User:Vanilla Wizard/Kara Eastman

Kara H. Eastman is the Nebraska Democratic Party's candidate for U.S. Representative for Nebraska's 2nd Congressional District in 2018. She is Vice Chair of the Board of Governors at Metropolitan Community College and the founder and CEO of the nonprofit organization Omaha Healthy Kids Alliance. Eastman is running on a variety of progressive issues, including repealing Citizens United and implementing single-payer healthcare. She has been described as progressive by local and national media outlets, and has endorsements from Justice Democrats and the Progressive Campaign Change Committee. Eastman won the nomination in the May 15 Democratic primary election with 20,239 votes and 51.4% of the overall vote. Eastman's upset victory has been described as part of a national movement toward progressive candidates.

Personal life
Eastman was born in the Midwest and was raised by her single mom. Her grandfather served in the military, earning a Purple Heart for his service in World War II. Eastman, a married mother, received a Master's degree from Loyola University Chicago In 2007, she started the Omaha Healthy Kids Alliance, a non-profit organization with a stated mission to ensure that all children have safe living areas free of lead or other hazardous conditions. Eastman declined to serve as the Chair of the Board of Governors at Metropolitan Community College, instead opting to stay the Vice Chair.

2018 Congressional campaign
Eastman is running in Nebraska's 2nd Congressional District. During the primary campaign, she and her opponent, former Representative Brad Ashford, had multiple debates. In total, she received $355,927 in contributions. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee backed Ashford (who narrowly lost his seat in 2016) as part of its "Red to Blue" campaign. He received 48.6% of the vote. Eastman's victory attracted national attention. Eastman describes herself as a progressive,  and argues that the 2016 elections demonstrated interest in "political outsiders."

Issues
As a Justice Democrat, Eastman has pledged to stand for a variety of issues if elected, including :


 * Making the minimum wage a living wage and tying it to inflation.
 * Providing universal healthcare and universal education.
 * Ending the practice of unilaterally waging war, except as a last resort to defend U.S. territory.
 * Ending the War on Drugs in favor of legalization, regulation, and taxation of drugs, and pardoning all non-violent drug offenders and treating all drug addicts.

Endorsements
Eastman is endorsed by a variety of individuals and organizations. NARAL Pro-Choice America and EMILY'S List have received scrutiny for not officially endorsing Eastman in the primary even though her opponent, former Representative Brad Ashford, has been moderate on the issue.