Ramey Whitney

In 1962, Whitney ran for the state legislature from the 39th district, which was based in western Nebraska, challenging incumbent State Senator Lewis Webb for re-election.^[2] In the nonpartisan primary, he finished third, receiving 22 percent of the vote to Webb's 32 percent and former Congressman Donald McGinley's 38 percent.^[5] McGinley ultimately defeated Webb.^[6]

Following redistricting in 1964, McGinley ran for re-election in the newly created 44th district, and he was challenged by Whitney and car dealer Bud Clemens.^[7][8] Whitney narrowly placed first in the primary election, receiving 45 percent of the vote to McGinley's 39 percent and Clemens's 15 percent.^[9] Whitney and McGinley advanced to the general election,^[10] but on August 24, 1964, McGinley announced that he was dropping out of the race, citing his need to focus attention on his family's business.^[11] Clemens automatically filled McGinley's place on the ballot.^[11] Whitney defeated Clemens in a landslide, receiving 65 percent of the vote to his 35 percent.^[9]

Whitney ran for re-election in 1966,^[12] and was re-elected without opposition.^[13][14]

In 1970, Whitney sought a third term,^[15] and was challenged by attorney William Padley, rancher Jack Brogan, and former Paxton Village Board member Marvin Platt.^[16] In the primary election, Whitney placed first in the primary, receiving 43 percent of the vote to Padley's 24 percent.^[17] They advanced to the general election,^[18] where Whitney defeated Padley by a wide margin, winning 62–38 percent.^[17]

Whitney declined to seek a fourth term in 1974,^[19] and was succeeded by Jack Mills.^[20]

In 1978, Mills did not run for re-election, and Whitney ran to succeed him.^[21] In the primary, he faced former Adams County Supervisor Rex Haberman.^[22] Whitney narrowly placed second in the primary, winning 47 percent of the vote to Haberman's 53 percent, and in the general election, was ultimately defeated, 55–45 percent.^[23][24]

Whitney died on February 17, 1988.^[25]