After two hours of debate and the rejection of 18 amendments on the House floor last night, the votes are there.

“This bill and this amendment, as well as those that will follow, pose a very straight forward question: Should we end the death penalty in Maryland?” I declared when speaking against the first amendment.

It would have retained the death penalty for someone who committed murder in the first degree while already serving a death sentence or life imprisonment.

It failed, 61-77.

In response to the next three or four amendments, I said, “We cannot single out one type of murder and say it is so horrible that committing this act merits execution.  The flaws in this system do not go away.”

The results were the same.

I did not need to speak in opposition to the remaining amendments.  My point had been made.

Before Friday’s final vote, there will be rhetoric, mine included.  After that, the bill could be petitioned to referendum.

For now, the deed is done.