Words: Richardson advocates mandatory jail time, especially for repeat offenders, and feels there should be “zero tolerance for heinous crimes”. He believes in tough sex offender laws, as well as domestic abuse, stalking, and harassment legislation.

Actions: As governor, Richardson called a special session of the New Mexico legislature to pass “Marissa’s Law” for tougher penalties for sexual predators. In the US House, Richardson voted AGAINST replacing the death penalty with life imprisonment (1994), FOR making federal death penalty appeals harder (1995), and AGAINST maintaining habeas corpus in death penalty appeals (1996).

More about: Bill Richardson, Crime & Punishment.