Gideon for Governor

They came so close.

In March, by a vote of 25-15, the Judiciary Committee of the Connecticut House of Representatives passed out a bill repealing the state's death penalty.

On May 13, repeal passed the House by a vote of 90-56.

On May 22, at 4:11 a.m., the Connecticut Senate passed repeal by a vote of 19-17.

And then the Governor vetoed it.

Almost.

Of course, almost doesn't save lives. Almost doesn't end anything. But almost does keep you going.

And now the Governor is going. Last week, Governor M. Jodi Rell has announced that she will not seek reelection.

This pleased many, including lots of potential candidates who now see themselves as having a shot.

Among prospective candidates, one stands out. His (her?) anonymity may complicate the voting, but he has my endorsement. Why? He's a public defender. He's a person of some seriousness. He goes by the name "Gideon," and here's what he wrote on the news of her decision.

So while I wish her well in her personal life and hope that her health remains strong, I will not be sad to see her become former Governor Rell. I’m not sure there was a person less equipped to take on that job.

And now, on to the big question. What needs to be done? The first response is obvious: abolish the death penalty. But there are so many more things that need to be changed about the criminal justice system in our State. In my mind, there’s only one candidate who is qualified to do that. So, you guys can be the first to hear it: I am hereby announcing my candidacy for the Governor of the State of Connecticut and I will be running on the Smart on Crime platform for the “It must be easy; she did it for so long” party.

So there you have it. Candidate for Governor running on the "Smart on Crime" platform that begins with abolishing the death penalty.

It's a bit complicated, not being in the Nutmeg State and all, but I hereby offer my endorsement. Here's hoping it's not the kiss of death to his candidacy.