Former State Sen. Dan McKeon defends his conduct, questions election integrity

KEARNEY, Neb. — The Nebraska state senator who resigned amid a scandal involving accusations of inappropriately touching a female staffer is speaking out about the incident and his concerns with state government.

Dan McKeon of Amherst resigned on Jan. 13 immediately before the Unicameral was set to vote on his expulsion. Just over a month later, McKeon says he is working to get the truth out. In a one-on-one interview with News Channel Nebraska’s Dave Griek, McKeon said he viewed his actions during the incident with the staffer as normal given his background coaching and officiating sports and his sense of humor.

“I’m one of those people, too, that I always will pat somebody on the back and shake hands. That’s my personality.”

McKeon initially attempted to plead no contest to a disturbing the peace charge related to the incident. He later changed his plea to not guilty. He says he decided to change his plea when the legislature’s executive board voted unanimously to recommend that he be expelled.

“I had other information that when you go to trial, usually it drops it,” McKeon said.

McKeon wasn’t specific about his next plans but said he expects to stay around the political arena.

The former senator went on to say that he wants the public to pay closer attention to election integrity and who they are electing to office.

McKeon didn’t have specific grievances with Nebraska’s election process, but said he is suspicious of mail-in elections and isn’t supportive of Secretary of State Bob Evnen.

“I’ve talked to enough people that have done the investigating in a lot of the mail-in ballots and all of those things, too, that it’s not been good,” McKeon said.

Evnen issued a statement in response to McKeon’s comments.

“Nebraska's elections are safe, secure and accurate. Across the state, our county clerks and county election commissioners go to great lengths to assure the integrity of Nebraska's elections.”

“Our office works with members of the legislature to continually improve our election processes. When (McKeon) was in the legislature, he brought nothing to our office.”