Conservative Republicans have been speaking out against...

Conservative Republicans have been speaking out against the state's use of capital punishment. "The death penalty never solves anything," said Rep. Thomas Brinkman Jr. (R-Cincinnati), a Roman Catholic who opposes abortion. Supporting both a study and a moratorium on executions, Brinkman said, "You should stand for your principles." Also speaking out against the death penalty was Rep. Jim Trakas (R-Cleveland), and Rex Zent, a former warden at two state prisons. "It's not about crime prevention or crime deterrence or saving money," said Zent. By executing people, Zent said, "We're creating a lot of other residual victims."