Long Days Journey Into Night

Nebraska lawmakers gave initial approval to a bill Tuesday intended to make the state's death-penalty laws comply with a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling. Lawmakers voted 36-7 to advance the bill, which was introduced on behalf of Gov. Mike Johanns. It faces two more rounds of consideration before it can be sent to Johanns to sign into law. Johanns called the special session to deal with constitutional questions in the state's death-penalty laws. Key …

…M., Omaha; Redfield, P., Omaha; Schrock, E., Elm Creek; Smith, A., Gering; Stuhr, E., Bradshaw; Suttle, D., Omaha; Thompson, N., Papillion; Tyson, G., Norfolk; Vrtiska, F., Table Rock; Wehrbein, R., Plattsmouth. Senators Voting No: (7) Chambers, E., Omaha; Connealy, M., Decatur; Foley, M., Lincoln; Landis, D., Lincoln; Maxwell, C., Omaha; Pedersen, Dw., Elkhorn; Raikes, R., Lincoln. Senators Excused: (6) Beutler, C., Lincoln; Coordsen, G., Hebron; Dierks, M., Ewing; Robak, J., Columbus; Schimek, D., Lincoln; Synowiecki, J., Omaha.