Here is an excellent article on former Illinois Governor George Ryan and his quest to end the death penalty. There are some good quotes from the former governor. I like this one on lethal injection in particular:

"Think of the evolution of the death penalty. No hanging. No shooting. No electrocution. That makes it more culturally acceptable? A prisoner injected with a drug before a theater of witnesses ... So there is no blood, no catching on fire, no feet dangling and twitching. Then society thinks it's not too bad?"

Life's quest-Former Gov. George Ryan continues to push for end of death penalty