Virginia Governor Tim Kaine today
vetoed five pieces of legislation that expanded the list of crimes for
which an offender is eligible for capital punishment – including removing
the triggerman rule and creating a capital offense for the murder of a
judge.  His reason:

 “Virginia is already second in the nation in the number of
executions we carry out,” the Governor said.  “While the
nature of the offenses targeted by this legislation are very serious, I do not
believe that further expansion of the death penalty is necessary to protect
human life or provide for public safety needs.”

 Over the last decade, Virginia has led the country in sound
policy reform in criminal justice and public safety.  As a result of
abolishing parole, establishing truth-in-sentencing, toughening anti-gang laws,
among many others, Virginia’s violent crime rate is at the lowest point
since the 1970’s.  Following the attacks of 9/11 – legislation
was approved by the General Assembly that would remove the triggerman rule for
accomplices of terrorism so that the person ordering the capital offense is
brought to justice just as the individual who actually pulled the
trigger.  During 2002 – the Capital region, even as far south as
Richmond, Virginia – was gripped with fear because of the D.C. snipers
and their killing spree of 13 individuals.  The D.C. snipers were tried in
Virginia because the U.S. Attorney General recognized the laws in the
Commonwealth would bring these two individuals to justice – resulting in
John Allen Muhammad getting the death penalty for ordering John Lee Malvo to
murder innocent victims.

 Under the Governor’s reasoning – even though John
Allen Muhammad was directly responsible for ordering the murders of 13 innocent
individuals he should not have been sentenced to death because too many other
people had been sentenced to death before him.  This is unfair to the
victims, their families and the justice system itself.  Given that the
legislation passed with bi-partisan supermajorities in both chambers of the
General Assembly – hopefully justice will prevail and the
Governor’s veto will fail.  Justice should not fall prey to
statistics.