Connecticut House votes to abolish death penalty - face veto

[NewJeffCT]

The Democratic house in CT voted by a large margin to abolish the death penalty, 90-56. 5 Republicans joined 85 Democrats in voting to abolish, while several conservative Democrats voted against abolition. Unfortunately, despite having a better than veto proof margin in the State House, the measure did not get the required 2-1 margin to be veto-proof. Gov. Rell has vowed to veto.

Perhaps some calls to the governor's office and/or the conservative Dems would help?

CAPITAL PUNISHMENT
State House Votes To Abolish Death Penalty
House Would End Death Penalty; Rell Vows To Keep It

The state House of Representatives voted to abolish the death penalty on Wednesday — the fourth anniversary of the execution of serial killer Michael Ross — and instead impose life in prison without the possibility of release.

The historic vote, 90-56, came at about 7:45 p.m. after more than five hours of passionate debate. Lawmakers argued whether the death penalty is necessary for justice or is a punishment that should never be rendered by state government.

Despite the House vote, the chances of the death penalty being eliminated in Connecticut are slim. Republican Gov. M. Jodi Rell repeated her support for capital punishment this week as the House prepared for the debate.

"I have always said that I support the death penalty because I do believe that there are some crimes that are so heinous that the death penalty is the only option," Rell told reporters at the state Capitol complex. "I believe in the death penalty.

http://www.courant.com/news/politics/hc-house-death-penalty.artmay14,0,2179213.story

Please also DU the poll in the article! Thanks

[CTyankee]

1. I think Dr. Pettit's testimony probably shook up some legislators.

Pettit is such a sympathetic figure. Your heart just aches for him and for his wife and daughters. It is beyond our comprehension that the men who did this could be capable of such brutality.

[NewJeffCT]

2. To be honest, I don't think it mattered that much

this is the first time they've ever passed a bill to abolish. they've tried before, but never came close.

[CTyankee]

3. Probably not too much, but he didn't come off as a vengeful person.

His face on the pro death penalty side of the debate is at least one that is sympathetic.