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Nebraska lawmaker bashes report on failed execution drug buy

senator-ernie-chambers
Sen. Ernie Chambers

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A Nebraska lawmaker says he’s disappointed by a new state auditor’s report about the state’s failed attempt last year to purchase execution drugs from overseas.

The report released Monday details efforts by the Department of Correctional Services to buy more than $54,000 worth of drugs from a provider in India. The state never received the drugs because federal agencies blocked the import.

Sen. Ernie Chambers, an independent, says the audit “does not really shed light on the issue.” He suggested the report amounted to Republicans closing ranks.

State Auditor Charlie Janssen defended the report, saying everything his office does is nonpartisan.

Democratic Sen. Burke Harr says he was pleased with the report. He says it demonstrates the benefits of openness and transparency about executions.

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