Ohio Death Penalty: Gov. Strickland Has 'Serious Questions'

CINCINNATI (TDB) -- Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland, a Methodist minister and psychologist by training, has told Cincinnati Enquirer Statehouse reporter Jon Craig that he is not entirely comfortable with the death penalty. The governor postponed three executions last week while he looks into the cases, and Craig is preparing a story for the Sunday newspaper that explores Democrat Strickland's views. Strickland granted him an on-the-record interview.

Craig says Strickland told him he has "serious questions" about capital punishment, including concerns about possible racial bias against black defendants. The governor also raised issues about the adequacy of DNA testing, geographic differences across Ohio in how prosecutors treat murder cases, and financial access to skilled defense lawyers.

Those are some of the same issues raised by federal appeals court judge Boyce Martin, who says he no longer believes the death penalty is applied fairly in Ohio or anywhere else in the United States. Martin, an appointee of former Democratic President Jimmy Carter, say he won't vote to uphold convictions. Martin's view is described in more detail HERE.

There is a teaser HERE on Cincinnati.com about Strickland's interview.