LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska Secretary of State John Gale is pulling a set of public service announcements off the air amid criticism that they could mislead voters about a death penalty ballot measure.
Gale said Wednesday that the 30- and 60-second radio spots were intended to ensure voters understand the potentially confusing ballot language. Voting "repeal" in the election is a show of support for the punishment, while voting "retain" is a declaration that the death penalty should not be reinstated.
The death penalty opposition group Retain a Just Nebraska argued that radio ads failed to mention that the state will still have life imprisonment if the death penalty stays repealed.
Gale says he pulled the ad so the debate will remain focused on "substantive issues."
© Associated Press
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Holton man killed in Jackson Co crash
Morrill pair arrested on drug, child endangerment charges
Cold case investigation leads to Holton warrant
Effingham owner regains truck following theft, arrest
Horton City Clerk's resignation accepted Monday
Local residents avoid injury in chain reaction crash
90 mph+ downburst winds blamed for Thursday damage
Wamego man sentenced in second fentanyl-related death
Mayetta pair arrested on meth, child endangerment charges
Stolen trailer, 4-wheeler, recovered in Atchison
Juveniles face charges following Atchison break-in
Atchison Co's Oswald named honorary bailiff for KS Court
Winchester native named as Amberwell CEO
Two arrested following Friday Jackson Co traffic stop
McLouth man injured in Monday wreck
No injuries in early Sunday morning house fire in Falls City
Former Kickapoo Tribal chairman arrested
Senator Slama on tax relief efforts
LATEST STORIES
Holton property search concludes with arrest
Former Kickapoo Tribal chairman arrested
Atchison company earns energy grant; upgrades planned
Winchester native named as Amberwell CEO
April is Alcohol Awareness Month in Nebraska
MoDOT to discuss Holt County bridge projects
Sheriff's Office to take part in drug take back event
Council hears report from golf course