On April 11, we released a letter that has received national attention. It was signed by 25 notable Virginia conservatives calling on Virginia Governor McAuliffe to halt the planned execution of Ivan Teleguz. His execution is scheduled for April 25, despite a complete lack of physical evidence and the fact that two of the three witnesses who originally linked him to the crime have since recanted their testimony. The third witness had incentive to lie because he received a lighter sentence in exchange for testifying against Teleguz.
Considering all of this, there is simply too much doubt to execute Teleguz, and there is reason to believe that he may actually be an innocent man. Thus, pro-life conservatives in Virginia signed the letter respectfully asking Gov. McAuliffe to commute Teleguz’s sentence. You can read it in its entirety and see the signatories here.
Conservatives Concerned in the Field
On March 22, I traveled to the College of William and Mary, where I presented the conservative case against the death penalty at an event hosted by the College Libertarians and College NAACP. The event was attended by inquisitive students who mostly opposed capital punishment by the end of the presentation.
On April 1, representatives of CCATDP exhibited at the regional Young Americans for Liberty conference in Pittsburgh, and it was another success. Our booth was flooded with supporters, and those working the booth met with many fellow conservatives and libertarians who oppose the death penalty and want to become involved.
Conservatives Concerned in the Media
- Multiple news outlets covered the conservative outcry to spare Teleguz from death. The New York Times, Washington Times, Boston Globe, US News, National Review, Roanoke Star, Richmond Public Radio, Idea Stations, WVTF, and many others all reported on the conservative sign-on letter.
- Ben Jones was a guest on Wichita Liberty TV to discuss why Kansans are better off without the death penalty.
- The Flat Hat News published a piece covering my speaking engagement at the College of William and Mary.
- I returned as a guest to the Chosen Generation radio show with Pastor Gregory Young, Wayne Dupree Show, and the Colors of Politics radio show to describe how the death penalty is inconsistent with conservatism.
- I penned an op-ed in the Daily Caller in which I discussed the Georgia Conservatives Concerned about the Death Penalty’s launch.
- Friend of CCATDP, Jennifer Maffessanti, authored an op-ed in the Libertarian Republic discussing the reasons why she no longer supports capital punishment.
- Long time CCATDP supporter, Austin Paul, wrote an article for Red Alert Politics explaining how Georgia’s death penalty violates conservative values.
Upcoming
On April 19, 2017 at 12pm, I will be presenting to the Oklahoma Conservative Political Action Committee (OCPAC). The meeting will be held at Mama Roja Mexican Kitchen in Oklahoma City.
The following day, April 20, 2017 at 7pm, I will be speaking on Oklahoma’s sordid history with capital punishment with the University of Tulsa College Republicans at the Student Union Center
If you’re in the neighborhood, then I hope to see you there!
Share your concerns
Are you concerned that Virginia might execute an innocent man? If so, then click here to share the conservative sign-on letter on Facebook to help us get the word out!
