Topics in the News: Death Penalty
Mike Huckabee on Principles & Values
: Nov 28, 2007
Jesus was too smart to ever run for public office
Q: The death penalty, what would Jesus do?A: I believe there is a place for a death penalty. Some crimes are so heinous, that the only response that we, as a civilized nation, have for a most uncivil action is not only to try to deter that person
from ever committing that crime again, but also as a warning to others that some crimes are beyond any capacity for us to fix.
Q: But what would Jesus do?
A: Jesus was too smart to ever run for public office. That's what Jesus would do.
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Source: 2007 GOP YouTube debate in St. Petersburg, Florida
Fred Thompson on Tax Reform
: Nov 25, 2007
Two options: file as you do now, or flatter two-rate plan
Q: Your campaign tells us you have a new tax plan you want to unveil today. What is it?A: Yep. It's maintaining the tax cuts that we had in 2001 & 2003. It's eliminating the death penalty. It's reducing the corporate tax rate.
We have the second-highest corporate tax rate among our competing partners. It's hurting us competitively. We're probably losing revenue from it.
We have several other provisions in it, but another major one is an adoption, basically, of the approach that the House Republican study group has that would give taxpayers an option of continuing to file the way they do now or filing under a flatter
plan where you only have two rates, but no exemptions past the personal exemption and no deductions. So give that a try. And it would be a major move toward tax reform, which I think is greatly needed.
Click for Fred Thompson on other issues.
Source: Fox News Sunday: 2007 "Choosing the President" interviews
Mitt Romney on Principles & Values
: Oct 21, 2007
Proud of his accomplishments in fighting the Liberal Lion
Q: [to Romney]: Sen. McCain suggests that you're conning people--he has used that phrase--with your conversions on a number of issues.ROMNEY: When I ran against Ted Kennedy in 1994, that was a big uphill climb. But let me tell you, I was fighting for
issues like making sure that we would have the death penalty in our state, fighting to keep our taxes down. I was fighting against the Liberal Lion in perhaps the toughest state in America. And I'm pretty proud of what I was able to accomplish in that
race, but nothing compares to the pride I have with the work that I was able to do as a governor.
McCAIN: Gov. Romney, you've been spending the last year trying to fool people about your record. I don't want you to start fooling them about mine.
I stand on my record as a conservative, and I don't think you can fool the American people. They may not agree with me on a couple of issues, but they'll know I'm telling the truth, and my steadfast positions on these issues for more than 20 years.
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Source: 2007 GOP primary debate in Orlando, Florida
John McCain on Principles & Values
: Oct 21, 2007
Romney is conning people about conservatism of his record
Q: [to Romney]: Sen. McCain suggests that you're conning people--he has used that phrase--with your conversions on a number of issues.ROMNEY: When I ran against Ted Kennedy in 1994, that was a big uphill climb. But let me tell you, I was fighting for
issues like making sure that we would have the death penalty in our state, fighting to keep our taxes down. I was fighting against the Liberal Lion in perhaps the toughest state in America. And I'm pretty proud of what I was able to accomplish in that
race, but nothing compares to the pride I have with the work that I was able to do as a governor.
McCAIN: Gov. Romney, you've been spending the last year trying to fool people about your record. I don't want you to start fooling them about mine.
I stand on my record as a conservative, and I don't think you can fool the American people. They may not agree with me on a couple of issues, but they'll know I'm telling the truth, and my steadfast positions on these issues for more than 20 years.
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Source: 2007 GOP primary debate in Orlando, Florida
Tom Tancredo on Crime
: Sep 27, 2007
Death penalty is appropriate for heinous crimes like treason
Q: Do you want to see the death penalty continued?A: It is, in fact, a state issue, almost entirely. The restrictions with regard to the federal death penalty, I will tell you,
I would absolutely support the continuation of a death penalty, especially for crimes like treason. I mean, we really have to consider the possibility that there is an appropriate penalty for a crime of that nature. It is the death penalty.
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Source: 2007 GOP Presidential Forum at Morgan State University
Sam Brownback on Crime
: Sep 27, 2007
Death penalty only for bin Laden-level criminals
Q: Do you want to see the death penalty continued?A: We need a culture of life. I have difficulty with the death penalty. This is an individual, though, that has committed a heinous crime. I think we should limit the death penalty to cases only where
we cannot protect the society from the individual, such as when Osama bin Laden is caught. We need to be able to use it then. But we should use this very limited and only in that circumstance, in order to talk and to teach a culture of life in America.
