Last month, President Obama turned down 605 requests for commutations — from prisoners who wanted their sentences shortened — and 71 for pardons.
Between 1980 and 2010, requests for commutations rose sharply, reflecting lengthier sentences and the elimination of paroles for federal inmates, while the number of successful applicants plummeted.
The request for a commutation from the governor was the last resort for Mr. Keith, who lost numerous appeals in state courts and whose case was not considered by the United States Supreme Court.
In April 2010, Aaron submitted a new petition for commutation.
"I have reviewed various documents submitted by Clarence Aaron in support of his petition for commutation of sentence and agree that Aaron should receive a commutation of his life sentence," her November 2008 memo to Rodgers began.
He was the first governor in modern Massachusetts to deny every request for pardon or commutation.
"Every clemency request — whether it be for commutation of sentence or for pardon — is considered carefully and thoroughly by the Office of the Pardon Attorney," spokeswoman Laura Sweeney said.
The Manning lawyers plan to lodge a formal request for a pardon or commutation from President Barack Obama.
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They still can't request a commutation of their sentences, or own a firearm.
