Decision on Death Penalty

Gov. Bill Richardson has reached a decision about the death-penalty repeal and will announce whether he’ll sign or veto House Bill 265.

He will announce that decision at 6 p.m.

Richardson had been a staunch supporter of the death penalty. But in recent weeks he’s said he’s softened his views. After the bill passed the Senate last week, the governor’s office set up a hot line and asked for public input.

On Tuesday the office announced that more than 9,400 people had expressed their views. The sentiment was 3-to-1 in favor of repealing capital punishment.