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Source: 2007 GOP Presidential Forum at Morgan State University
Mike Huckabee on Crime
: Sep 27, 2007
Death penalty is necessary part of criminal justice system
Q: Do you think the death penalty is carried out justly in the US? And do you want to see it continued?A: I probably dislike the death penalty more than anybody on this stage, but for a very different reason. I've actually had to carry it out, more
than any governor in my state's history. I had to carry out the death penalty because that was my job. I did it because I believed, after reading every page of every transcript and everything in that file, it was the only conclusion we could come to.
But I didn't enjoy it. And God help the American who somehow has this cavalier attitude about the death penalty and says they support it and they can do it. Let me tell you something from the person whose name had to be put on the document that
started the process: It's a necessary part of our criminal justice system for those crimes for which there is no other alternative. But God help the person who ever does it without a conscience and feels the pain of it.
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Source: 2007 GOP Presidential Forum at Morgan State University
Ron Paul on Crime
: Sep 27, 2007
Changed opinion to anti-death penalty due to many mistakes
Q: Is the death penalty is carried out justly?A: Over the years, I've held pretty rigid all my beliefs, but I've changed my opinion about the death penalty. For federal purposes, I no longer believe in the death penalty. I believe it has been issued
unjustly. If you're rich, you get away with it; if you're poor & you're from the inner city, you're more likely to be prosecuted & convicted. Today, with DNA evidence, there have been too many mistakes. So I am now opposed to the federal death penalty.
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Source: 2007 GOP Presidential Forum at Morgan State University
Duncan Hunter on Crime
: Sep 27, 2007
Death penalty is needed for deterrence
Q: Do you want to see the death penalty continued?A: I think there is a need for the death penalty. And it's called deterrence. When Charles Manson is getting rid to pull the trigger on an innocent American, just maybe the idea passes through his mind
that he, himself, is going to lose his life. Now, that might only deter 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%. It does deter some people. And for that reason, the death penalty, dealing with some very rough, very ruthless people, is necessary.
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Source: 2007 GOP Presidential Forum at Morgan State University
Hillary Clinton on Principles & Values
: Jul 18, 2007
Sought pastoral guidance on doubts about capital punishment
Hillary consulted her pastor, Don Jones, when she found herself grappling with the issue of capital punishment. Hillary had long had spiritual doubts about the Christianity behind supporting such a policy. The topic had long provided
Bill with a good issue to help position himself a moderate. Jones discussed this issue with Hillary when Gov. Clinton was once considering whether to commute a capital sentence. Hillary "agonized" over the decision, and consulted Jones.
Jones told her, "I believe there is such a thing as punitive justice; that's part of the whole concept of justice. And I think some people have forfeited their right to life because of the heinous deed that they've committed." In response, says Jones,
Hillary told him, "Well, I think I agree with you."
However, says Jones, it was evident that Hillary "was struggling with the question of could she conscientiously as a Christian say that. There was uncertainty. I attribute that to her faith."
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Source: God and Hillary Clinton, by Paul Kengor, p. 81-82
Dennis Kucinich on Crime
: Jun 28, 2007
End mandatory minimums
First of all, we need to seek to end mandatory minimums. We know who's serving those mandatory minimums. Second, we need to have the emphasis, with respect to drug offenses, on rehabilitation, not incarceration. And third, as president, I'll do anything
I can to end the federal death penalty, which I've already introduced legislation for in the past. Because we need to have an approach that recognizes the discrimination which exists in our justice system.
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Source: 2007 Democratic Primary Debate at Howard University
Fred Thompson on Crime
: Jun 27, 2007
Death penalty DOES deter murders
For decades, the self-proclaimed smart kids have been telling us that the death penalty just doesn't work. Academia and the media have scoffed at the American people's insistence that executions prevent murder.However, serious researchers have applied
themselves to finding the evidence. Criminologists and economists have gathered and analyzed a mountain of data, and many of them were surprised by what they found. Americans who have always supported the death penalty probably wouldn't be surprised to
find out that study after study has shown that the death penalty deters murders. Studies have concluded that some number of murders between three and 18 are prevented for every application of capital punishment.
