From 1968 to 1970, he served as a legislative assistant to U.S. senator Roman Hruska of Nebraska and was responsible for agricultural appropriations, foreign relations, and constitutional law issues.
[1] Gale and his family moved to North Platte, Nebraska, in 1971, where he entered the private practice of law.
[2] Gale was appointed to fill a vacancy at Secretary of State in December 2000 by Governor Mike Johanns.
[7] As Secretary of State, Gale implemented major election improvements in Nebraska to meet the requirements of the federal Help America Vote Act.
Under his leadership, all Nebraska counties received new ballot tabulation equipment and switched to a computerized statewide voter registration system.
In that role, he promoted commerce, educational studies and cultural exchange between foreign nations and Nebraska.
[8] Gale's family includes his wife, Carol; sons David of North Platte, Nebraska, and Steven of Laramie, Wyoming; daughter Elaine of Los Angeles, California; and six grandsons.