Remounting a campaign

Cap Dierks (non-partisan) Nebraska Senator (unicameral legislature)

DVM degree: KSU, 1961

Opponent: Tom Noecker

Cap Dierks has always had a passion for two things: veterinary medicine and politics. So after running a successful clinic for 10 years, he decided to pursue his other interest. It began with serving on the local school board for 15 years, the hospital board for nine years and one year as president of the Nebraska Veterinary Medical Association. He then turned to the unicameral, nonpartisan Nebraska Senate, which he served in from 1987 to 2002. Dierks plans to once again serve in the state legislature, after losing his seat to a competitor following a redistricting. "Anybody who has the propensity to serve people should serve in public office," Dierks says.

Born in 1932 in O'Neill, Neb., Dierks calls the state home, having spent his entire life there, with the exception of his time serving in the U.S. Air Force ('55-'56) and while attending college at Kansas State University in Manhattan ('57-'61), where he received his doctorate in veterinary medicine. Dierks is married with four children.

Dierks, along with a fellow veterinarian, started his own practice in 1973, where he mainly treated beef cattle, while maintaining a sizable small animal practice. "There was a certain comfort zone," he says. "I was doing what I wanted to do and needed to do. The most difficult part was having to euthanize people's pets when their lives were about over." He remained with the practice until his retirement in 1992, so he could focus on his position as chairman of agriculture in the legislation. "I wasn't able to uphold my end of the deal."

By keeping his license active, running a beef cattle ranch, and inspecting one of the livestock markets, Dierks has maintained his connection with veterinary medicine since retirement.

He now hopes to make an impact on state politics by concentrating on real estate and property taxes, education and finances for local schools and natural resources and the advantages of wind and sun energy.