Republicans are expected to retain their majority in the Nebraska Legislature on Tuesday, but some wonder if its nonpartisan set-up is starting to resemble politics elsewhere.

Even without a two-party structure, many say there is growing pressure on lawmakers who vote with their conscience, not their party.

The GOP needs to win only one seat out of the 12 races that pit Republicans against Democrats.

Republicans have pushed to rid the Legislature of its nonpartisan status, arguing that Democrats use it to downplay their political leanings in conservative districts. Democrats say the move would threaten the Legislature's ability to solve state problems.

Some GOP lawmakers defied Republican Gov. Dave Heineman in April when they extended prenatal care benefits to illegal immigrants.