Lawsuit challenges term limits on lawmakers

[Omaha Steve]

Published Friday
December 2, 2005

Lawsuit challenges term limits on lawmakers

BY LESLIE REED


WORLD-HERALD BUREAU

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LINCOLN - The Nebraska Supreme Court on Friday was asked to consider a challenge of Nebraska's two-term limit on state lawmakers, passed by voters with a state constitutional amendment in 2000.

Lincoln attorney Alan Peterson filed the lawsuit in the names of four Lincoln-area residents and two Omaha residents. In it, they allege their rights to campaign for and elect the legislative leaders of their choice have been unconstitutionally curtailed by term limits. The lawsuit alleges "constitutionally fatal errors in drafting Nebraska's term limits law."

State Sens. Ernie Chambers of Omaha, Marian Price of Lincoln and Dennis Byars of Beatrice, all of whom recently were refused from filing for re-election by Secretary of State John Gale, also are named as "necessary parties" in the lawsuit.

Peterson asked the Supreme Court to decide the case without it first being considered by a lower court. It is not known when the Supreme Court might act on the request, said Supreme Court Clerk Lanet Asmussen.

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