It's business as usual in the Texas jails under Governor George W. Bush's jurisdiction while he waits to find out whether he is to become the most powerful politician in the world.
The state of Texas is due to execute a Mexican national today, at almost the same time as the results of the recount of Florida votes could indicate whether Mr Bush has been elected president.
Yesterday, the 18-member Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles refused to recommend clemency for Miguel Flores (31), opening the way for him to be executed by lethal injection in Huntsville, Texas at midnight (Irish time), according to board president Gerald Garrett.
Flores was sentenced to death for the 1989 kidnap, rape and stabbing murder of 20-year-old student, Angela Tyson.
On Monday, the US State Department had asked the board to "give careful consideration" to Flores' clemency request because of the apparent failure of Texas authorities to inform Mexican consular officials of his arrest.
Flores' attorneys have filed a final appeal to the Supreme Court. According to Texas law, only the board and not the governor can grant clemency. The governor can, however, grant a 30day reprieve.
"Governor Bush will await the decision by the Supreme Court to make his decision," said Linda Edwards, Bush's spokeswoman. "He will give this case careful consideration."
The European Union and the human rights group Amnesty International had asked Texas to stay the execution.