LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts is defending his $100,000 donation to a group that's leading a ballot drive to save the death penalty.
Ricketts said Wednesday that he feels strongly that voters should be allowed to decide whether to keep capital punishment in the state.
Ricketts and his father, TD Ameritrade founder Joe Ricketts, each contributed $100,000 to Nebraskans for the Death Penalty in its most recent filing period. The group raised a total of nearly $244,000 in that timeframe.
Nebraska lawmakers abolished the death penalty in May when they overrode the governor's veto of a repeal measure. The ballot measure could reverse the Legislature's action.
Ricketts says he didn't consider the donation inappropriate because the final decision would rest with voters. He says he may contribute more in the future.
© Associated Press
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Hiawatha man charged after escape from police custody
Meriden teen injured in Jeff co wreck
Two arrested in rural Horton drug bust
USD 415 board approves resignations, new hires
Fake sports rings seized enroute to Atchison
USD 115 board fails to fill vacancy after 3 votes
Early Saturday house fire battled in Atchison
Topeka woman arrested in Jackson Co on drug charges
Hearing held on USD 115 land transfer petition
Failure to stop, Georgia warrants, hold Atchison man
4th attorney appointed for TX man charged in fatal Jackson Co wreck
Lansing man arrested in overdose death
8-year-old injured in mid-week Atchison wreck
New Mayor appointed for Lancaster
LV man sentenced for teen sexual attack
K-9 bridge replacement underway in Nemaha County
LATEST STORIES
Motorcyclist injured in Winthrop, MO crash
Bird flu found in two KS dairy herds
Brown Co certifies election results
Winter help deadlines fast approaching
8-year-old injured in mid-week Atchison wreck
Easter celebrations set for Atchison
Nemaha Co Commission approves grant applications
4th attorney appointed for TX man charged in fatal Jackson Co wreck
RELATED STORIES
Death Penalty Debate Continues
Neb Death Penalty Measure Foes Change Name
Neb Looking to Recoup Money From Death Penalty Drug Purchase
Appeal of Neb Death Penalty Repeal Being Considered
Nebraska Looking at Death Penalty Protocol
State Seeking Death Penalty In Tecumseh Prison Death
Nebraska Gov. Keeps Promise to Veto Death Penalty Repeal
Supporters of Nebraska Death Penalty Announce Referendum Campaign
Gov. Ricketts Comments on Death Penalty During Falls City Stop
Gov. Ricketts Comments on Death Penalty During Falls City Stop