The World-Heralds Statehouse reporters round up news highlights from the Legislature and state government into the Capitol Digest a daily briefing for the political newshound with a busy schedule.

LINCOLN Former State Sen. Elroy Hefner of Coleridge one of the conservatives dubbed Thone Clones was being remembered Thursday as a caring and considerate legislator.

Hefner, who represented his northeast Nebraska district from 1976 to 1993, died Sunday at his home from apparent natural causes. He was 96.

His oldest son, Bill, said that his father liked to help people.

He said he once left the dinner table on Sunday to take a phone call from a constituent, and talked issues for a half hour.

Veteran lobbyist Walt Radcliffe said that his clients didnt often agree with Hefners conservative stances. But the senator, he said, was approachable and truly a gentlemen to work with.

There was never anything that was mean spirited about him, Radcliffe said.

Hefner, a Republican, was one of a group of conservative senators who were called the Thone Clones because their views aligned well with then-Gov. Charley Thone, who was governor from 1979-83.

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Former 'Thone Clone' Elroy Hefner remembered as caring, conservative legislator - Omaha World-Herald