LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — The Nebraskans for the Death Penalty campaign raised nearly $244,000 in its first reporting period, with most of the money coming from Gov. Pete Ricketts and his father.
Ricketts and his father, TD Ameritrade founder Joe Ricketts, each contributed $100,000 to the ballot drive that could put the death penalty question to voters. An expense report released Friday says the campaign spent more than $217,500 in the reporting period, leaving it with roughly $26,300 in cash on hand.
The campaign was launched after Nebraska lawmakers abolished the death penalty over the governor's veto.
Nebraskans for the Death Penalty says it has paid roughly $192,000 to Lincoln Strategy Group, an Arizona-based consultant that is using paid circulators to gather signatures.
A group opposing the referendum announced a $400,000 donation last week.
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