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Debate Over Killer's Fate Seeps Into Conn. Races

Death penalty becomes central issue after home invasion conviction

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Oct 14, 2010 6:17 AM CDT

(Newser) – One of the most horrific crimes in Connecticut's history may weigh on the state's elections. Stephen Hayes is awaiting sentencing for the home invasion murders of Jennifer Hawke-Petit and her two daughters next week and Republican candidates for Senate and governor have been making the death penalty a central issue. GOP gubernatorial nominee Tom Foley has attacked his rival's opposition to the death penalty, while Senate candidate Linda McMahon accuses Democratic rival Richard Blumenthal of flip-flopping on the issue.

"There are a set of swing voters who will base their vote not on the recession, but on this emotional issue because of that case," a politics professor tells the Wall Street Journal. "It's never had this level of importance." The latest poll shows that more than 75% of the state's voters support the death penalty for Hayes—some 10% more than support the death penalty in general.

This photo provided the Connecticut Department of Correction shows Steven Hayes. (AP Photo/Connecticut Department of Correction, File)

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Debate Over Killer's Fate Seeps Into Conn. Races

Death penalty becomes central issue after home invasion conviction

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death penalty • capital punishment • Connecticut • Election 2010 • home invasion • Linda McMahon • Richard Blumenthal • William Petit • Steven Hayes • Jennifer Hawke-Petit

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Hayes Sentenced to Death for Grisly Triple Murder

Conn. man convicted in fatal home invasion

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Connecticut Jury Convicts Man in Brutal Family Murders

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