Steve Wiitala

In 1980, State Senator Neil S. Simon declined to seek re-election to a second term, and Wiitala ran to succeed him in the 31st district, which was based in the western suburbs of Omaha. Wiitala ran in a crowded field of opponents, inclduing secretary Louise Abrahamson, chiropractor Russ Sawyer, landscaper George Rose, former State Senator Donald Troudt, and retired businessman Neal Walker.^[5] Wiitala placed first in the primary, winning 40 percent of the vote, and advanced to the general election with Sawyer, who placed second with 22 percent of the vote.^[6][7] In the general election, Wiitala narrowly defeated Sawyer, winning 52–48 percent.^[6][8]

Wiitala resigned from the legislature on September 1, 1983,^[9] citing his inability to support himself on a state legislative salary.^[10] Governor Bob Kerrey appointed him as the Douglas County Election Commissioner, effective January 1, 1984,^[11] and Wiitala taught political science at economics at Arbor Heights Junior High School until the appointment was effective.^[10] Upon the election of Republican Kay Orr in 1986, she replaced Wiitala in 1988.^[12]

Following Wiitala's departure as Election Commissioner, the state legislature hired him to conduct an eighteen-month study of the state's election laws and to recommend changes.^[13] Wiitala's suggested reforms resulted in the passage of legislation several years later to reform the electino code.^[14]

Wiitala ran for the Democratic nomination for Lieutenant Governor in 1990.^[15] He faced Maxine Moul, the state's Democratic National committeewoman; Keth Edquist, a member of the Omaha Public Power District; anti-radioactive waste activist Gary Rogge; and perennial candidate Ken Michaelis.^[16] Wiitala narrowly lost the Democratic primary to Moul, who won 30 percent of the vote to Wiitala's 27 percent.^[17]

In 1994, Wiitala considered running for Nebraska Secretary of State following the retirement of Allen J. Beermann, but ultimately declined to do so.^[18] Later that year, he was hired by the Omaha Public Schools to serve as the government relations coordinator.^[4]