Certainly, the use of DNA evidence to
clear long-held prisoners from murder charges proves that we need to be more careful about handing out death sentences; and science must be used even more and earlier in the criminal process to protect the innocent and convict the guilty.
Click for Fred Thompson on other issues.
Source: Thompson's blog on ABCradio.com, "Common Sense"
Mike Huckabee on Crime
: Jun 1, 2007
Defends death penalty biblically as well as politically
The night of an execution is the loneliest night of a governor's life though I had always favored the death penalty. The warden [in my first capital case as Governor called me and] said, "Governor, the prisoner is now prepared. Is there any reason we
should not proceed?" What came out of my mouth in the next few moments would mean either the life or death of a man. I alone had the power to stop the proceedings.I authorized other executions after that one, but it never became easier. If it had,
there would have been something wrong with me or the process. To this day I am confident that I did the right thing--"right" defined against moral absolutes in the midst of an imperfect world.
In an ideal world, this man would have never committed
the horrible murders for which he was tried and found guilty and sentenced to die. The process was tedious and thorough. Nevertheless, the moment a governor gives the order to proceed, he is answering to God for his action and not to the taxpayer.
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Source: Character Makes a Difference, by Mike Huckabee, p.120-121
Mitt Romney on Education
: May 15, 2007
Supports English immersion & abstinence education
In the toughest of blue states I've had to stand up for life, and I have. I've had to stand up for traditional marriage, and I have. I stood to make sure that we could have English immersion in our schools, because I think kids should be taught in
English. I fought for the death penalty. I fought for abstinence education. I have the kind of leadership that will allow America to build upon the same kind of reputation and heritage that we got from our conservative founders in this party.
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Source: 2007 Republican Debate in South Carolina
Ron Paul on Homeland Security
: Jan 22, 2007
Criticizes use of war on terror to curtail civil liberties
He criticizes the United States' intervention in Iraq and what he charges is the use of the war on terror to curtail civil liberties. He also endorses a non-interventionist foreign policy and defederalization
of the healthcare system, opposes the death penalty and abortion, and is strongly opposed to a military draft. He has also broken with his party by voting against the Patriot Act in 2001 and again in 2005. He is strongly opposed to a military draft.
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Source: SourceWatch.org
Ron Paul on Crime
: Jan 22, 2007
Opposes the death penalty
He opposes the death penalty and abortion, and is strongly opposed to a military draft. He has voted against amending the U.S. Constitution to ban same-sex marriage and also against an amendment to prohibit flag-burning.
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Source: SourceWatch.org
Mike Huckabee on Crime
: Jan 4, 2007
Supports death penalty, but only reluctantly
Whether we should even have a death penalty is a tough issue. I believe some crimes deserve it, but that does not mean I like it. I do believe it should be an option, but carrying out the death penalty was unquestionably the worst part of my job as
governor. 17 times I sat by a phone with an open line to the death chamber, and gave the verbal order for the lethal injection. I never slept well those nights. I did the job that the law prescribed for me to do, but I hated every minute of it.
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Source: From Hope to Higher Ground, by Mike Huckabee, p. 86
Mike Huckabee on Abortion
: Jan 4, 2007
Pro-life and pro-death penalty, & sees them as far different
Some wonder how a person so pro-life as me could accept the law of a death penalty. But a death sentence is a result of a lengthy and thorough judicial process applied to a person deemed guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. That's far different from
one person singularly deciding to end the life of a totally innocent and helpless unborn child. In that case, there is no process of justice, no evidence of guilt presented, no defense for the condemned child, and no appeal.
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Source: From Hope to Higher Ground, by Mike Huckabee, p. 86
Mike Huckabee on Crime
: Jan 4, 2007
Commuted death penalty sentence due to problems at trial
The death penalty is the only decision that I make as a governor that is totally irrevocable. Once an execution is carried out, a life has ended. I kept a box of files near by desk to review them in the days prior to the execution. One unsettling part
of the evidence [in the Fretwell case] were interviews conducted with Fretwell & his brother. The description of their family life revealed a childhood of abuse, humiliation & degradation. I was moved to tears, but that did not alter the crime.
