State Senator Ernie Chambers

NEBRASKA (USA): LAWMAKERS OVERRIDE GOVERNOR'S VETO, REPEAL DEATH PENALTY

May 27, 2015: With a vote to override a veto by Gov. Pete Ricketts, the Nebraska Legislature repealed the death penalty in the state. With 30 votes needed to override, the motion received 30 votes. 19 senators voted with the Governor. 2 senators changed their vote since final passage of LB 268.
Wahoo State Senator Jerry Johnson and Gretna State Senator John Murante initially supported the repeal, but on the floor Wednesday said they had changed their minds. "I am personally conflicted on the death penalty,' said Murante, who noted he was a practicing Catholic. "One truth is undeniable. Taking human life under certain circumstances can be justified." Murante said despite appeals by Archbishop George Lucas and priests, the majority of Murante's constituents overwhelmingly support the death penalty.
Governor Ricketts vetoed the bill Tuesday, arguing it was a necessary deterrent. Omaha State Senator Ernie Chambers sponsored LB 268. Wednesday's vote was the culmination of a 40-year effort by Chambers to end capital punishment in Nebraska. As debate began, he urged Senators to stand by their decision. "Don't sacrifice what you are, and what you've stood for in response to temporary political pressure of the kind that might discard you later," said Chambers.
After the vote, applause broke out in the legislative chamber. Senator Chambers thanked colleagues for their vote. Nebraska had not executed a prisoner since 1997, when the electric chair was used. It hasn't imposed the punishment under the lethal injection process now required by state law. (Source: KETV news, 27/05/2015)