Sen. McKeon defends character during Tuesday press conference in Cairo

CAIRO, Neb. — A Nebraska state senator under pressure to resign called the effort a political game while defending himself at a press event Tuesday in Central Nebraska.

Sen. Dan McKeon of Amherst said Tuesday in Cairo that lawmakers don’t have all the facts.

McKeon faces accusations from a legislative staffer of inappropriate contact. He and his attorney deny the allegations.

The staffer is preparing a civil lawsuit, while Gov. Jim Pillen and other officials urge McKeon to resign.

McKeon’s family and a lawyer spoke in his defense. They highlighted steps he has taken, including moving his office and attending sensitivity training.

He initially pleaded no contest to a separate misdemeanor but later changed his plea to not guilty to fight the Executive Board’s expulsion recommendation.

Expelling McKeon requires a full vote of the Nebraska Legislature, with 33 senators needed to pass.

McKeon says he believes he has enough support to stay in office.