A bill that would end the death penalty stalled at the Capitol last week, but its backers say they'll gather signatures for a November 2012 ballot measure. Polls show most Californians support capital punishment. But former Los Angeles District Attorney Gil Garcetti thinks the right campaign could change voters' minds.
Garcetti: "Once they are shown how long it takes and the incredible cost and where those monies could be used in a better way, I think we'll convert many of those individuals."
But Harriet Salarno with Crime Victims United says the death penalty should be fixed, not abolished.
Salarno: "Yes, it costs a lot of money the way it is today. But if you do it right and overhaul the appeals unit, then it will not cost money."
The initiative would convert death penalty sentences to life without parole.