Say, let's celebrate National Sanctity of Human Life Day with a look at Bush's record on the death penalty:

The most controversial aspect of Bush's governorship, however, remains his support for the death penalty in the state that has executed more inmates than any other. Bush's appearance at the Conservative Party luncheon in New York was interrupted briefly by anti-death penalty protesters, who were quickly removed.

In an earlier event in Elizabeth, New Jersey, while proposing a $400 million effort to help fund after-school activities for needy youth, Bush was criticized by a Presbyterian minister who hosted the event.

In a pointed but polite exchange Friday, the Rev. Joseph Garlic told Bush at his campaign event that last month's execution of convicted murderer Gary Graham was "definitely not moral."

Graham was convicted of killing a man outside a Houston supermarket during a 1981 robbery spree based on the testimony of a single eyewitness. Anti-death penalty activists raised doubts about his guilt, and Graham proclaimed his innocence until his death.

"When you chose protocol and precedent in the case of one man's life -- the ultimate decision that could have made about a man's life -- you missed the opportunity to show compassion," Garlic said.

More than 135* convicts have been executed while Bush has been governor. He argued that the death penalty, when administered swiftly and fairly, saves lives. (CNN, 07/14/2000)

* Final total under Bush's governorship: a record 152.