Joseph Benesch

Joseph Benesch
Member of the Nebraska Legislature from the 6th district
In office
January 7, 1947 – January 2, 1951
Preceded bySam Klaver
Succeeded bySam Klaver
Personal details
Born(1898-10-27)October 27, 1898
Octavia, Nebraska
DiedApril 30, 1986(1986-04-30) (aged 87)
Omaha, Nebraska
PartyDemocratic
Spouse
Adaline M. Tichacek
​
(m. 1927)​
Children1
EducationUniversity of Nebraska
University of Chicago
Creighton University School of Law
OccupationAttorney
Military service
Allegiance United States
Branch/service United States Navy
Years of service
1917–1919

Joseph V. Benesch (October 27, 1898 – April 30, 1986) was a Democratic politician from Nebraska who served as a member of the Nebraska Legislature from the 6th district from 1947 to 1951.

Early life

Benesch was born in Octavia, Nebraska, in 1898.[1] He attended the University of Nebraska and University of Chicago, and served in the United States Navy from 1917 to 1919 during World War I.[1][2] Benesch graduated from the Creighton University School of Law and practiced law in Omaha.[1]

Nebraska Legislature

In 1946, Benesch ran for the state legislature from the 6th district, challenging incumbent State Senator Sam Klaver for re-election.[3] Beyond Klaver, Benesch faced four opponents in the nonpartisan primary: barber H. A. Ramold, salesman Barney Guss, attorney Stanley Nestle, and George Burns.[4] Benesch placed second in the primary, winning 23 percent of the vote to Klaver's 46 percent.[5] They proceeded to the general election, which Benesch narrowly won, defeating Klaver, 51–49 percent.[5][6]

Benesch ran for re-election in 1948,[7] and was challenged by Klaver and liquor dealer Evert Steve Weyerman.[8] Benesch narrowly placed second in the primary, winning 41 percent of the vote and receiving 10 fewer votes than Klaver.[9] In the general election, Benesch again narrowly defeated Klaver, winning 51 percent of the vote.[9][10]

In 1950, Benesch decided against seeking a third term, noting that "it will be necessary for me to devote my full time to my law practice."[11]

Post-legislative career

Benesch announced that he would run for the U.S. Senate in 1954.[12] In the Democratic primary, he faced former Governor Keith Neville and attorney Edward Dosek, the 1944 and 1950 Democratic nominee for Lieutenant Governor.[13] He ultimately lost to Neville by a wide margin, receiving 25 percent of the vote to Neville's 53 percent.[14]

In 1956, Benesch ran for Congress from the 2nd congressional district.[15] Benesch narrowly won the Democratic primary over news reporter Philip Allen and former State Representative Mabel Gillespie, winning 24.9 percent of the vote to Allen's 24.5 percent and Gillespie's 22.5 percent.[16] In the general election, Benesch lost to former Omaha Mayor Glenn Cunningham, the Republican nominee, receiving 45 percent of the vote to Cunningham's 53 percent.[16]

Death

Benesch died on April 30, 1986.[2]

References

  1. 1 2 3 Nebraska Blue Book 1948 (PDF). Nebraska Legislative Council. 1949. Retrieved May 2, 2026.
  2. 1 2 "Ex-Sen. Benesch Dies at Age of 87". Omaha World-Herald. May 1, 1986. p. 14. Retrieved May 2, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
  3. ↑ "Benesch files for legislature post". Lincoln Evening Journal. January 24, 1946. p. 1. Retrieved May 2, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
  4. ↑ "Who's Who in the Nebraska Primary". Omaha World-Herald. June 7, 1946. p. 12. Retrieved May 2, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
  5. 1 2 Marsh, Frank (1946). Official Report of the Nebraska State Canvassing Board, Primary Election, June 11, 1946, General Election, November 5, 1946 (PDF). Nebraska Secretary of State. Retrieved May 2, 2026.
  6. ↑ "Klaver Trails J. V. Benesch". Omaha World-Herald. November 6, 1946. p. 1. Retrieved May 2, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
  7. ↑ "Seeks Re-election". Lincoln Star. February 4, 1948. p. 2. Retrieved May 2, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
  8. ↑ "Who's Who in the Primary". Omaha World-Herald. April 4, 1948. p. 10-A. Retrieved May 2, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
  9. 1 2 Marsh, Frank (1948). Official Report of the Nebraska State Canvassing Board, Primary Election, April 13, 1948, General Election, November 2, 1948 (PDF). Nebraska Secretary of State. Retrieved May 2, 2026.
  10. ↑ "One Douglas Senator Loses". Omaha World-Herald. November 3, 1948. p. 1. Retrieved May 2, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
  11. ↑ "Senator Benesch Won't Run Again". Lincoln Journal. June 24, 1950. p. 5. Retrieved May 2, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
  12. ↑ "Benesch To File For Senate". Lincoln Evening Journal. April 16, 1954. p. 8. Retrieved May 2, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
  13. ↑ "State GOP Picture Clearing; Demos Feel 'This Is the Year'". Hastings Tribune. Hastings, Nebraska. July 17, 1954. p. 11. Retrieved May 2, 2026.
  14. ↑ Marsh, Frank (1954). Official Report of the Board of State Canvassers of the State of Nebraska, Primary Election, August 10, 1954, General Election, November 2, 1954 (PDF). Nebraska Secretary of State. Retrieved May 2, 2026.
  15. ↑ "Benesch in Race for Congressman". Omaha World-Herald. April 5, 1956. p. 1. Retrieved May 2, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
  16. 1 2 Marsh, Frank (1956). Official Report of the Board of State Canvassers of the State of Nebraska, Primary Election, May 15, 1956, General Election, November 6, 1956 (PDF). Nebraska Secretary of State. Retrieved May 2, 2026.
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