Updated: Jan 9, 2009 08:24 AM CST

In less than a minute, Jose Sandoval and two others killed five people in a Norfolk bank. Five years on death row has brought him no closer to execution, after the state's high court struck down the electric chair.

Sen. Dennis Utter of Hastings said, "We virtually don't have the death penalty."

Utter finds himself in agreement with the majority of lawmakers, who want to change the state's method of execution to lethal injection.

"For the worst crimes, the most heinous crimes, I'm in support of the death penalty, yes," he said.

Galen Hadley of Kearney says it's something most Nebraskans are in support of.

Hadley said, "I think they are, at least in my district, they were considerably in favor of it."

Sen. Brenda Council pledges to fight the death penalty, even if she has to get advice from Ernie Chambers, the man she replaces in the legislature.

Annette Dubas has previously voted to repeal the death penalty, but says she's not ready to say how she'll vote now. Regardless, she says it's time to put the issue to rest.

Dubas, of Fullerton said, "It's been hanging there for a long time and so I think this is probably the time to make a decision one way or another and move on."

With the state unable to carry out the death penalty against the killers from his hometown of Norfolk, Speaker Mike Flood introduced the lethal injection bill Thursday, with support from the governor and attorney general.

"I would guess that would pass. That would be my prediction right now," Galen Hadley said.

Reporter's Notes by Steve White:
Governor Dave Heineman said, "Speaker Flood has my full support."

Under the proposal, the Department of Correctional Services would develop the execution protocol to use, as 22 other states have done.

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"To see what is right and not to do it is want of courage." Confucius

i guess we never are out for debates about the dp till it's not allowed anymore!!

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be nice to the people on your way up,because you will meet them again on your way down