Last week, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine gave a long-awaited press conference detailing the reasons that about he no longer supports the death penalty!

TAKE ACTION: Join with Ohioans and others from around the country to thank Governor DeWine and urge him to use his power of executive clemency for those on Ohio’s death row.

As our colleagues at Ohioans to Stop Executions (OTSE) shared, Governor DeWine noted the impact on victims’ family members saying, “One feeling, however, that seems to be universally held by victims’ families is that the long, long wait to see if the death penalty is carried out is frustrating and very hurtful for these families.”

He also pointed to the impact executions have on corrections staff. “We must be mindful of the impact preparations for, and the carrying out of executions have on them. They are the forgotten people — but they are real people. They are our fellow Ohioans.”

Governor DeWine’s evolution on the death penalty demonstrates his commitment to sound public policy as well as strong leadership. Given the gruesome botched execution attempt of Tony Carruthers a few weeks ago, we will continue to urge Governor Lee to show the same commitment and leadership by stopping executions in Tennessee.

P.S. Watch Governor DeWine’s press conference here.

(Picture from National Governors Association)