David Karnes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
David Karnes
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| United States Senator from Nebraska |
|
| In office March 11, 1987 – January 3, 1989 |
|
| Appointed by | Kay Orr |
| Preceded by | Edward Zorinsky |
| Succeeded by | Bob Kerrey |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
David Kemp Karnes
December 12, 1948 Omaha, Nebraska, U.S. |
| Died | October 25, 2020 (aged 71) Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouses |
Elizabeth Lueder
(m. 1971; died 2003)Kristine Dorn
(m. 2008) |
| Children | 6 |
| Education | University of Nebraska (BA, JD) |
David Kemp Karnes (born December 12, 1948 – died October 25, 2020) was an American politician and businessman. He also worked as a lawyer. He served as a United States Senator for Nebraska from 1987 to 1989.
Later, he became the president and CEO of The Fairmont Group Incorporated. This company worked in finance and consulting. Karnes also worked as a lawyer for the national law firm Kutak Rock. He was involved in many community, education, and charity groups.
Contents
David Karnes's Early Life
David Karnes was born in Omaha, Nebraska. He went to Benson High School. He then studied at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. He was part of the swimming team there. He graduated in 1971.
While in college, he joined the Beta Theta Pi fraternity. He was even the president of his chapter for a term. After college, he stayed in Lincoln to study law.
In 1981, Karnes was chosen as a White House Fellow. This is a special program for young leaders. He was only the second person from Nebraska to get this honor. After his time at the White House, he worked for the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. This was under President Ronald Reagan. He also worked for the Federal Home Loan Bank Board.
From 1983 to 1987, he led the Board of Directors for the Federal Home Loan Bank of Topeka. During this time, he also worked as a lawyer for a company that dealt with farming and trade.
Serving in the U.S. Senate
How He Became a Senator
On March 11, 1987, Governor Kay A. Orr chose David Karnes to be a U.S. Senator. He was a Republican. He filled the spot left empty when Senator Edward Zorinsky passed away. His term would end on January 3, 1989.
Many people were surprised by this choice. Karnes was 38 years old and not well-known in Nebraska politics. Governor Orr knew him because he had helped with her campaign the year before.
What He Did as a Senator
While in the Senate, Karnes worked on several important committees. These included the Banking Committee. He also served on the Agriculture Committee. Another committee he joined was the Small Business Committee.
His main work involved relations between states and countries. He also focused on business laws, real estate, and financial groups. Karnes had a lot of experience from working in government. This helped him understand how different agencies worked. These included the White House and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Karnes also helped the Nebraska Legislature. He advised them on how to change the state's tax system. He also helped create Nebraska's college savings plan. He was on the board of directors for the Federal Home Loan Bank of Topeka. This bank helps provide money to banks and insurance companies in several states.
Running for Re-election
In 1988, David Karnes ran for the Senate on his own. He won the Republican nomination. But he lost the main election to former governor Bob Kerrey, a Democrat. Kerrey won with 57% of the votes.
During his campaign, Karnes made a mistake. At the Nebraska State Fair, he said, "What this nation needs is fewer farmers." This comment was not popular.
Even though President George W. Bush encouraged him to run again in 2006, Karnes never sought public office after that.
After His Time in Politics
After leaving politics, Karnes served on the boards of many companies. These included Fannie Mae. He also advised other private companies. These companies worked in areas like banking, healthcare technology, and media.
He was also a director for the University of Nebraska Technology Park. He worked with companies focused on web development and internet security.
Karnes was a member of the United States Advisory Committee on Trade Policy and Negotiations. This committee advises the president and Congress on trade issues. It includes leaders from major U.S. companies and organizations. This group helped shape important trade agreements. These included the World Trade Organization and the North American Free Trade Agreement.
In January 2016, Karnes supported New Jersey governor Chris Christie for president. This was during the 2016 United States presidential election.
Family and Later Years
David Karnes was married to Dr. Elizabeth Karnes from 1971 until she passed away in 2003. They had four daughters together. On June 14, 2008, Karnes married Kristine Dorn. They had two children.
In 2019, Karnes was diagnosed with a type of skin cancer. He was part of a special study in Boston, Massachusetts. However, the treatment did not work. He passed away there on October 25, 2020, at the age of 71.
Images for kids
-
David Karnes
