Democrats Recruit 1954 NBA Champion Lakers To Run For Governor

LINCOLN - After several potential candidates refused, the Nebraska Democrats may have finally found their candidate for Governor: the 1954 Minneapolis Lakers.

Despite the fact that the team's youngest player is 78, and several of the team's star players have been dead for years, State Chair Vic Covalt believes that the 1954 Lakers will connect with the elusive "swing" voter.

"We would have preferred one of the more recent championship teams, but the Lakers said yes, and we think they represent Nebraska Democrats very well," Covalt said.

When asked what about the team, which has long since left for Los Angeles, appeals to Nebraskans, Covalt said "I know a great number of people in Nebraska who wish it was still 1954."

Randy Adkins, a UNO professor who is often interviewed for stories like these because we need someone independent to verify our observations, was somewhat surprised at the news.

"I guess it makes some sense, they do bring their own connections and donor base, although I have to imagine that a lot of them are either dead or in Minnesota."

The Lakers have not yet agreed to run for governor, but will meet with Democratic Party officials soon to discuss the race.

"We're definitely interested," forward Jim Fritsche said, "but we need to know if we'll have the party's full resources at our disposal before we commit to a run."

Dave Heineman could not be reached for comment for this story.