LINCOLN- Clerk of the Legislature Patrick O'Donnell, who has served in that role for 45 years, will retire Friday. O'Donnell has held the body's top administrative position through 14 Speakers, eight Governors, and hundreds of State Senators. For the past several years, O'Donnell has been the nation's longest-currently-serving legislative clerk.

Outgoing Speak of the Legislature Mike Hilgers, who will assume the role of Nebraska's Attorney General, said O'Donnell's departure marks a major change for the legislature. Hilgers stated that, over the past 45 years, countless Senators have leaned on O'Donnell for advice and legal counsel.

"He's been a significant part of the institution," said Hilgers, "There's no one in the state who knows the process like Patrick. He was one of a kind." Other lawmakers described O'Donnell as a steadying force for the body, including State Sen. Ray Aguilar, who said, "I'm going to miss his glare. He was able to control a lot of things with his icy cold stare."

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