Death penalty likely on ballot (WI,-abolished in 1853)

[rodeodance]

http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=421090

Death penalty likely on ballot

Assembly approves advisory vote
By STACY FORSTER and PATRICK MARLEY
[e-mail]
Posted: May 5, 2006

Madison - The Assembly voted late Thursday to put a question on the fall ballot asking voters if the death penalty should be reinstated in certain cases.


The death penalty was abolished in Wisconsin in 1853. But some in the state Legislature who favor capital punishment want to know what voters think about making it an option in cases where the conviction is supported by DNA evidence.

The Assembly approved the referendum with a 47 to 45 vote.

The Senate passed a slightly different version of the death penalty resolution, but was expected to agree to the Assembly’s changes on language and the timing of the referendum when it meets again.

Earlier, the Assembly unanimously passed a rule that will force former Speaker Scott Jensen (R-Town of Brookfield) and two others convicted of using state resources for campaigns to pay a combined $163,000 to cover legal bills footed by taxpayers. .......

[rodeodance]

1. It was a close vote: I hate to see this happening in Wisconsin

[marmar]

2. Steamrolling toward the middle ages...your America.

:cry:

[TheFarseer]

3. they should have went with abortion as their wedge issue

or gay rights, much more effective at getting fundies to the polls. Although I suppose they are saving that for 2008.

[sybylla]

4. Done! Already an anti-gay marriage referendum on the same ballot

in the fall. Except it is binding and essentially amends our constitution.

The death penalty referendum is non-binding and will only be used by pukes to say "see, the people want it."

[rodeodance]

6. crapola!! Since the Repugs took over the legislature, I have had a

sinking feeling and actions like this just make it sink lower.

[TheFarseer]

7. sounds like they are shooting their wad

You should work hard to get something about abortion on the ballot in '07.

[sybylla]

5. More games with the ballot

We're developing a realy "throw the bums out" attitude in this state thanks to all the shenanigans in Madison. I'm not sure this is very bright idea by the pukes. They have much more to lose than the Dems this time around. This could easily backfire and bring out the progressives and liberals in droves.