Record number executed under Keating's administration

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- More people have been put to death under Governor Frank Keating's administration than any other governor in the state's history. <br><br>Fifty executions have been carried

Sunday, January 12th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- More people have been put to death under Governor Frank Keating's administration than any other governor in the state's history.

Fifty executions have been carried out during Keating's two terms in office.

Keating says the increase in executions is a result of legal reforms that have streamlined the appeal process for a death row inmate.

According to the Death Penalty Information Center, Oklahoma led the nation in executions in 2001 and ranks fourth in the nation for the total amount of executions carried out since the death penalty was reinstated in 1976.

Keating, a former US Attorney, says his role in the executions have been minimal. He has only been actively involved in the five death penalty cases were the Pardon and Parole Board has recommended clemency.

Keating, who leaves office Monday, has only one granted one request.