[1][2] Early in Friesen's farming career, he found himself in difficulties with U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulations.
According to Friesen, this experience resolved him to involve himself in politics rather than being "the person complaining in the coffee shop".
[3][4] From 1997 to 2008, Friesen served on the board of directors of the Upper Big Blue Natural Resources District, a local governmental body charged with managing ground and surface water and with preventing soil erosion in the upper portion of the Big Blue River basin.
[5][9][10] In November 2005, Friesen announced his intention of running in the next year's election for the Nebraska Legislature from the 24th District, which consisted of York, Seward, and part of Polk County.
Incumbent Elaine Stuhr, a member of the Republican Party, was barred by Nebraska's term-limits law from running for re-election.
Larry TeSelle had sold cars in Seward and Milford for 30 years; at the time of the election, he was a maintenance worker for Union Bank in Lincoln.
The incumbent, Annette Dubas, a member of the Democratic Party, was barred by Nebraska's term-limits law from running for a third consecutive term.