The fall-out from a racially charged deadly shooting in Omaha now finds the Nebraska Democratic Party aiming some tough talk at one of its own long-respected members: Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine.

It also apparently finds the NDP in the throes of an internal debate over the need for a more “radical party."

According to a resolution approved at Saturday’s State Convention, Kleine is taken to task for his role in the legal fight over the death of James Scurlock, a 22-year-old Black protester.

Scurlock was shot and killed May 30 by Jake Gardner, a white downtown bar owner who claimed he acted in self-defense— trying to get out of a headlock— during an 18 second brawl with Scurlock.

A few days after the shooting Kleine refused to charge Gardner and during the past several days Kleine has stood his ground in the face of a recent grand jury indictment that charged Gardner with, among other things, manslaughter.

Kleine has even upped the ante now claiming that prior to the shooting Scurlock had been “terrorizing” the Old Market.

On Friday, Scurlock’s father and State Senator Justin Wayne, the lawyer for the Scurlock family, told reporters that Kleine was out of line, that Scurlock was the victim.

Asked by News Channel Nebraska for a copy of the Kleine-thumping resolution Democrat State Chair Jane Kleeb sent an earlier “proposed” version but one that the NDP’s Executive Director Jim Rogers says is in "essence" the same as the one finally adopted by the party’s Central Committee.

The version sent to NCN rebukes Kleine with some racially harsh language: ”Denouncing the actions of elected Democrat Don Kleine in his handling of the James Scurlock case in a way that perpetuated white supremacy and sparked deep division in Omaha.”

That same proposal also stated: "The Nebraska Democratic Party understands the essential nature of educating candidates for elected office, as well as party leadership, on racist equity, anti-racism, and cultural competency in the effort to create a more progressive and radical party.”

Don Kleine, who has been the county’s top prosecutor since 2007, was not immediately available for comment.

At the same time the manslaughter case against Gardner is in the process of being dropped following Gardner’s apparent suicide last weekend.

Stay with News Channel Nebraska for further details in this ongoing story.

UPDATE: Early Sunday morning Kleeb called News Channel Nebraska emphasizing that the "radical party" language from the proposed resolution which she texted to NCN late Saturday was not in the final resolution adopted by the party which she says will be posted on the NDP website Sunday. (The final resolution posted mid-morning is copied below and the words "create a more progressive and radical party" were replaced with the words, "create a more equitable and inclusive party."

Kleeb says its important that the public know the exact text conversation she had with NCN.

Here is that text conversation in full which began at 9:39 p.m and ended at 10:43 p.m Saturday:

(9:39) NCN's Joe Jordan: Jane-Looking for some confirmation. Did the NDP pass a resolution tonight "condemning" Don Kleine and declaring the party a "progressive" party or words to that effect? Please elaborate if you can. Thanks, -Joe.

(10:22) Jane Kleeb: The comments about Don Klein [sic] were a part of a larger resolution communities of color brought forward to the SCC (State Central Committee) with a long and thoughtful debate.

Kleeb simultaneously sent a link to the proposed resolution https://nebraskademocrats.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Nebraska-Democratic-Party-Resolution-Submission.pdf and continued to text.

(10:26) Jane Kleeb: The resolution was submitted by both JaKeen Fox and Precious McKesson. I'm sure some may focus only on the Klein [sic] part...I'm not an idiot. I also know there is a tremendous amount of anger, sadness and solutions and that all political parties should listen to those closest to the pain which is exactly what the Democratic Party did today.

(10:27) NCN's Joe Jordan: Was the resolution you just sent me approved by the NDP? What was the vote?

(10:27) Jane Kleeb: I'd have to get that to you in the morning...But only 2 votes no  I don't recall the yes  I think it was 58 it was a long debate This was the proposed one It's been a long day...I can get you the approved one.

(10:31) NCN's Joe Jordan: Can I call you to make sure I understand this correctly?

(10:43) Jane Kleeb: No. I've been up since 5am  But happy to talk tomorrow.

 

 

Resolution to Advance Racial Equity Through Community-Based Solutions Sponsored

Originally proposed by community member JaKeen Fox
Amended by Precious McKesson, LD 13
Seconded by Richard Register, LD 15

Whereas the Nebraska Democratic Party recognizes the importance of involving grassroots activists in the development of party platforms,

Whereas the Nebraska Democratic Party acknowledges that party platforms must include the impacted populations said platforms are meant to empower,

Whereas the Nebraska Democratic Party recognizes its responsibility to hold candidates and elected officials to a high standard of racial equity and anti-racist practices,

Whereas the Nebraska Democratic Party acknowledges its responsibility to speak out on elected officials who abuse the power of their offices in a way that perpetuates white supremacy, racism, and inequity,

Whereas the Nebraska Democratic Party understands the essential nature of educating candidates for elected office, as well as party leadership, on racial equity, anti-racism, and cultural competence in the effort to create a more equitable and inclusive party.

Therefore, Be It Resolved: The Nebraska Democratic Party will support activist reformation efforts by; denouncing the actions of elected democrat Don Kleine in his handling of the James Scurlock case in a way that perpetuated white supremacy and sparked deep division in Omaha, partnering with community activists to create an activist issue platform, partnering with racial equity activists and advocates to create a curriculum for political candidates and elected officials on racial equity/anti-racism/cultural competency to be renewed each year, and a standing meeting with activists to talk about the conduct of the party and its candidates/elected officials.

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