Democratic Gov. Bev Perdue has vetoed the bill that sought to tighten up the Racial Justice Act. The bill, however, passed both chambers of the General Assembly by veto-proof margins, and legislative leaders have indicated they will seek a veto override.
Said Perdue in her statement:
“As long as I am governor, I will fight to make sure the death penalty stays on the books in North Carolina. But it has to be carried out fairly – free of prejudice.”
Senate President Pro-tem Phil Berger, R-Rockingham, and House Speaker Thom Tillis, R-Mecklenburg, issued a joint statement following the veto:
“While Gov. Perdue may claim to support the death penalty, her veto proves she’s in lock-step with the leftist elements of her party who want to abolish it. She has a duty to uphold public safety and preserve justice for the families of victims murdered in the most heinous crimes. There is broad, bipartisan support for this bill not only in the General Assembly, but in the law enforcement community and criminal justice system. We will work with both sides of the aisle to override yet another irresponsible gubernatorial veto.”
The bill passed the House by a 73-47 vote. It passed the Senate by a 30-18 vote.
If both votes hold, lawmakers would be able to override the veto.
