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Blagojevich: Probably No Executions During My Term

(File Photo)

By AP/KWMU

Chicago, ILL. – Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich says he's still a firm supporter of the death penalty, but he doesn't plan to lift a moratorium on executions "anytime soon."

The governor told the Chicago Tribune that executions in Illinois will remain halted until he is certain no mistakes will be made. He adds the expected passage of death penalty reforms currently in the state legislature will not be enough to lift the ban.

Blagojevich says the current proposals "make a lot of sense," but don't go far enough.

Former Governor George Ryan stopped executions in Illinois three years ago after several death row inmates were found to have been wrongly convicted.

Blagojevich made his comments Wednesday during a meeting with the Tribune's editorial board.

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