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MONTANA (USA). SENATE VOTES TO ABOLISH DEATH PENALTY
February 23, 2007: the Democratic-controlled Senate gave preliminary approval to the abolition of the death penalty in Montana.
After a lengthy debate, the Senate voted 27-21 to approve the measure. However the measure still faces a final Senate vote before going to the Republican-controlled House.
The measure's sponsor, Sen. Dan Harrington (D), implored his colleagues to "show true political leadership" and end capital punishment, despite polls that show it is supported by the majority of people in Montana. Efforts to abolish the death penalty have failed in each of the past three legislative sessions.
There currently are two prisoners on death row in Montana, and the state has executed three people since the death penalty was reinstated in the 1970s.
The most recent execution was of convicted murderer David Dawson last year. (Sources: AP, 24/02/2007)
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