Survey of Gubernatorial campaign websites, 2001-2009: on Crime
Bob McDonnell:
Make Virginia gang-free; with tougher penalties & prevention
McDonnell's "Making Virginia a Gang-Free Zone" plan is highlighted by the following proposals: - Appoint a new State "Anti-Gang Coordinator," at the deputy secretary level using existing resources
- Aid individual localities in replicating
Richmond's successful Gang Reduction and Intervention Program (GRIP)
- Expand prevention programs like "Class Action" and "Badges for Baseball"
- Expand the role of the State Police in Anti-Gang Task Forces, gang investigations, and the development
of gang intelligence
- Support Community Corrections efforts and require effective implementation of prisoner reentry plans
- Expand "gang-free school zones" into "gang-free zones"
- Toughen penalties for gang recruitment at all levels
-
Broaden gang recruitment statute to specifically include new electronic mediums
- Amend the gang participation statute to include "any felony" committed on behalf of a gang, as well as certain misdemeanors
Source: 2009 VA Gubernatorial campaign site, bobmcdonnell.com
Jul 21, 2009
Chris Christie:
Stand against child pornography and human trafficking
Above all, I am committed to protecting the most vulnerable in our society. As U.S. Attorney, I took an unprecedented stand against child pornography and human trafficking--breaking up criminal rings around the world.
These crimes are not only despicable, they erode the moral fiber of our society and cannot be tolerated. As Governor, my vested interest in protecting those that are unable to fight for themselves will continue with a forceful hand.
Source: 2009 Gubernatorial campaign website, christiefornj.com
Jul 21, 2009
Creigh Deeds:
Tougher criminal penalties; more police training & tools
For two decades Creigh has been fighting in the legislature for tougher penalties for violent criminals and giving our law enforcement officers the training and tools they need to keep Virginians safe.
His first job as a public servant was as his hometown's elected chief prosecutor--Senator Deeds knows first hand what it means to be tough on crime and keep our communities safe.
After four years of bringing sexual predators and violent criminals to justice, he brought that knowledge and experience to the Virginia legislature where his colleagues entrusted him to lead the way on victim's rights and keeping us safe & secure.
For two decades Senator Deeds has been fighting in the legislature for tougher penalties for violent criminals and giving our law enforcement officers the training and tools they need to keep Virginians safe.
Source: 2009 Gubernatorial campaign website www.deedsforvirginia.com
Jul 21, 2009
Jack Markell:
Give crime victims the right to receive restitution
The most fundamental role of state government is the public safety and welfare of its residents. I believe fighting crime must be a top priority as we move forward. My comprehensive proposal will do this:I will establish a Delaware COPS
Program with joint state and local funding to add 200 more police officers to the streets.I will invest in smarter law enforcement by partnering with local law enforcement to obtain new crime-fighting technologies.I will create a Delaware
Office for Victims of Crime so crime victims can have a “one-stop-shop” for victims’ rights and servicesI will ensure that crime victims have constitutional rights by amending the state constitution to ensure crime victims are notified of all
critical stages of the criminal justice process; the right to confer with prosecutors prior to the disposition of cases; the right to provide a victim impact statement at sentencing; and the right to receive victim compensation and restitution.
Source: 2008 Gubernatorial campaign website, markell.org, “Issues”
Nov 4, 2008
Joe Manchin III:
More sexual predator laws; more State police pay
Making A Difference In Law Enforcement - Implemented legislation to curtail the sale of meth lab ingredients
- Committed $1 million to crack down on the state's illegal drug trade
- Signed legislation protecting
West Virginia's children from sexual predators
- Proposed and implemented a long deserved pay raise for the State Police
Source: 2008 Gubernatorial campaign website, for re-election
Nov 1, 2008
Bill Ritter:
New tough-on-crime sentencing policies
I spent my career in law enforcement protecting the citizens of Denver. We achieved a 95% conviction rate and sent more than 12,000 criminals to prison. I will be tough on crime, but also smart about how we prevent crime and punish those who do us harm.
Sentencing has had the greatest impact on criminal justice policy and resources in the past decade. Within 12 months a sentencing task force will propose concrete strategies that will allow Colorado to become a national leader in sentencing policies.
