There are many reasons why a growing number of conservatives are rethinking capital punishment. Some of us are concerned that, rather than enhancing public safety, it has become a costly and ineffective government program. Others are troubled by its high error rate and the risk of executing the innocent. Still others believe the death penalty is fundamentally incompatible with a culture that values and promotes life.

Given its deeply flawed track record, we have concluded that the death penalty does not work—and cannot be made to work—not in spite of our conservative principles, but because of them. We urge our fellow conservatives to take a fresh look at the death penalty, and to provide the principled leadership needed to bring this failed policy to an end.

I endorse the above Statement of Support for Conservatives Concerned about the Death Penalty (CCATDP) and give my permission for the use of my name, position, and city/state as a supporter in CCATDP materials