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Conservatives Weigh In on Virginia Execution

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RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - More than two dozen conservatives are the latest group calling on Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe to spare the life of a death row inmate who claims he's innocent.

Among the conservatives urging McAuliffe to halt Ivan Teleguz's execution in a letter is Brent Bozell III, president of the conservative media watchdog Media Research Center. Others include former Republican Virginia Attorney General Mark Earley and a former executive director of the Republican Party of Virginia.

Teleguz's execution is set for April 25. Since Teleguz's trial, two prosecution witnesses have recanted.

The conservatives say executing a man who might be innocent would "leave a terrible stain on Virginia and our justice system."

Two Democratic state lawmakers and a group of religious leaders have also sent letters asking McAuliffe to spare Teleguz's life.

Don Rush is the News Director and Senior Producer of News and Public Affairs at Delmarva Public Media. An award-winning journalist, Don reports major local issues of the day, from sea level rise, to urban development, to the changing demographics of Delmarva.