However, a juror said he had been told that if Fretwell was found guilty, he would get life in prison without parole and that was the reason he voted for a guilty verdict. The problem I then faced was that I was unwilling to be a man who had ignored late
evidence in a death penalty case to avoid the complications that come with clemency. If the justice system would not work for the "least of these among us," then neither would it work for me or anyone else. I commuted the sentence to life in prison.
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Source: From Hope to Higher Ground, by Mike Huckabee, p. 83
Mike Gravel on Crime
: Jan 1, 2007
Citizen Power includes abolition of the death penalty
During his first term in the Senate, Gravel authored a book titled Citizen Power. In it, he advocated the implementation of numerous populist ideas, including a guaranteed annual income (dubbed the "Citizen's Wage"), steps against the military-industrial
complex (which he calls the "Warfare State"), abolition of the death penalty, universal health care, school vouchers, a drastic reduction in government secrecy, and an end to what he viewed as an imperialistic foreign policy.
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Source: Wikipedia.org article, "Mike Gravel"
Barack Obama on Crime
: Oct 1, 2006
Some heinous crimes justify the ultimate punishment
While the evidence tells me that the death penalty does little to deter crime, I believe there are some crimes--mass murder, the rape and murder of a child--so heinous that the community is justified in expressing the full measure of its outrage by
meting out the ultimate punishment. On the other hand, the way capital cases were tried in Illinois at the time was so rife with error, questionable police tactics, racial bias, and shoddy lawyering, that 13 death row inmates had been exonerated
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Source: The Audacity of Hope, by Barack Obama, p. 58
Rudy Giuliani on Crime
: May 3, 2006
Prefers death penalty for 9/11 conspirators
Giuliani reacted with a mixture of disappointment and respect to the announcement of a life prison sentence for Zacarias Moussaoui, the only person convicted for involvement in the Sept. 11 attacks. "I would have preferred to see the death penalty, but
I kind of stand in awe of how our legal system works that it can come to a result like this," Giuliani said. Giuliani noted that he had testified in the penalty phase of Moussaoui's trial. "I would have preferred a different verdict. But it does show
that we have a legal system that we follow, that we respect it. And it is exactly what is missing in the parts of the world or a lot of the parts of the world that are breeding terrorism. Maybe there is something good that comes out of this in showing
these people that we are a free society, a lawful society . that we have respect for people's rights and that we can have disagreements about whether the death penalty should be imposed on somebody like Moussaoui."
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Source: MSNBC on msn.com, "Disappointed in Moussaoui verdict"
Hillary Clinton on Principles & Values
: Oct 11, 2005
Op-Ed: positioning herself as voice of reason & centrism
Bill taught Hillary the power of cutting against the image of your political party. In 1992, Bill ran as a "New Democrat," advocating capital punishment, backing a work requirement for welfare, pledging to balance the budget & pass a middle-class tax cut
When Clinton criticized black rap star Sister Souljah for seeming to advocate black violence, he distinguished himself from the tapestry of liberalism that had been the backdrop of the failed candidacies of McGovern & Dukakis. Now, against the history of
another failed liberal candidacy, Hillary is set to emerge as the new Clinton, the moderate savior of a left-addicted party. Playing off the extreme liberalism of the new DNC chair, Howard Dean, Hillary will position herself as the voice of reason &
centrism.But Hillary's newfound centrism focuses only on issues at the margins. She may attack sex on TV or call for more values in public life, but when the chips are down, she votes like a solid liberal, backing her party more than 90% of the time.
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Source: Condi vs. Hillary, by Dick Morris, p. 15-16
Barack Obama on Crime
: Jul 15, 2004
Battles legislatively against the death penalty
Obama's most significant contribution has been his legislative battles against the death penalty, and against in the criminal justice system.
In Illinois, it's been a series of shocking exonerations of innocent people who are on death row.
He was involved very intimately in drafting and passing legislation that requires the video taping of police interrogations and confessions in all capital cases.
And he also was one of the co-sponsors of this very comprehensive reform or the death penalty system in Illinois, which many people say may trigger the retreat on the death penalty in many other states.
