LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Conservatives dominate the Nebraska Legislature, but this session much of their time has been spent debating liberal issues.

Lawmakers have been immersed in efforts to legalize medical marijuana, abolish the death penalty and increase fuel taxes while bills calling for expanded gun rights and stricter standards on abortion clinics have been stalled in committees.

Given that the Legislature has 35 Republicans, 13 Democrats and one independent, that is exasperating to some conservatives.

But legislators say votes in the nonpartisan Legislature are hard to predict because new senators tend toward middle ground when confronted by the complexities of issues.

Since parties have more limited influence, senators also say they are more able to vote based on personal convictions.