Patrick Venditte
Patrick Venditte | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Nebraska Legislature from the 7th district | |
| In office January 5, 1977 – January 7, 1981 | |
| Preceded by | William Skarda |
| Succeeded by | Karen Kilgarin |
| Personal details | |
| Born | September 16, 1945 |
| Party | Democratic |
| Spouse |
Janet Nowaczyk (m. 1968) |
| Education | Peru State College (B.S.) University of Nebraska Omaha (M.S.) |
| Occupation | Teacher |
Patrick "Pat" Venditte (born 1945) is a teacher and Democratic politician from Nebraska who served as a member of the Nebraska Legislature from the 7th district from 1977 to 1981.
Early career
Venditte was born in Omaha, Nebraska, and attended Cathedral High School.[1] He graduated from [Peru State College]] with his bachelor's degree in 1967 and the University of Nebraska Omaha with his master's degree in 1970.[1] Venditte has worked as a driver's education instructor,[2] and owns the Cornhusker Driving School.[3]
Nebraska Legislature
In 1976, when incumbent State Senator William Skarda declined to seek re-election, Venditte ran to succeed him in the 7th district, which was based in South Omaha.[4] Venditte faced a crowded primary, and placed first with 31 percent, advancing to the general election against former Omaha Board of Education member Fritz Stank, who placed second with 26 percent.[5][6] Venditte ultimately defeated Stanek by a narrow margin, 52–48 percent.[5]
Venditte ran for re-election in 1980, and was challenged by Karen Kilgarin, a real estate agent, and Jake McCourt, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and perennial candidate.[7] In the primary election, Venditte placed first, winning 50 percent to Kilgarin's 40 percent.[8] However, in the general election, Kilgarin ultimately defeated Venditte, winning 55 percent of the vote to his 45 percent.[8][9]
Post-legislative career
In 1981, Venditte ran for the Omaha City Council from the 3rd district,[10] and placed third in the primary election, losing to Walt Calinger and Mary Ann Hayes.[11] He ran for the City Council again in 1985, but again placed third in the primary, losing to Calinger and C. Bruce Davis.[12]
Calinger was appointed mayor in 1988, and Venditte applied to fill his vacancy on the City Council, but was ultimately not selected. He ran against Councilman Subby Anzaldo, who was appointed to replace Calinger, in 1989.[13] He placed second to Anzaldo in the primary election, winning 34 percent of the vote to Anzaldo's 42 percent, and they advanced to the general election.[14] Anzaldo ultimately defeated Venditte, winning 55 percent of the vote to Venditte's 44 percent.[15]
In 2021, following the death of Douglas County Commissioner Mike Boyle, Venditte applied to fill his vacancy on the Board of Commissioners, but was ultimately not selected.[16]
References
- ^ a b Nebraska Blue Book 1976-1977 (PDF). Nebraska Legislative Council. 1977. Retrieved March 6, 2026.
- ^ Brunkow, Angie (March 16, 2004). "Driver's ed instructor goes with the flow". Omaha World-Herald. p. E1. Retrieved March 6, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Cuddihy, Pete (October 20, 2025). "With the help of simulators, Omaha teens learn safe driving habits". KETV. Retrieved March 6, 2026.
- ^ Howard, Edward (January 22, 1976). "Senators Reveal Election Plans". Omaha World-Herald. p. 45. Retrieved March 6, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ a b Beermann, Allen J. (1976). Official Report of the Nebraska State Canvassing Board, Primary Election, May 11, 1976, General Election, November 2, 1976 (PDF). Nebraska Secretary of State. Retrieved March 6, 2026.
- ^ Jordon, Steve (May 12, 1976). "Dickinson, Simon in 31st Dist. Battle". Omaha World-Herald. p. 8. Retrieved March 6, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Kelly, Michael (April 22, 1980). "Venditte to Face Two Challengers in 7th Legislative District". Omaha World-Herald. p. 4. Retrieved March 6, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ a b Beermann, Allen J. (1980). Official Report of the Nebraska State Canvassing Board, Primary Election, May 13, 1980, General Election, November 4, 1980 (PDF). Nebraska Secretary of State. Retrieved March 6, 2026.
- ^ Kelly, Michael (November 5, 1980). "Kilgarin's Tenacity Pays Off". Omaha World-Herald. p. 37. Retrieved March 6, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Mayoral List May Stand at 5". Omaha World-Herald. May 7, 1981. p. 17. Retrieved March 6, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "3rd District: Public Officeholders to Square off". Omaha World-Herald. April 8, 1981. p. 13. Retrieved March 6, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Whitesides, John (April 3, 1985). "Calinger, Davis See 'Issues' Battle". Omaha World-Herald. p. 37. Retrieved March 6, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Melingagio, John (March 9, 1989). "Four to Challenge Anzaldo in District 3". Omaha World-Herald. p. 22. Retrieved March 6, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Melingagio, John (April 5, 1989). "Anzaldo, Venditte Tops in a Field of 5". Omaha World-Herald. p. 12. Retrieved March 6, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Melingagio, John (May 10, 1989). "Anzaldo: 'Maybe We Can Go Faster'". Omaha World-Herald. p. 11. Retrieved March 6, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Kies, Justin (October 22, 2021). "Douglas County Board appoints new commissioner to fill District 1 seat". WOWT. Retrieved March 6, 2026.