He is married to Judy Beutler and between them they have five children, daughters Lori, Alexa, Erica, Mikahla, and son Sam, as well as seven grandchildren.

[2] He focused on a campaign theme of establishing Lincoln as a great city by promoting safety and security, an exceptional economy, and a "unique sense of place.

"[2] His opponents in the primary held on Tuesday, April 3, 2007, were Nebraska Party candidate Mike Deal, Republican city councilman Ken Svoboda and Independent Roger Yant.

His opponents for the April 7 primary election were Republican Lancaster County Treasurer Andy Stebbing and Independent Rene Solc.

[5] In the summer of 2018, several prominent Republican politicians successfully led a petition drive for an amendment to the city charter that would limit the Lincoln mayor to serving three consecutive terms.