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Nebraska death penalty foes outline case for keeping repeal

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska voters can expect to hear a lot about capital punishment between now and the November election.

Death penalty opponents on Wednesday launched the next phase of their campaign to urge voters to keep the punishment off the books. Lawmakers abolished the death penalty in May, but a statewide petition drive suspended that action until voters decide the issue.

The new anti-death penalty group, Retain a Just Nebraska, includes lawmakers, faith leaders and family members or murder victims.

Sen. Colby Coash of Lincoln says many voters are operating under the mistaken assumption that restoring the punishment will allow executions right away, when in reality the state is unlikely to execute anyone again.

Death penalty supporters have said they plan to campaign in favor of keeping the punishment.

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