Statement of Hank Gilbert, Democratic Candidate for Governor, on Rick Perry’s Removal of Members of the Texas Forensic Science Commission

TYLER—Hank Gilbert, Democratic candidate or governor, issued the following statement concerning Governor Perry’s removal of three members of the Texas Forensic Science Commission:

“Governor Perry’s decision to remove and replace three very competent members of the Texas Forensic Science Commission with three partisan ideologues should surprise absolutely no one.

This was a political decision by a Governor who wanted avoid criticism of the horrendous record Texas has regarding the execution of the innocent. The Governor’s decision should make it crystal clear to every Texan that justice in this state is controlled by the whims of an out-of-control Governor desperate to retain his grip on power.

Governor Perry’s actions were wholly unacceptable. Texas deserves better.”