MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - An Alabama lawmaker says it will be next spring before the state can resume executing death row inmates.

Republican state Sen. Cam Ward, a top lawmaker on prison issues, says that will be the earliest that lawmakers will be able to pass new legislation allowing Alabama to receive drugs used for executions.

Ward tells The TimesDaily that the state is "basically out of chemicals."

He said pharmaceutical companies are refusing to sell Alabama more drugs until they can get some type of protection or "immunity." Republican Rep. Lynn Greer, who proposed legislation during the last session to keep the names of drug suppliers confidential, has said the companies fear lawsuits and backlash from death penalty opponents.

There are 16 death row inmates who have exhausted appeals and await execution.

Said it before. Why not use the heroin that is confiscated at the Mexican border? Good enough for addicts - good enough for death row inmates.

Don't they have any bullets?
Indeed!!!!

Firing squads, and ropes, seem to work just fine. Our liberal society is all PC and concerned about the well-being of convicted criminals.

Wish they were as concerned about the suffering and terror the victims of these monsters underwent.

I will donate some if that is the case Mickey, but I sure like the suggestion crowrifle makes, very cost effective!

Terry, the only objection I have to using heroin is they might possibly get a 'feeling fine' interlude. I want 'em to suffer and sweat.

Trust me Mickey with a "hotshot" they will not have a happy moment.

Just make a run down to the nearest Veterinarian. miles

Mickey - your point is well-made and you portray what many across the country are thinking. Most of the government types that are not simply clowns associated the incompetent action are do-gooders trying their best to inhibit capital punishment.

It is not a "chemical" or even "legal" matter - it is a social issue. I am the oposite of an expert, yet know there are plenty of very quick ways to kill convicted murderers. Just do it !!

Then you can count me in.

What's wrong with a new, stiff hemp rope?? Worked quite well for thousands of years.

L.W.

Worked really well on Saddam, a bit too well some might say.

The fact of the matter is that lethal injection is legal, and the other ways suggested are not (except for the firing squad).

As long as a state has to legislate what chemicals it is going to use, they can also legislate that said chemicals do not have to be FDA approved, nor are sterile needles required. Considering that the object is a quick execution, both would seem unnecessary requirements.

They could approve veterinary compounds, or any combination of narcotics as approved in their state. IMO it would be particularly clever to authorize narcotics. Tons of the stuff are available at no cost, it can be argued that criminals seek to use narcotics voluntarily, and there is no supplier to sue in the event of bad results except possibly a drug cartel.

Genius.

Yup hanging is always good.

Yes, why wouldn't the same stuff the vet uses work just fine?

Or, they could dress up the accused in a dog costume and call a SWAT team...