While national political history was made Tuesday, the state of Nebraska made history of its own, electing two African-American women to the Legislature.

For many years, Ernie Chambers was the lone African-American voice in the Unicameral, but he was not the first. Dr. Mathew Ricketts served starting in 1892 and there was Dr. Edward Danner in the 1960s.

Chambers was elected to the Nebraska Legislature in 1970 and served for more than 35 years. Term limits would not allow him to seek re-election in 2008.

While Chambers sat in his District 11 seat, Gov. James Exxon appointed
JoAnn Maxey to represent the 46th District in Lincoln after Sen. Harold Simpson resigned. Maxey was the first African-American woman to serve as state senator in Nebraska (1977-1979).

Now come two more. "Initially, I want to go in and become as close to being a master of the rules of the Legislature as the person I'm succeeding," said Senator-elect Brenda Council.

Council is a political veteran, serving on the Omaha School Board and Omaha City Council. She ran for mayor of Omaha twice, losing both elections by slim margins. Now she replaces a north Omaha icon in the Nebraska Legislature with her own ideas.

“Education is a key issue. We're electing a new Learning Community Council and a lot of people don’t know what the council is. I want to make sure the learning council fulfills its legislative intent."

Tanya Cook was the winner in District 13. Cook also replaces a term limit restricted senator in Lowen Kruse. She has worked for both former Nebraska governor Mike Johanns and current Gov. Dave Heineman.

There are some things she would like to get done. "I would like to see investment in workforce development and ongoing attention to public education programs related to early childhood education."

Both women are aware of the political history that was made on the national level and here at home. “The fact we have an opportunity to make history in our state and our county and I'm happy to be a part of it," said Cook.

“I think its monumental in its historic proportion,” said Council.

Both women will be sworn in on January 7th.