More than 300 groups have signed resolutions calling for a halt to executions.

The organization Moratorium has been distributing the resolutions to businesses and churches across the state.

"It's our hope that the general assembly will see these resolutions as grassroot support for halting these executions while taking a closer look at our death penalty," said Bishop John Gaydos of the Catholic Diocese of Jefferson City.

The campaign group Moratorium Now is concerned innocent lives are at stake and is asking for an examination of Missouri's system.

"And we may never know how many people are killed by the name of the state," said former Kansas City Councilman Alvin Brooks.

The group plans to deliver these binders full of resolutions to Jay Nixon, Charlie Shields and Ron Richard.

Governor-elect Nixon did not respond to KOMU 8's request for an interview Wednesday, but in 2004 he said, "I am frustrated. But I'm more frustrated for the crime victims and their families," indicating he would not be in favor of a moratorium.

Death penalty supporters say it's important to punish heinous crimes and deliver justice. Others add it's less expensive than life in prison and acts as a deterrent to crime.

Still, Rep. Bill Deeken, says a moratorium may be in sight.

"We've come so close with this thing that each year we've been within one vote," Deeken said.

Missouri is ranked fourth nationwide in executions.