Support for the death penalty has declined over the past 20 years. A Pew Research Center poll this year shows a 30 percent drop among Democrats and a 10 percent decline in support among Republicans. However, GOP approval of the death penalty is still strong at more than 75 percent.
In North Carolina, Rep. JonHardister (R – Guilford) is leading an effort for conservatives to oppose the death penalty. He says opposition to capital punishment aligns well with conservative principles.
Host Frank Stasio talks with Hardister, representative of District 59 in Guilford County, about the conservative argument against the death penalty.
