Michael T. Avery
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Michael T. Avery | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Nebraska Legislature from the 3rd district | |
| In office January 6, 1993 – January 8, 1997 | |
| Preceded by | Emil Beyer |
| Succeeded by | Jon Bruning |
| Personal details | |
| Born | February 15, 1952 |
| Died | August 30, 2023 (aged 71) |
| Party | Republican |
| Children | 2 (Brandon, Shawn) |
| Education | University of Nebraska–Lincoln (B.S.) |
| Occupation | Wildlife biologist |
Michael T. Avery (February 15, 1952 – August 30, 2023) was a Republican politician who served as a member of the Nebraska Legislature from the 3rd district from 1993 to 1997. He was originally elected as a Democrat, but later switched to the Republican Party.[1]
Avery was born in Newcastle, Wyoming, and graduated from Crawford High School in Crawford, Nebraska, in 1970.[2][3] He attended the University of Nebraska, graduating with his bachelor's degree.[2][3] He worked as a fish and wildlife biologist and aquatic education coordinator for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.[3]
In 1980, Avery ran for the Gretna City Council from Ward I.[4] He defeated Ruth Houser in the election, receiving 57 percent of the vote to her 43 percent.[5] He was re-elected unopposed in 1984.[6] In 1988, Avery ran for Mayor and was elected unopposed.[7]
Nebraska Legislature
In 1992, State Senator Emil Beyer declined to seek re-election,[8] and Avery ran to succeed him in the 3rd district,[9] which included most of Sarpy County in metropolitan Omaha. In a crowded primary,[10] former Sarpy County Planning Commissioner Lynda Thorpe placed first with 26 percent of the vote. Avery narrowly beat out businessman Bob Twiss for second place, receiving 3 votes more than Twiss,[11] which was confirmed by a recount.[12] In the general election, Avery defeated Thorpe, winning 53 percent of the vote to Thorpe's 37 percent.[11]
Avery ran for re-election in 1996 and was challenged by Richard Bellino, a businessman, and Jon Bruning, a business development consultant and attorney.[13] Avery placed first in the primary, winning 47 percent of the vote to Bruning's 39 percent and Bellino's 14 percent.[14] In the general election, the Omaha World-Herald endorsed Bruning over Avery, criticizing Avery's "relatively low profile" and his abstentions on pieces of legislation.[15] Bruning ultimately defeated Avery by a wide margin, receiving 55 percent of the vote to Avery's 45 percent.[14]
