Dan McKeon, whose nickname is Dirty Dan, is a Republican state senator in Nebraska. He was cited for public indecency in early November, 2025, over an incident in May when he allegedly groped a staffer while telling a crude joke at an end-of-session party. She reported the incident in September.
He does not deny the incident, claiming he made “a mistake in tone, not in intent.” His lawyer said he made a joke and touched her back, not her buttocks. He claims that she was going to Hawaii and he wished her and her husband a lei, a pun that his lawyer argues is not sexually charged at all, even though the homonym is the joke.
He sent an apology letter that is described as a non-apology. “I’m deeply sorry for my actions at the end of session when we were visiting that offended you. I was saying it in a joking manner, and I know that alcohol had some influence but that’s no excuse.” I’m sorry that you were offended is one way of saying the victim is just too uptight.
Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen, also a Republican, has called for his resignation, but he refuses to resign. He claims that’s because the governor wants to install someone else.
And the nickname? He claims that it comes from his past work as a grain farming consultant.
He recently gave a speech to the Buffalo County GOP about the groping incident and received a standing ovation.
No matter, the state patrol thought it a case worth pursuing.
- Nebraska Examiner: Accused Nebraska lawmaker’s statements allude to ‘joke’ in incident during party
- Nebraska Public Media: Senator accused of public indecency says he won’t resign
- News from the States: Gov. Jim Pillen requests state senator resign amidst groping allegation
- Kearney Hub: County GOP applauds Sen. Dan McKeon for hanging in there
November 4, 2025