Source: 2006 Gubernatorial website, ritterforgovernor.com, “Issues”
Nov 7, 2006
Jennifer Granholm:
Mandatory minimum sentences for sex offenders
- Since 2003, with the assistance of the Michigan State Police, Governor Granholm has apprehended more than 2,000 fugitive felons.
- Enacted tough new laws to protect Michigan children. Governor Granholm signed legislation that keeps sex offenders
away from schools and child care facilities.
- Signed Jessica’s Law, named for nine-year-old Jessica Lunsford who was kidnapped, raped, and murdered by a convicted sex offender. The legislation creates a new 25-year mandatory minimum sentence.
Source: 2006 Gubernatorial campaign website, granholmforgov.com
Nov 7, 2006
John Lynch:
Increase sentences for offenders agasint seniors & kids
John Lynch fought to pass one of the nation’s toughest laws against people who prey sexually on children. Under John Lynch,
New Hampshire has put in place a new, enhanced sentencing law that increases sentences for offenders who exploit citizens over age 65 and take advantage of a victim’s age, or impaired physical or mental condition.
Source: 2006 Gubernatorial campaign website johnlynch06.com “Issues”
Nov 7, 2006
Linda Lingle:
Implemented “3-strikes” law for habitual violent felons
We are proud of our Administration’s successful push for the “3-strikes” law that provides mandatory sentences of 30 years to life for habitual violent felons. This law, which became Act 81 on May 8th, makes it clear that felons who commit multiple
violent crimes will go to jail and not be able to threaten the public again. We were successful in mandating incarceration for enticement of a child through the internet and does not allow this offense to be erased from the record of the perpetrator.
Source: 2002 Gubernatorial campaign website, LindaLingle.com
Nov 7, 2006
Phil Bredesen:
Supports the death penalty
Supporting the death penalty: I believe alleged criminals are entitled to due process under the law and I support lawful executions to punish the most violent offenders.
Source: 2006 Gubernatorial website, bredesen.com, “Issues”
Nov 7, 2006
Sarah Palin:
If legislature passed death penalty law, I would sign it
I support adequate funding for a strong public safety presence in Alaska. Feeling safe in our communities is something we cannot accept any compromise on. This includes policing in all its forms, the court system, prosecutors and corrections.
If the legislature passed a death penalty law, I would sign it. We have a right to know that someone who rapes and murders a child or kills an innocent person in a drive by shooting will never be able to do that again.
Source: 2006 Gubernatorial website, palinforgovernor.com, “Issues”
Nov 7, 2006
Sonny Perdue:
Criminals should literally pay for their crimes
Sonny believes that criminals should literally pay for their crimes. This restitution principle should be much more than an ideal we rarely meet. It should be a reality that we routinely enforce for the benefit of crime victims in Georgia. In 2005,
Sonny passed the Crime Victims Restitution Act which strengthened victims’ rights. The law required that restitution be made to victims of crime and created new procedures to help ensure that victims receive the restitution owed them.
Source: 2006 Gubernatorial website, www.votesonny.com, “Issues”
Nov 7, 2006
Tim Pawlenty:
More prisons; tougher penalties for sex offenders
Proposed and signed the most comprehensive crime bill in modern Minnesota history, including: - Better tracking and tougher penalties for sex offenders, including life in prison for the worse offenders, with no possibility of release.
-
Put prisoners to work cleaning Minnesota’s highways.
- Introduced double-bunking at over-crowded prisons and preparing for a major expansion of the Faribault prison.
- Streamlining prison administration by eliminating duplicate tasks.
Source: 2006 Gubernatorial website, www.timpawlenty.com, “Issues”
Nov 7, 2006
Christy Mihos:
Favors the death penalty in Massachusetts
Capital Punishment: Christy favors the death penalty in Massachusetts.
Source: 2006 Gubernatorial campaign website, www.christy2006.com
Jul 16, 2006
Tom Reilly:
Established Community Based Justice crime prevention program
As District Attorney, Tom brought a fresh approach to fighting crime and protecting people and communities. His Community Based Justice program brought together mayors, school officials, prosecutors, police and others to identify young people headed for
a life of crime, prison or worse. The program became a national model for preventing youth violence. After two terms as DA, Tom ran for Attorney General in 1998 and won again.
