Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman says he expects to have a strong working relationship with all of the Legislature's new committee heads, including an Omaha state senator with whom he often disagrees.
Heineman said Friday he doesn't have an opinion on the selection of new committee leaders. Lawmakers in the officially nonpartisan Legislature have selected eight Democrats and seven Republicans as committee heads.
Heineman, a Republican, says he respects the Legislature's decision on leadership appointments and will work with all leaders despite their party affiliation.
Omaha Sen. Heath Mello was chosen to head the Legislature's Appropriations Committee, which works to create a state budget. Mello is a Democrat who has squabbled with Heineman in the past, but he has promised to be fair and approachable while respecting the Legislature's nonpartisan tradition.