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This boils down to a religious issue. A Mormon religious issue. The two states with a tradition of firing squads - Utah and Idaho - both have strong Mormon foundations from the time of their settlement. Under Mormon theology, some kinds of sins - particularly homicide/murder - will only be forgiven by God by the shedding of the offender's blood. Literally. And that explains the sympathy for at least optional firing squads in states with big Mormon populations. When Gary Gilmore, a Mormon, chose the firing squad, it with his salvation in mind.
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Extremism in the defense of Liberty is no vice. . . Restraint in the pursuit of Justice is no virtue.
Senator Barry Goldwater, 1964
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