Pillen appoints 2 men to Nebraska Liquor Control Commission

Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen has announced two appointments to the state Liquor Control Commission.

Pillen said Monday that he appointed Robert “Bud” Synhorst of Lincoln to represent the 1st Congressional District and James Elworth of Nebraska City to represent the 3rd Congressional District. The commission has three members, one from each of the state’s congressional districts. Pillen appointed retired Judge J. Michael Coffey of Omaha to be the 2nd Congressional District representative in June.

Synhorst owns RobNik Strategies and is the former president/CEO of the Lincoln Independent Business Association as well as a former executive director of the Nebraska Republican Party.

Ellsworth is a former assistant attorney general who also worked as a prosecutor in both Lancaster and Dodge counties. He is now retired.

The two men replace Bruce Bailey and Kim Lowe, who both resigned in September after Pillen asked them to. The resignations came after former Liquor Commission Executive Director Hobert “Hobie” Rupe was indicted on several federal charges relating to an alleged scheme between Rupe and Lincoln strip club owner Brent Zywiec in which Rupe is accused of taking bribes, including cash, free drinks and sex acts from women who worked at the club. Zywiec was also indicted.

Synhorst’s term will run until May 2029, while Ellsworth’s will run until May 2027.

In addition to their roles on the Liquor Control Commission, Synhorst and Ellsworth will also serve on the five-person Medical Cannabis Commission along with Coffey, Dr. Monica Oldenburg and Lorelle Mueting.