbent)
 |votes = 423,270
 |percentage = 73.0
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change|
 |party = Republican Party (United States)
 |candidate = Gene Spence
 |votes = 148,230
 |percentage = 25.6
}}
{{Election box candidate no change|
 |party = Write-in
 |candidate = [[Ernie Chambers]]
 |votes = 2,510
 |percentage = 0.4
}}
{{Election box candidate no change|
 |party = Write-in
 |candidate = Others
 |votes = 5,551
 |percentage = 1.0
}}
{{Election box end}}
{{Election box begin | title=[[United States Senate election in Nebraska, 1996|Nebraska U.S. Senate Election 1996]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://clerk.house.gov/member_info/electionInfo/1996/96Stat.htm#27|title=96 PRESIDENTIAL and CONGRESSIONAL ELECTION STATISTICS|website=house.gov|access-date=January 16, 2017}}</ref>}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link|
 |party = Republican Party (United States)
 |candidate = [[Chuck Hagel]]
 |votes = 379,933
 |percentage = 56.14%
 |change = +15.21%
}}{{Election box candidate with party link|
 |party = Democratic Party (United States)
 |candidate = Ben Nelson
 |votes = 281,904
 |percentage = 41.65%
 |change = −17.25%
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link|
 |party = Libertarian Party (United States)
 |candidate = [[John DeCamp]]
 |votes = 9,483
 |percentage = 1.40%
 |change =
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link|
 |party = Natural Law Party (United States)
 |candidate = Bill Dunn
 |votes = 4,806
 |percentage = 0.71%
 |change =
}}
{{Election box candidate|
 |party = Write-ins
 |candidate = 
 |votes = 663
 |percentage = 0.10%
 |change =
}}
{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin |title=[[United States Senate election in Nebraska, 2000|Nebraska U.S. Senate Election 2000]]}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link
| |party      = Democratic Party (US)
|candidate  = Ben Nelson
|votes      = 353,093
|percentage = 51.00%
|change     = -3.78%
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link
| |party      = Republican Party (US)
|candidate  = [[Don Stenberg]]
|votes      = 337,977
|percentage = 48.82%
|change     = +3.81%
}}
{{Election box candidate|
 |party = Write-ins
 |candidate = 
 |votes = 1,280
 |percentage = 0.18%
 |change = 
}}
{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin |title=[[Nebraska United States Senate election, 2006|Nebraska U.S. Senate Election 2006]]}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link
| |party      = Democratic Party (US)
|candidate  = Ben Nelson (Incumbent)
|votes      = 378,388
|percentage = 63.88%
|change     = +12.88%
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link
| |party      = Republican Party (US)
|candidate  = [[Pete Ricketts]]
|votes      = 213,928
|percentage = 36.12%
|change     = -12.70%
}}
{{Election box end}}

==See also==
* [[Conservative Democrat]]

==References==
{{reflist|30em}}

==External links==
{{wikisource|works=or}}
* {{CongLinks | congbio=n000180 | votesmart=21744 | fec=S6NE00095 | congress= }}
*{{C-SPAN|16991}}

{{s-start}}
{{s-ppo}}
{{s-bef|before=[[Helen Boosalis]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]] nominee for [[Governor of Nebraska]]|years=[[1990 Nebraska gubernatorial election|1990]], [[1994 Nebraska gubernatorial election|1994]]}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Bill Hoppner]]}}
|-
{{s-bef|before=[[J. James Exon]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]] nominee for [[United States Senator|U.S. Senator]] from [[Nebraska]]<br>([[Classes of United States Senators|Class 2]])|years=[[1996 United States Senate election in Nebraska|1996]]}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Charlie Matulka]]}}
|-
{{s-bef|before=[[Bob Kerrey]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]] nominee for [[United States Senator|U.S. Senator]] from [[Nebraska]]<br>([[Classes of United States Senators|Class 1]])|years=[[2000 United States Senate election in Nebraska|2000]], [[2006 United States Senate election in Nebraska|2006]]}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Bob Kerrey]]}}
|-
{{s-off}}
{{s-bef|before=[[Kay A. Orr|Kay Orr]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[Governor of Nebraska]]|years=1991–1999}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Mike Johanns]]}}
|-
{{s-par|us-sen}}
{{s-bef|before=[[Bob Kerrey]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[List of United States senators from Nebraska|U.S. Senator (Class 1) from Nebraska]]|years=2001–2013|alongside=[[Chuck Hagel]], [[Mike Johanns]]}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Deb Fischer]]}}
|-
{{s-prec|usa}}
{{s-bef|before=[[Bob Kerrey]]|as=Former U.S. Senator}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[United States order of precedence|Order of precedence of the United States]]<br>''{{small|as Former U.S. Senator}}''|years=}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Gary Hart]]|as=Former U.S. Senator}}
{{s-end}}

{{USSenNE}}
{{Governors of Nebraska}}
{{USCongRep-start |congresses=107th–112th [[United States Congress]] |state=[[United States congressional delegations from Nebraska|Nebraska]]}}
{{USCongRep/NE/107}}
{{USCongRep/NE/108}}
{{USCongRep/NE/109}}
{{USCongRep/NE/110}}
{{USCongRep/NE/111}}
{{USCongRep/NE/112}}
{{USCongRep-end}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Nelson, Ben}}
[[Category:1941 births]]
[[Category:20th-century American businesspeople]]
[[Category:21st-century United States senators]]
[[Category:American businesspeople in the insurance industry]]
[[Category:Businesspeople from Omaha, Nebraska]]
[[Category:Democratic Party governors of Nebraska]]
[[Category:Democratic Party United States senators from Nebraska]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Methodists from Nebraska]]
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[[Category:People from McCook, Nebraska]]
[[Category:State cabinet secretaries of Nebraska]]
[[Category:University of Nebraska College of Law alumni]]