Connecticut governor candidates Foley, Malloy spar over death penalty during live TV debate

Conn. governor candidates spar over death penalty

HARTFORD, Conn. — The two major-party nominees for Connecticut governor are sparring over the death penalty and whether it would apply to a man convicted of the home invasion killings of a woman and her two daughters.

Lawmakers recently voted to abolish the state’s death penalty. But Republican Gov. M. Jodi Rell vetoed the bill. Death penalty opponents are expected to raise the issue again in the coming legislative session.

Democrat and former Stamford mayor Dan Malloy said during a live television debate Tuesday he supports abolishing the death penalty only for future crimes. That wouldn’t benefit Steven Hayes, who faces possible execution for the 2007 slayings in the Cheshire home.

Republican businessman Tom Foley says Hayes likely would successfully appeal any death sentence because of the law change.

Hayes’ attorneys are seeking a life sentence.

Rell isn’t seeking re-election.