Ernie is an interesting character in some respects. In some ways, I admire the guy for being a bit of a rebel or maverick if you will. He goes against the grain, against the system, and that takes some guts and internal fortitude, that many people just don't have. I also think he believes he is really fighting for his constituency, again, it isn't something you see from many politicians these days. So for those things, I admire the guy.
How effective is he? That's part of the problem with him in my opinion. I think he is so busy fighting everyone and everything, that he doesn't choose his battles very effectively and consequently people just write him off as being a kook or worse.
Even if you dislike the guy and think he's way too far out there, which I think he is, I do think his legacy of standing up for his constituents and going against the grain is at least admirable.
If you have ever taken the time to watch his tv show though, you will see a much more unfiltered version of him, and to me, that's not the kind of leadership the people of north omaha deserve.