Gubernatorial Candidates Kinky Friedman and Hank Gilbert on Todd Willingham

Former Independent and now Democratic gubernatorial candidate Kinky Friedman has release a statement in response to Governor. Rick Perry's removal of three members of the Texas Forensic Science Commission saying, "You know what you call it when an innocent person is executed? Murder."

Dear Friends: Rick Perry's reign of incompetence continues. This time Perry is embarking on an immoral cover-up of epic proportions. Perry fired respected members of the Forensic Science Commission to derail their planned hearing to publicly investigate the execution of a Texan in 2004, that many legal experts, feel was innocent. Apparently Rick Perry is afraid of shining the public light of independent investigation on the execution of Cameron Todd Willingham. Don't take my word for it--here is what some of the most respected publications in Texas said: The Houston Chronicle compared him to Richard Nixon's handling of Watergate. (http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/falkenberg/6645910.html) Texas Monthly's Paul Burka called Perry's action "The Cover Up". (http://www.texasmonthly.com/blogs/burkablog/?p=4890) And the Texas Observer called it a "stunner" and an "exercise of raw power is truly stunning to behold". (http://www.texasobserver.org/contrarian/comments/a-rick-perry-stunner) You know what you call it when an innocent person is executed? Murder. As your next Governor, I'll give the power back to the people of Texas. We'll establish the Timothy Cole Commission to ensure that no more innocent people are murdered by Rick Perry's administration. Do your part to take the power away from professional politicians like Rick Perry, and give the power back to the people of Texas. Your contribution of $5, $10 or $20 will help us take our message directly to Texas voters, so please click hereto contribute today. God Bless Texas, Kinky Friedman

Hank Gilbert, Democratic candidate for Texas governor, posted the following statement on his website concerning Governor Rick Perry’s removal of three members of the Texas Forensic Science Commission, which is looking into the Todd Willingham case:

“Governor Perry’s decision to remove and replace three very competent members of the Texas Forensic Science Commission with three partisan ideologues should surprise absolutely no one.

This was a political decision by a Governor who wanted avoid criticism of the horrendous record Texas has regarding the execution of the innocent. The Governor’s decision should make it crystal clear to every Texan that justice in this state is controlled by the whims of an out-of-control Governor desperate to retain his grip on power.

Governor Perry’s actions were wholly unacceptable. Texas deserves better.”