R. Wiley Remmers
R. Wiley Remmers | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Nebraska Legislature from the 1st district | |
| In office January 7, 1981 – January 9, 1989 | |
| Preceded by | Nelson Merz |
| Succeeded by | Spencer Morrissey |
| Personal details | |
| Born | March 1, 1916 |
| Died | August 24, 2003 (aged 87) |
| Spouse |
Maxine Aufenkamp (m. 1940) |
| Children | 4 daughters |
| Education | Peru State College (B.A., M.S.) Emporia State University (Ed.S.) |
| Occupation | Farmer, school administrator |
R. Wiley Remmers (March 1, 1916 – August 24, 2003) was an American politician from Nebraska who served as a member of the Nebraska Legislature from the 1st district from 1981 to 1989.
Early life
Remmers was born in Auburn, Nebraska, and attended Bratton Union High School.[1] He graduated from Peru State College with his bachelor's and master's degrees, and from Emporia State University with a specialist degree in education.[1] Remmers served as the Superintendent of the Johnson Brock School District.[2]
Nebraska Legislature
In 1980, incumbent State Senator Nelson Merz ran for re-election, and faced a crowded field of opponents, including Remmers,[2] retired attorney William Stockdale, Richardson County Commissioner Burnus Schuler, and farmer Keith Sherburne.[3] During the campaign, the Nebraska Republican Party sent out a letter telling voters that Remmers was the only Republican candidate in the nonpartisan race, even though Stockdale was a Republican, as well.[4] Remmers placed first in the primary election, winning 42 percent of the vote to Merz's 25 percent,[5] and they both advanced to the general election.[4] In the general election, Remmers defeated Merz by a wide margin, receiving 57 percent of the vote to Metz's 43 percent.[5]
Remmers ran for re-election in 1984, and both Merz and Stockdale challenged him.[6] In the primary election, Remmers placed first by a wide margin, receiving 60 percent of the vote to Merz's 25 percent and Stockdale's 15 percent.[7] He advanced to the general election against Merz,[8] and defeated him in a landslide, winning 69-31 percent.[7]
In 1988, Remmers ran for re-election to a third term and was challenged by Spencer Morrissey, a member of the Tecumseh Board of Education and a lobbyist for the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes, and deli store owner Ricky Andrews.[9] Remmers placed first in the primary, receiving 47 percent of the vote to Morrissey's 31 percent, and advanced to the general election against Morrissey.[10] Morrissey narrowly defeated Remmers,[10] winning by just 37 votes.[11]
Death
Remmers died on August 24, 2003.[12]
References
- ^ a b Smith, Gail Lynn, ed. (1987). Nebraska Blue Book 1986-87 (PDF). Clerk of the Nebraska Legislature. Retrieved March 7, 2026.
- ^ a b Terrill, Dean (October 18, 1979). "1st District crackling with three contenders already in legislative race". Lincoln Journal. p. 11. Retrieved March 7, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "20 State Senators Have Opposition In Primary". Alliance Times-Herald. May 5, 1980. p. 4. Retrieved March 7, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ a b Piersol, Dick (May 14, 1980). "Third-place legislative finisher blames his loss on The Letter". Lincoln Journal. p. 14. Retrieved March 7, 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 7, 2026.
- ^ Terrill, Dean (May 10, 1984). "Sen. Remmers in 3-way race". Lincoln Journal. p. 28. Retrieved March 7, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ a b Beermann, Allen J. (1984). Official Report of the Nebraska State Canvassing Board, Primary Election, May 15, 1984, General Election, November 6, 1984 (PDF). Nebraska Secretary of State. Retrieved March 7, 2026.
- ^ Terrill, Dean (October 26, 1984). "Merz, Remmers run harder". Lincoln Star. p. 11. Retrieved March 7, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Terrill, Dean (April 29, 1988). "Three seek 1st District legislative seat". Lincoln Star. p. 4. Retrieved March 7, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ a b Beermann, Allen J. (1988). Official Report of the Nebraska State Canvassing Board, Primary Election, May 10, 1988, General Election, November 8, 1988 (PDF). Nebraska Secretary of State. Retrieved March 7, 2026.
- ^ "Remmers Backs Need For Re-count". Omaha World-Herald. November 20, 1988. p. 36. Retrieved March 7, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Former Sen. R. Wiley Remmers dies". Lincoln Journal Star. August 26, 2003. p. 3B. Retrieved March 7, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.