Oklahoma governor takes the lead on executions

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – A close observer of Oklahoma politics says Governor Mary Fallin reacted like a chief executive when she ordered an investigation into what went wrong with the troubled April 29 execution of death row inmate Clayton Lockett.

On Thursday, Fallin expanded her influence over the execution process when the Republican governor insisted that recommendations for improving it be implemented before any executions are conducted.

Fallin is taking a strong position just two months before the general election in which she is seeking re-election against Democratic state Representative Joe Dorman, who has accused her of not providing leadership.

University of Oklahoma political science professor Keith Gaddie says Fallin has taken an unusual position for a conservative governor who supports the death penalty. But, Gaddie says, it’s good leadership on a tough issue.