Written by Cullerton Staff Wednesday, 09 March 2011 10:58
"Today is historic and solemn day in the state of Illinois. The vote to end the death penalty and the action taken by the Governor today was based on very personal and informed evaluations on matters of life and death. While I have been a vocal supporter of the abolition of the death penalty, I have only counseled my colleagues to let their conscience guide their vote. I applaud the members of the General Assembly the Governor for their action. I want to thank Senator Kwame Raoul for his dedicated and tireless efforts to advance the abolition for the state of Illinois." 
SPRINGFIELD, IL - Senate President John Cullerton issued the following statement regarding today’s action to ban the death penalty in Illinois:
6th District
President of the Senate
Years served: 1979 - 1991 (House); 1991 - Present (Senate)
Committee assignments: Committee of the Whole; Executive; Joint Comm. on Government Reform (Co-Chairperson).
Biography: Attorney; born Oct. 28, 1948, in Chicago; B.A., political science, Loyola University; J.D., Loyola University Law School; served in Illinois National Guard, 1970-76; former Assistant Public Defender and instructor at the National Institute for Trial Advocacy; married (wife, Pamela), has five children.