[2][3] In a 2007 article in the Lincoln Journal Star headlined "Check with Schmit-Albin if you want to win", W. Don Nelson, former state director for U.S.

Senator Ben Nelson, told the journal that "Anyone who runs for public office without touching base with her does so at their peril.

Several senators in the Legislature voted against the passage of the bill, citing their complaints that it would provide undocumented mothers with taxpayer-funded coverage.

In an open letter, Schmit-Albin criticized several senators for voting against the bill, writing that "It is sad and alarming that we have come to this point where some of the major pro-life leaders in the Legislature are choosing to put the illegal immigration issue and who pays for what, over the life and health of babies in the womb.

Nebraska Senator Joni Albrecht praised Schmit-Albin on the floor of the Legislature, calling attention to her bravery and "straight-out grit".