As the classical radio station in the nation's capital, Classical WETA 90.9 FM counts among its listeners many classical music devotees who work on Capitol Hill. Each month, Classical WETA interviews U.S. Senators and Congressmen about the music they enjoy and what they like to see and do while living and working in Washington.

Click below for:

• Congressional Classics interview with Sen. Ben Nelson
• Other Congressional Classics interviews

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Senator Ben Nelson

A native of McCook, Nebraska, Ben Nelson won his first election at age 17--as governor in a mock legislature. It proved to be a harbinger of things to come as Nelson was elected governor of Nebraska in 1990. After serving two terms in Lincoln, Nelson was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2000. He has served on the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Senate Agriculture Committee.

Classical WETA 90.9 FM talked with Senator Nelson about classical music, his likes and interests, and how he divides his time between Washington, D.C. and Nebraska.

What is your favorite classical music piece?

Handel's "Messiah"

What is your favorite D.C. area restaurant or chef?

Vidalia

Which is your favorite local museum?

Smithsonian Museum of Natural History

Where do you like to go on your day off?

My cabin.

What is your favorite guilty pleasure?

Lemon meringue pie.

Which three people would you most like to have dinner with?

Tony Blair, Steve Martin, my grandson Christian.

What is your favorite sports team?

Nebraska Cornhuskers.

What is your favorite local arts venue?

Joslyn Art Museum.

What is one thing you'd like everyone to know about your home state?

It is a well kept secret.