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
Walnut Township recall coming; Friday mtg erupts in arrest
Sabetha woman arrested in business burglary
Effingham teen facing child sex crimes charges
Two search warrants, two Horton homes, two arrests
Severe storms move through NE KS
Document forgery alleged in ATCO's Walnut Township
Two Brown Co officers honored for their bravery
Whiting woman pleads to theft of fire dept. funds
Severe storms reported Tuesday in NE KS
Flags across KS to fly half-staff Sunday
Four arrested for illegal activity on Kickapoo Reservation
Two men arrested in Jackson Co for distribute of meth
Atchison man nabbed for neighbor's 4 wheeler theft
Winning lottery ticket sold in Falls City about to expire
Meriden man bound over on rape charge
Tornado damage surveyed in NE KS
Richardson County Deputies busy during special enforcement
LATEST STORIES
Latest Brown, Doniphan Co filings
Council approves Aquatic Center hirings
Motorcyclist injured in Holt Co MO crash
Four arrested for illegal activity on Kickapoo Reservation
Two search warrants, two Horton homes, two arrests
Brown Co Sheriff's Office releases April stats
Flags across KS to fly half-staff Sunday
Commission takes action related to bridge project
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 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
Nebraska Gov. Makes Second Donation To Death Penalty Initiative