One of the youngest state senators was elected Wednesday to lead one of the most inexperienced Legislatures in Nebraska history.
Thirty-one-year-old Mike Flood of Norfolk, a broadcaster and lawyer, beat 18-year Senator DiAnna Schimek of Lincoln for the job of speaker.
Flood says the public views the young Legislature as inexperienced and believes it is at a crossroads but, he says, the new legislative cast presents new opportunities such as a new spirit of cooperation.
Twenty-three lawmakers were sworn in Wednesday but Supreme Court Chief Justice Mike Heavican.
Twenty of the lawmakers replace senators who were pushed out of office because of term limits passed by voters.
There are 49 members in the one-house Legislature.