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Source: Salim Muwakkil and Amy Goodman, Democracy Now
John Edwards on Crime
: Feb 26, 2004
Death penalty OK despite flaws, on state-by-state decision
SHARPTON: Senator Edwards, are you saying, since you agree that there's a lot of problems in the death penalty -- and no one has mentioned the racial disparity about those on death row -- that therefore, you would suspend your support of capital
punishment until we dealt with those problems? EDWARDS: No, I would not.
SHARPTON: So you would proceed even with the flaws?
EDWARDS: I think those changes need to be made in the system. We need to make those changes.
I've been fighting for those changes in the United States Senate.
SHARPTON: But you would let them continue?
EDWARDS: States can evaluate whether their own system is working. I think they vary from state-to-state.
Illinois did that and came to a conclusion that their system was not working. I think we should support that if they make that determination.
SHARPTON: That sounds like states' rights again. I don't agree with that.
EDWARDS: No, it is not.
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Source: Democratic 2004 primary debate at USC
Dennis Kucinich on Crime
: Jan 25, 2004
Ban the death penalty-98% of those convicted are poor
Q: Do you support the death penalty?A: I oppose the death penalty and would ban it. Ninety-eight percent of defendants sentenced to death have been people who could not afford their own attorneys. One death row inmate is found innocent for every seven
executed. African-American defendants are more likely to receive death sentences than others who committed similar crimes. And the death penalty does nothing to deter crime that can't be accomplished at least as well without it.
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Source: Associated Press policy Q&A, "Death Penalty"
John Edwards on Crime
: Jan 25, 2004
Death penalty for heinous crimes, but applied fairly
Q: Do you support the death penalty?A: I believe the death penalty is the most fitting punishment for the most heinous crimes, and I support it.
But we need reforms in the death penalty to ensure that defendants receive fair trials, with zealous and competent lawyers, and with full access to DNA testing.
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Source: Associated Press policy Q&A, "Death Penalty"
John Edwards on Crime
: Jan 8, 2004
Supports the death penalty
I support greater emphasis on drug treatment and elimination of mandatory minimums for certain non-violent crimes. I also support the death penalty and reform of our probation and parole systems to provide more support and supervision.
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Source: Vote-Smart Presidential National Political Awareness Test
John Edwards on Crime
: Jan 1, 2004
More DNA testing to reduce wrongful capital convictions
Edwards supports bringing DNA technology to smaller police departments, to lower-level crimes, and to cold cases. He also believes we should clear the backlog of untested rape kits in unsolved cases,
and make DNA testing more available to death penalty defendants to reduce the risk of wrongful convictions. He will accompany increased DNA testing with strong protections to safeguard our civil liberties.
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Source: Campaign website, JohnEdwards.com, "Real Solutions"
Dennis Kucinich on Crime
: Sep 25, 2003
Terminate the federal death penalty, even if unpopular
Q: As president, what would be the least popular, most right thing you would do?KUCINICH: I would take action to stop the federal death penalty.
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Source: Debate at Pace University in Lower Manhattan
Bill Richardson on Crime
: Oct 24, 2002
Supports death penalty: zero tolerance for heinous crimes
I am in favor of NM's death penalty law. It sends a strong message of zero tolerance for heinous crimes, and it provides certain justice for the victim's families.At the same time, we must ensure that capital punishment is applied equally, without
regard for race or economic status, & we must work to apply DNA testing to make sure only the guilty are executed.
I support the proposal to make the murder of a child under 11 years old an "aggravating circumstance" and eligible for the death penalty.
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Source: Campaign web site, RichardsonForGovernor.com, "Priorities"
Mitt Romney on Crime
: Sep 17, 2002
Supports death penalty in heinous murders
Romney pushes for a death penalty law for murderers convicted of heinous first-degree homicides. "The ultimate penalty should be available in Massachusetts for criminals who commit the most egregious murders," Romney said.
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Source: Campaign web site, www.romney2002.com, "Issues"
Mitt Romney on Crime
: Mar 21, 2002
Favored mandatory sentencing and three strikes
- Supported death penalty
- Wanted to abolish parole, limit probation, and end furloughs and release programs for violent or repeat offenders
-
Favored mandatory sentencing and three strikes and you're out
- Supported restrictions on plea bargaining
- His crime prevention efforts also focused on instilling family values.
