As Governor of Texas, George W. Bush held the proud distinction of being the deadliest governor in U.S. history. In five years of “compassionate conservatism,” Texas executed 152 inmates, including a record-breaking 40 executions in 2000 alone.

       During his record-breaking year, Bush averaged an execution every nine days. Furthermore, he racked up a whopping seven executions in both January and May. And in August, he accomplished a “daily double” by executing two prisoners on the same day in the same prison. In fact, if Texas were a country, it would have ranked fifth in executions during Bush’s reign.

       Unfortunately for the Texecutioner, his path to the record books will not be free of obstacles. In 21st century America, the only inmates on death row are the mentally retarded, insane or innocent. After all, everyone else had the good sense to plead out to life without parole. However, recent events within and outside of the legal system are further shrinking the number of possible “executees.” Bush may not achieve his desired standing as #1 President in Executions, despite his zealous efforts.

       For one thing, the U.S. Supreme Court recently overturned the death sentence of John Paul Penry, a mentally retarded Texas inmate. As Texas governor, Bush denied Penry’s requests for clemency despite the fact that Penry has the mind of a seven-year old as he likes to play with coloring books and still believes in Santa Claus.

       The Penry case was decided on procedural issues and does not ban all executions of mentally retarded inmates. In the fall, the Supreme Court will rule on this issue in a case involving a North Carolina inmate believed to have the mind of a 10-year old.

       Nevertheless, the Penry case has thrust the issue of executing mentally retarded inmates into the spotlight. In response, the legislatures of Florida and Texas have joined 12 other states and recently passed laws banning such executions. Jeb Bush, the Governor of Florida and First Brother, signed the Florida bill into law.

       Furthermore, the recent execution of a schizophrenic inmate in Ohio has caused an international uproar. Both Amnesty International and the European Union both decried the Ohio execution.

       Lastly, continuing advances in forensic science are threatening the last class of death row inmates—the innocent. Each year, DNA evidence and other new technologies are being used to free more and more wrongfully convicted death row inmates. This will further reduce Bush’s pool of potential “executees.”

       However, no one should underestimate Bush’s ability to get things done, especially when it comes to executions. After all, although Bush may not be known for his command of complicated budgetary analysis, geopolitical boundaries or even, the English language, he is not known as “quitter.”