Richard N. McDonald

Richard N. McDonald
Member of the Nebraska Legislature from the 41st district
In office
January 3, 2001 – August 5, 2001
Preceded byJerry W. Schmitt
Succeeded byVickie D. McDonald
Personal details
Born(1948-05-07)May 7, 1948
Loup City, Nebraska
DiedAugust 5, 2001(2001-08-05) (aged 53)
Grand Island, Nebraska
PartyRepublican
Spouse
​
(m. 2000)​
Children4 (Brenet, Kristin, Monica, Julia)
EducationUniversity of Nebraska–Lincoln (B.S.)

Richard N. "Rick" McDonald (May 7, 1948 – August 5, 2001) was a Republican politician who served as a member of the Nebraska Legislature from the 41st district for eight months in 2001.

Early career

McDonald was born in Loup City, Nebraska, and graduated from Boelus High School in Boelus.[1] He attended the University of Nebraska, graduating with his bachelor's degree in education in 1971.[1] McDonald was an English teacher and football coach at Centura Public School from 1970 to 1971 and from 1973 to 1979.[2] From 1971 to 1973, he served in the United States Army, and was stationed in San Francisco.[2] In 1979, McDonald took over his family's ranching operation in Rockville.[3]

Nebraska Legislature

In 2000, McDonald ran for the Nebraska Legislature from the 41st district,[3] following incumbent Senator Jerry W. Schmitt's decision not to seek re-election.[4] In the primary election, he faced physician Richard Hanisch, farmer Errol Wells, and financial analyst Don Smith.[5] McDonald placed second in the primary, receiving 36 percent of the vote to Wells's 38 percent,[6] and they advanced to the general election.[7]

During the general election campaign, McDonald suffered weight loss and severe fatigue, and was ultimately diagnosed with kidney cancer. He underwent a nephrectomy at the Mayo Clinic and resumed his campaign.[8] McDonald narrowly defeated Wells, winning 50.3 percent of the vote to Wells's 49.7 percent.[6]

Prior to the beginning McDonald's legislative service, doctors discovered a tumor on his spleen,[9] He underwent surgery to remove his spleen after the session started, and returned to the session shortly thereafter.[10] In March, he planned to undergo a third surgery,[11] but instead received a four-week long neutron therapy treatment in Batavia, Illinois, and participated in the legislative session over the internet.[12] McDonald returned to the session in May.[13]

On August 5, 2001, McDonald died.[14] His widow, Vickie D. McDonald, was appointed by Governor Mike Johanns as his successor in the legislature.[15]

References

  1. ^ a b Kerber, Kasey, ed. (2001). Nebraska Blue Book 2000-01 (PDF). Clerk of the Nebraska Legislature. Retrieved February 21, 2026.
  2. ^ a b Overstreet, Tracy (August 6, 2001). "Rockville state senator dies of cancer". Grand Island Independent. p. 1-A. Retrieved February 21, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
  3. ^ a b Kuszak, Betty (November 1, 1999). "Voice of a farmer: Rockville man vies for Unicameral seat". Kearney Hub. p. 3. Retrieved February 21, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
  4. ^ Reed, Leslie (June 16, 1999). "Schmitt Won't Seek Third Term". Omaha World-Herald. p. 22. Retrieved February 21, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
  5. ^ Overstreet, Tracy (May 4, 2000). "Four running to replace Schmitt in Legislature". Grand Island Independent. p. 2-C. Retrieved February 21, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
  6. ^ a b Moore, Scott (2000). Official Report of the Nebraska State Canvassing Board, Primary Election, May 9, 2000, General Election, November 7, 2000 (PDF). Nebraska Secretary of State. Retrieved February 21, 2026.
  7. ^ Brandert, Melanie (May 10, 2000). "Wells, McDonald advance in District 41 race". Grand Island Independent. p. 1-B. Retrieved February 21, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
  8. ^ Overstreet, Tracy (September 28, 2000). "A new outlook: Candidate plans to resume campaign after health setback". Grand Island Independent. p. 1-A. Retrieved February 21, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
  9. ^ Reed, Leslie (December 22, 2000). "New Senator to Serve Despite Illness". Omaha World-Herald. p. 18. Retrieved February 21, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
  10. ^ Bauer, Scott (February 15, 2001). "Cancer battle can't stop new senator". Lincoln Journal Star. p. 2B. Retrieved February 21, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
  11. ^ Overstreet, Tracy (March 15, 2001). "Sen. McDonald faces third cancer surgery". Grand Island Independent. p. 3-A. Retrieved February 21, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
  12. ^ Overstreet, Tracy (March 23, 2001). "Despite surgery, freshman senator participating in Unicameral via laptop". Grand Island Independent. p. 7-A. Retrieved February 21, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
  13. ^ Hambleton, Ken (May 22, 2001). "Ailing senator returns to work". Lincoln Journal Star. p. 1B. Retrieved February 21, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
  14. ^ "Cancer claims life of Sen. McDonald". Lincoln Journal Star. August 7, 2001. p. 1B. Retrieved February 21, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
  15. ^ Hicks, Nancy (August 11, 2001). "Wife's swearing in 'happy, sad'". Lincoln Journal Star. p. 2A. Retrieved February 21, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
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