On Meet the Press, this morning, Sen. John Kerry responded "absolutely" when Tim Russert asked if he'd favor a moratorium. Kerry also ran off statistics on the 100 death row exonerations and hinted at abolition (versus just a moratorium) as a result of studies.

Very impressive new series "Deadly Distinction" analyzing the Death Penalty, particularly in Texas, began Saturday in the Houston Chronicle. Part 1 is by reporter Mike Tolson and discusses Harris County's role as a pipeline to death row. The four-part series examines why, and explores whether justice is served. The series also notes a new Houston Chronicle opinion poll showing that Harris County residents are less supportive of the death penalty than their fellow Texans.

Mother Jones points out today that we also have to keep working to stop execution of the mentally ill.