I don't believe what I just saw!

Yesterday New Jersey took the first of three necessary steps to repeal the death penalty, and it was the most difficult of the three. The state's Senate passed an abolition bill by a vote of 21-16 (in a chamber with 40 members). Passage is expected in the House, and Governor Corzine has stated that he will sign a repeal bill.

"Today New Jersey can become a leader, an inspiration to other states," Senator Robert Martin, a Republican from Morris Plains who voted for the bill, said during Monday's debate.

Andy in Harrisburg