The governor on Monday, Dec.17th, sidestepped a decision about whether a condemned inmate is too fat to be humanely executed by sparing him on the grounds that he had poor legal representation.
Republican Gov. John Kasichs decision to grant clemency to Ronald Post mirrored the recommendation of mercy by the state parole board, which said it didnt doubt Posts guilt but said there were too many problems with how he was represented 30 years ago.
Post, who weighs 450 pounds, never raised the issue of his size with the board. And Kasich, who commuted Posts sentence to life with no chance of parole, didnt mention Posts obesity claim in his statement. Kasich spokesman Rob Nichols said the governor didnt consider Posts obesity claim.
The governor said all criminal defendants, regardless of the heinousness of the crimes, deserve an adequate defense.
Fat Thanks to Anant P. for the tip!