Montana Senate votes to abolish death penalty

[cal04]

Measure carries 27-22 despite polls showing Montanans back punishment

HELENA, Mont. - The Senate on Friday gave preliminary approval to abolishing the death penalty.

After a lengthy debate in which lawmakers quoted Jesus, Thomas Jefferson and Ted Bundy, the Senate voted 27-22 to approve the measure.

The measure's sponsor, Sen. Dan Harrington, D-Butte, implored his colleagues to "show true political leadership" and do away with capital punishment, despite polls that show the majority of Montanans support it.

Proponents of the measure said the death penalty is costly, unfair and does not serve as a deterrent.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17304006/

[Horse with no Name]

1. Our country just became a little more humane today

Way to go Montana.:thumbsup:

[thereismore]

2. good

:bounce:

[Der Blaue Engel]

3. My home state did good

Now if only my current state of California would become so enlightened.

[Exultant Democracy]

7. When Montana starts to take the lead places like CA which consider

themselves progressive need to start stepping up to the plate.

[Joanne98]

4. This is really good news. OMG! there is hope. K&R!

[BayCityProgressive]

5. any chance of this passing?

I am sure that even if it does some nuts will put it on the ballot!

[Book Lover]

6. Happy to be the fifth rec'

I sincerely hope this measure goes all the way through to becoming law.

[AnOhioan]

8. A little goods news for today...

Thank you to the Montana Senate

[Doondoo]

9. K&R

[Morgana LaFey]

10. Woohoo!!`

costly, unfair and does not serve as a deterrent.

DOES NOT SERVE AS A DETERRENT -- Exactly. Crimes are either committed in the heat of the moment (crimes of passion), under some influence that precludes rational thought, or under the rock solid conviction that the criminal is smart enough to elude capture and trial. Not that many people think they're going to get caught.

Just as Gardisil won't make young women more prosmiscuous because the risk of cervical cancer just doesn't enter into the decision matrix.