As part of the consensus building process, I agreed to take out a death penalty provision for crimes of violence committed against children that result in the death of a child,

But I'm not pro death penalty. I - I'm just anti the notion that it is not a matter for democratic choice, that it has been taken away from the democratic choice of the people by a provision of the Constitution.

I'm actually really opposed to the death penalty.

The death penalty is ineffective as a deterrent, and the appeals process is expensive and cruel to the surviving family members.

And the provision included to offset the cost of these programs recognizes that taxpayers shouldn't have to pay for certain lifestyle prescription drugs through Medicare and Medicaid.

The death penalty is discriminatory and does not do anything about crime.