LINCOLN- Despite a heated push to change the process that elects leadership within the body, the 108th Nebraska Legislature operated under the same rules as used in the past. Lawmakers were sworn in and elected a new Speaker in Senator John Arch.

Lawmakers also quickly adopted the usual temporary rules, which will remain in effect until permanent rules are adopted on or before Jan. 20, according to a motion made by Sen. Robert Clements of Elmwood. There was no attempt to amend the rules, as some suspected there might be. The body still has an opportunity to change the process, but it would not be enacted until 2025.

The suspicion stems from an ongoing effort to end secret ballot voting to elect legislative leadership, which has for a long time been something some lawmakers have pushed for. The effort gained some momentum earlier last year through the Nebraska First PAC, which was founded by former GOP gubernatorial candidate Charles Herbster and set its sights on making the rules change a reality.

For the full article click HERE