The idea of reinstating the death penalty in Wisconsin may have seemed unlikely two weeks ago when the Democrats controlled the state Senate, but it suddenly looks more feasible in light of the new Republican legislative majority.
State Sen. Alan Lasee, R-De Pere, recently announced he will introduce a proposal during the next legislative session to legalize the death penalty. Wisconsin is currently one of 12 states that do not have the death penalty.
Lasee introduced a similar measure in 1996, but it was defeated by one vote in the Senate. State Sen. Fred Risser, D-Madison, said the issue comes up perennially, but now that Lasee is in the majority, he has a better chance of getting his legislation passed.
\The makeup of the legislature has changed and unfortunately the death penalty idea has a chance,"" Risser said. ""I'm fearful it might pass.""
The Senate lost three democrats who all opposed the death penalty and gained five new Republicans in last week's election, according to Lasee.
However, the bill needs the support of at least two thirds of the legislature to override a possible veto by governor elect Jim Doyle. Doyle could not be reached for comment on the issue Monday, but has said in the past that he opposes the death penalty.
Lasee said he does not advocate using the death penalty in every case and his bill will provide for a second trial for people found guilty, during which the plaintiff's sentence would be contemplated.
""Some crimes are so heinous that the only fitting punishment, in my opinion and I think the opinion of the majority of people in Wisconsin, is the death penalty,"" Lasee said.
The majority of Wisconsin voters agree with Lasee, according to a 2000 survey by Wisconsin Public Radio/St. Norbert College Survey Center. That poll showed 65 percent of voters favor the death penalty, the Green Bay Press Gazette reported Nov. 9.
""I'm committed to try and see to it that Wisconsin has [this law] on the books as an option,"" Lasee said.