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Source: Boston Globe review of 1994 canpaign issues
John Cox on Crime
: Feb 25, 2002
Morally opposed to death penalty, even for Tim McVeigh
Since the moratorium on the death penalty, Illinois politicians--whether Democrat or Republican--have for a long time either loudly voiced their support for capital punishment or kept their opposition to themselves. "It used to be the third rail," said
one pundit. "You touch it, and you died." Not any more.John Cox argues the moratorium is illegal. Cox has said he is so morally opposed to the death penalty that he does not think Oklahoma City bomber Timothy McVeigh should have been executed.
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Source: Scott Fornek, Chicago Sun-Times
Al Gore on Crime
: Oct 17, 2000
Death penalty for deterrence, but carefully
Q: What about the death penalty?GORE: I support the death penalty. I think that it has to be administered not only fairly, with attention to things like DNA evidence, which I think should be used in all capital cases, but also with very careful
attention. If the wrong guy is put to death, then that’s a double tragedy. Not only has an innocent person been executed but the real perpetrator of the crime has not been held accountable for it, and in some cases may be still at large. But I support
the death penalty in the most heinous cases.
Q: Do both of you believe that the death penalty actually deters crime?
BUSH: I do, that’s the only reason to be for it. I don’t think you should support the death penalty to seek revenge.
I don’t think that’s right. I think the reason to support the death penalty is because it saves other people’s lives.
GORE: I think it is a deterrence. I know that’s a controversial view, but I do believe it’s a deterrence.
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Source: St. Louis debate
Al Gore on Crime
: Sep 4, 2000
Use DNA techniques to make death penalty more fair
I believe the death penalty is an appropriate and effective punishment for certain offenses. I strongly support, however, the use of new DNA techniques that can make our criminal justice system fairer and more accurate. I believe that we must take every
possible precaution to ensure the integrity and fairness of the system when we apply this ultimate penalty. We must be vigilant in not allowing race, class or absence of competent counsel to have any influence in such crucial decisions.“
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Source: Associated Press
John McCain on Drugs
: Mar 5, 2000
Administration is AWOL on the war on drugs
Of the four major candidates, McCain has expressed the most hawkish positions on drug policy. He wants to increas penalties for selling drugs, supports the death penalty for drug kingpins, favors tightening security to stop the flow of drugs into the
country, and wants to restrict availability of methadone for heroin addicts. He said the Clinton administration was “AWOL on the war on drugs” and he would push for more money and military assistance to drug-supplying nations such as Colombia.
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Source: Boston Globe, p. A21
Al Gore on Crime
: Feb 21, 2000
Three Strikes should apply only to truly violent crimes
GORE: [Regarding race-biased sentencing], the disparities between crack & powder cocaine are not justified by the scientific evidence. The practices of many law-enforcement agencies need to be changed.BRADLEY: The issue of the criminal justice system
is deeper than simply the death penalty. There is unequal justice in this country, not only racial profiling, not only crack cocaine, but also in terms of kids getting mandatory sentences for first-time non-violent drug use and being put away 20 years.
That should not happen.
GORE: We should review of the kinds of penalty that are calculated under the [policy of] “three strikes and you’re out.” The focus ought to be on truly violent crime. We need to continue reducing the crime rate, and community
policing is a good strategy. But we also need more prevention.
BRADLEY. This is a deeper moral issue for the country. We have to stop denying the plight of black Americans and the indignities that they’re experiencing.
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Source: (X-ref to Bradley) Democrat debate in Harlem, NYC
Al Gore on Crime
: Feb 21, 2000
Supports death penalty; no moratorium for new DNA techniques
Q: What about a moratorium on the death penalty based on new DNA evidence that has released numerous minority convicts?
A: I strongly support the inquiry under way right now in the US Justice Department to see whether or not the racial disparity
on the surface of the data justifies action of a kind that they’re now exploring. I do support the death penalty, but I do not support a moratorium at this time. This inquiry in the Justice Department should be pursued.
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Source: Democrat debate in Harlem, NYC
John McCain on Crime
: Jan 13, 2000
More death penalty; stricter sentencing
McCain supports the following principles regarding crime:- Broaden use of the death penalty
- Impose stricter penalties for violent felons
- Increase spending to build more federal prisons
- Impose “truth in sentencing” for violent criminals so
they serve full sentences
- Support programs to provide prison inmates with vocational and job-related skills and job-placement assistance when released.
