Dem vying for Ohio governor supports death penalty

COLUMBUS (AP) — Democratic gubernatorial contender Ed FitzGerald says he supports the death penalty and believes there are times when it is called for.

FitzGerald was asked by reporters today about the death penalty after one of the longest executions since Ohio resumed capital punishment in 1999. Death row inmate Dennis McGuire gasped and snorted last week as an untested drug combination was used to put him to death.

FitzGerald says the procedure should be reviewed. He says his experience as a former prosecutor and FBI agent have shaped his views on the death penalty.

Republican Gov. John Kasich’s spokesman has said the governor supports the death penalty and the procedure is being reviewed.

McGuire’s attorney, an anti-death penalty group and several Democratic state lawmakers are urging a moratorium on executions.