Governor faces death row dilemma

The Tucker case could stand between Texas Governor George Bush and the White House

The case of Karla Faye Tucker seems to have placed the Republican Governor of Texas, George W Bush, in a no-win situation.

If he sanctions the execution, the Christian community - one of his biggest backers - will be outraged. If he commutes it, the pro-death penalty constituency could accuse him of being soft on crime.

Strange bedfellows

As expected, opponents of the death penalty and feminist organisations are campaigning to save Tucker's life. But Tucker's apparent repentance and her conversion to Christianity has also gained her the support of America's religious right, which is usually in favour of capital punishment.

Pat Robertson and his powerful Christian Coalition are calling for a reprieve

Pat Robertson, a tele-evangelist and founder of the powerful Christian Coalition political lobby, has called for a reprieve.

Mr Robertson told reporters that if Governor Bush "lets this sweet woman of God die, he's a man who shows no mercy."

But much of Governor Bush's Republican constituency strongly supports the death penalty. They believe she should be executed, despite her professed conversion, and fear that clemency would send out a message that women get special treatment.

Texas has executed more people on death row than any other US state. Since capital punishment was re-instated in 1976, 144 people have been executed in Texas. A woman has not been put to death in Texas for 135 years.

Tough choices for a presidential contender

Texas executes more people than any other state. So far, all have been men

Governor Bush, son of former US president, George Bush, has never concealed his presidential ambitions and the Karla Faye Tucker case puts him squarely in the national spotlight. But will the attention help or hinder his chances?

Mr Bush has pledged not to be swayed by pressure or issues of gender.

"I feel my job is to uphold the law of the state of Texas, and we should treat this case like any other case," he said recently.

But, according to Richard Dieter, Director of the Death Penalty Information Centre, the case represents a serious political dilemma.

"Whatever his decision, it is a reflection of his personality. It will create an image," he said. "Bush runs the risk of seeming too harsh. And there are a lot of people outside of Texas who might not respond to that kind of image."