Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, a Republican, has called for an end to the death penalty in the state, citing his 50 years of experience with the issue as a former county prosecutor, member of both chambers of Congress, and Ohio attorney general.

DeWine’s Experience with the Death Penalty

DeWine was first elected to public office in 1976, when he became prosecuting attorney in Greene County, where he grew up. He still lives in the historic home there where he and his wife, who had eight children, hosted a summer ice cream social each year to encourage and celebrate GOP candidates and officeholders.

DeWine said he always believed the moral justification for the death penalty was its potential to deter violent crime. However, he now believes that the risks of executing an innocent person and the exorbitant costs of the death penalty make it no longer tenable.

Support from Fellow Republicans

DeWine’s call to end the death penalty has been supported by some fellow Republicans, including former congresswoman and current state Rep. Jean Schmidt and former Ohio Auditor and Attorney General Jim Petro.

Former Ohio Gov. Bob Taft also sided with DeWine, saying that he has been thoughtful and given the issue the careful consideration it needs.

Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.