Gov. Mike Easley Likes the Death Penalty

Reviewing ... several death-row inmates across the nation have been exonerated by DNA evidence or investigations that have shown misconduct or errors in their trials. Support for a two-year moratorium on death sentences has grown in North Carolina because of these sudden reversals of fortune. According to the N&O, more than 30 communities in North Carolina, including Charlotte's City Council, have called for a moratorium, as has a growing list of religious groups. This coming week, the N.C. House is scheduled to consider a bill to create a moratorium and allow time to study whether capital punishment is fairly meted out.

But The Guv has thrown cold water on that initiative. He said, through his spokeswoman, that he "supports the death penalty and does not see a need for a moratorium at this time. If such a bill is passed, the governor will give it careful review" ... meaning he'll veto it? Sounds like that's what he means.

A veto would then require three-fifths vote in the legislature to override. Doubtful that would happen.

Let the killing continue.