- Support programs to provide prison inmates with drug and alcohol addiction treatment.
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Source: Vote-Smart.org 2000 NPAT
Al Gore on Crime
: May 16, 1999
Death penalty for murdering federal officers
Al Gore has also worked for new measures to protect our men and women in blue - such as help in purchasing life-saving bullet-proof vests, and an expansion of the death penalty for drug kingpins, murderers of federal law enforcement officers, and nearly
60 additional kinds of violent felons.
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Source: www.AlGore2000.com/issues/crime.html 5/16/99
Newt Gingrich on Drugs
: Nov 1, 1998
Increase penalties for illegal drugs
Indicate which principles you support concerning illegal drugs. - Increase penalties for selling illegal drugs.
- Impose mandatory jail sentences for selling illegal drugs.
- Impose capital punishment for convicted international drug
traffickers.
- Strengthen current laws dealing with non-controlled substances.
- Other: "Overhaul Border Patrol, INS, U.S. Customs, & DEA handling of drugs. Use National Guard & triple fencing to seal off the border."
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Source: Congressional 1998 National Political Awareness Test
John McCain on Drugs
: Jul 2, 1998
Stricter penalties; stricter enforcement
McCain supports the following principles concerning illegal drugs:- Increase penalties for selling illegal drugs
- Impose mandatory jail sentences for selling illegal drugs
- Impose capital punishment for convicted international drug traffickers
- Strengthen current laws dealing with non-controlled substances, including inhalants and commercially available pills
- Increase funding for border security to stop the flow of illegal drugs into the US
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Source: Project Vote Smart, 1998, www.vote-smart.org
John McCain on Crime
: Jul 2, 1998
Pro-death penalty; more prisons; increased penalties
McCain supports the following principles to address crime:- Broaden use of the death penalty
- Build more federal prisons
- Impose “truth in sentencing” for violent criminals
- Fund programs to provide prison inmates with vocational and
job-related skills
- Expand funding for community policing programs
- Increase penalties for the possession of any illegal firearms
- Prosecute youths accused of a felony as adults
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Source: Project Vote Smart, 1998, www.vote-smart.org
Bill Richardson on Drugs
: Nov 1, 1996
Mandatory jail sentences for selling illegal drugs
Indicate which principles you support concerning illegal drugs. - Increase penalties for selling illegal drugs.
- Impose mandatory jail sentences for selling illegal drugs.
-
Impose capital punishment for convicted international drug traffickers.
- Increase funding of federally-sponsored drug education and drug treatment programs.
Click for Bill Richardson on other issues.
Source: 1996 Congressional National Political Awareness Test
Bill Richardson on Crime
: Nov 1, 1996
Impose "truth in sentencing" for violent criminals
Indicate which principles you support to address crime. - Broaden use of the death penalty for federal crimes.
- Impose "truth in sentencing" for violent criminals so they serve full sentences with no chance of parole.
- Limit the number of
appeals allowed to inmates on death row.
- Fund programs to provide prison inmates with vocational and job-related skills.
- Expand funding for community policing programs.
- Prosecute youths accused of murder as adults.
Click for Bill Richardson on other issues.
Source: 1996 Congressional National Political Awareness Test
Fred Thompson on Crime
: Nov 1, 1994
Impose truth in sentencing for violent crime
If elected to Congress, which of the following proposals will you support to address the problem of crime? - Impose "truth in sentencing" legislation for violent criminals so they serve a full sentence with no chance of parole.
-
Prosecute as adults youths who are third-time violent felons.
- Impose the death penalty for certain federal crimes.
- Impose mandatory life sentences for third time violent felons.
- Other: "Habeas corpus reform."
Click for Fred Thompson on other issues.
Source: Congressional 1994 National Political Awareness Test
Mitt Romney on Crime
: Oct 24, 1994
Supports death penalty and "three strikes" sentencing
Romney's crime platform contains little that is radical or new - pro-death penalty, tough sentencing for violent offenders, support for "three strikes," and support for judges who are tough on crime.
Click for Mitt Romney on other issues.
Source: Anthony Flint in Boston Globe