Source: 2006 Gubernatorial campaign website, www.tomreilly.org
Jan 8, 2006
Tim Kaine:
Supports Project Exile’s longer mandatory sentences
Richmond’s success in reducing violent crime was built in part on Project Exile. Project Exile is based on a strong working relationship among federal, state, and local law enforcement officials to maximize the punishment of criminals who commit
crimes with guns.Criminals quickly learned to fear Project Exile’s longer mandatory sentences. The program helped cut our violent crime rate in half. Project Exile won the support of law enforcement nationwide and received bipartisan approval from
Presidents Clinton and Bush as well as the National Rifle Association and gun safety groups. Governor Gilmore expanded the program to the entire state in 1998. It has now been copied by cities and states all around the nation.
One of Tim Kaine’s proudest possessions is the award given to Richmond for Project Exile by the International Association of Chiefs of Police.
Source: 2005 Gubernatorial campaign website kaine2005.org, “Issues”
Nov 8, 2005
Arnold Schwarzenegger:
Death penalty is a necessary and effective deterrent
Q: Do you support the death penalty?A: Yes. I believe it is a necessary and effective deterrent to capital crimes.
Source: 2003 Gubernatorial campaign website, JoinArnold.com
Aug 29, 2003
Arnold Schwarzenegger:
Keep “Three Strikes” law
Q: Do you support the Three Strikes law?A: Yes, and I believe it should not be modified. It has proven to be an excellent deterrent to violent crime.
Source: 2003 Gubernatorial campaign website, JoinArnold.com
Aug 29, 2003
Arianna Huffington:
Roll back $1B prison guard pay raise: books, not bars
Arianna has also said that she would cut the state’s bloated prison budget, which has grown a whopping 650% over the past twenty years.
She would start by rolling back the $1 billion pay raise for prison guards signed into law by Gray Davis in 2002. We need to invest in schools, not jails - books, not bars.
Source: 2003 Gubernatorial campaign website, AriannaForGov.com
Aug 15, 2003
Arianna Huffington:
Moratorium on capital punishment based on racial disparity
On the Death Penalty: Arianna supports a moratorium on capital punishment.
She believes that the shocking level of racial disparity in the sentencing process, along with the large number of factually innocent people who have been sentenced to death, demand that the state implement a moratorium on all executions.
Source: 2003 Gubernatorial campaign website, AriannaForGov.com
Aug 15, 2003
Phil Bredesen:
Supports fair and accurate executions
Phil believes execution is the appropriate punishment for certain crimes. As governor, Phil will not stand in the way of lawful executions in Tennessee, but when government has the authority to take someone’s life,
Phil knows that government must do everything possible to assure that the right person is convicted and the legal process is fully and fairly exhausted.
Source: 2002 Gubernatorial site, Bredesen.com, “Death Penalty”
Oct 17, 2002
Dick Posthumus:
MI Exile: Mandatory minimums for felons possessing guns
“When you look at violent crime, a felon with an illegal gun is not far away,” Posthumus said. “So today, I announce Michigan Exile - my plan to put all felons found with a gun behind bars.”
Michigan Exile would target certain criminals for tough federal prosecution. The Posthumus plan creates a state mandatory-minimum one-year sentence for felons and violent juveniles who are found in possession of a firearm or ammunition.
Source: 2002 Gubernatorial campaign website, DickPosthumus.com,
Oct 14, 2002
Linda Lingle:
End death penalty; DNA proves innocence
The Death Penalty is too permanent given the imperfect nature of human justice. The science of DNA testing is increasingly showing the large numbers of innocent people sentenced to death.
Source: 2002 Gubernatorial campaign website, LindaLingle.com
Oct 10, 2002
Shannon O'Brien:
DNA “fingerprint” all felons
Massachusetts should harness new forms of technology that assist law enforcement in crime prevention & investigation.
The O’Brien-Gabrieli Administration will expand the role of DNA forensics in the Commonwealth’s crime-fighting program to include gathering a “DNA fingerprint” from every convicted felon.
Source: 2002 Gubernatorial website, ObrienGabrieli.com, “Crime Plan”
Sep 17, 2002
Page last updated: Dec 02, 2018