Governor's mansion in Baton Rouge
The candidates were asked about their view of capital punishment last night at the second gubernatorial debate, with the two Republicans staking opposite claims while the Governor differed.
Baton Rouge Businessman Eddie Rispone, now the top polling Republican in the race, was the only person on stage to come out against the practice.
“My heart and prayers go out to anyone who the victim of a capital crime, but my Christian faith says I am pro-life, so I am against capital punishment in that light,” said Rispone.
Congressman Ralph Abraham came out strong in support of executions. He says not only would he work to restart executions in Louisiana, but he’d also expand their use.
“I’m the only candidate up here who supports the death penalty, and I would add child molesters to that list,” said Abraham.
Governor Edwards continued his policy of refusing to state where he personally stands on the issue, instead saying he is bound by law as Governor to allow the practice in Louisiana.
“When I became Governor, I took an oath to make sure that I would faithfully execute the laws of the State of Louisiana,” said Edwards. “One of those laws happens to be capital punishment, and you don’t get to pick and choose.”
Louisiana has not performed an execution in nearly a decade due to difficulties in securing the necessary chemicals to carry out the act.
