USA - Maryland. Gov. Martin O'Malley asked his lawmakers to abolish the death penalty

Citing a list of goals including expanding health care and unemployment benefits in the state, Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley made this argument to lawmakers today: "We could have even more resources to accomplish all these important life saving goals if you would follow me in abolishing an outdated, expensive and utterly ineffective death penalty in the state of Maryland." Moves to repeal the penalty have typically died in committee.  Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller (democrat), a staunch supporter of capital punishment, said it was "strongly possible" that the entire Senate would debate the O'Malley-backed initiative and predicted a close vote in favor of repealing Maryland's death penalty. Death penalty opponents say they believe they have enough votes in the House of Delegates to pass a repeal measure, a view echoed by House Speaker Michael E. Busch.