Death Penalty Issues Play Role in November Election

Virginians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty is concerned that citizens understand the positions on capital punishment of the three candidates running for election as governor of Virginia.

Democratic candidate Tim Kaine has a history of working to reform the death penalty. Prior to his election as Mayor of Richmond, he served as court appointed counsel in several capital cases giving him an insight into the arbitrary ways the death penalty is administered in Virginia. He has said he is morally opposed to executions but has repeatedly indicated in his campaign statements that as governor, he “will carry out the laws of the Commonwealth.” During his run for Lt. Governor in 2001 he indicated support for a moratorium on executions.

Former Attorney General Jerry Kilgore, the official Republican candidate, is running on a platform that includes what he has termed “death penalty enhancement.” This translates to fewer safeguards for those charged with capital crimes and more executions carried out more quickly. He was critical of the both the US Supreme Court ruling earlier this year that ended the death penalty for those who commit murder while under the age of 18 and the 2002 Atkins v Virginia decision that exempted individuals with mental retardation from facing execution.

Independent candidate, four-term Republican State Senator Russell Potts, has a history of support for the death penalty. “I am adamantly for the death penalty…”Senator Potts told Washington Post columnist Marc Fisher in June. A July interview in The Culpeper Star Exponent quoted him as stating "I believe strongly in the death penalty as a deterrent to serious violent crime." The article noted that Potts differs from Kaine in that he believes D.C. snipers John Allen Muhammad and Lee Boyd Malvo deserve to die for their crimes.

To view articles on the upcoming election which carry information about the candidates’ positions on the issue of capital punishment go to the VADP website www.VADP.org and click on the “News & Updates” button. On that page you can scroll down to the “Virginia 2005 Elections” section where you can click on specific articles to read.

For more information, contact VADP at 888-567-VADP.