OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Convicted Omaha killer Nikko Jenkins, whose release from prison last year has been dragged into the race for Nebraska’s 2nd House District, mentioned the Republican incumbent in a courtroom appearance.

Jenkins said loudly Wednesday as he entered a courtroom, “Vote for Lee Terry, guys. Best Republican ever.”

Jenkins awaits sentencing for killing four Omahans in August 2013.

Terry and Republicans have accused Democratic challenger Brad Ashford, a state lawmaker from Omaha, of supporting a state law that allows criminals like Jenkins to be released from prison early.

At the hearing Wednesday, Jenkins’ public defender renewed a request for Jenkins to be transferred to a state psychiatric hospital, instead of having doctors treat him at the Lincoln prison where he’s being held. The judge did not rule on the request Wednesday.