Death Penalty Debate: Referendum Proposal Fails

As the Senate resumed debate late this afternoon, an attempt to let voters decide whether to repeal the death penalty was rejected.

Sen. George Della (D-Baltimore) offered an amendment that would have turned Gov. Martin O'Malley's repeal bill into a public referendum.

"We've done it before for less important issues, such as slot machines," Della said, referring to the November ballot issue that authorized 15,000 machines.

Sen. Brian E. Frosh (D-Montgomery) urged senators to make up their own minds on the issue.

"I don't think we should punt," Frosh said.

Della's amendment failed 17 to 27 on a procedural vote.