The state Clemency and Pardons Board today voted to unanimously recommend clemency for three-strikes offender Al-Kareem Shadeed, who has been in prison for more than 15 years.

Shadeed's third strike, which earned him a life sentence in 1994, was second-degree robbery -- the least serious qualifying crime under the law. Those who spoke on behalf of his clemency in Olympia today said his behavior while in prison has been largely exemplary and even the victim of the robbery opposed Shadeed's life sentence.

The clemency recommendation now goes to Gov. Chris Gregoire.

Earlier today, the Clemency and Pardons Board also unanimously voted to recommend clemency for three-strikes offender Michael Lee Bridges, who has been in prison for more than 15 years for second-degree theft robbery.

Those speaking on Bridges' behalf included King County Prosecuting Attorney Dan Satterberg. Supporters said Bridges has been an exemplary inmate, with only two infractions in 15 years, and none since 1996. He has also taken advantage of positive programming opportunities offered in prison.

If they are released, Shadeed and Bridges would be only the second and third three-strikes offenders to be released in Washington. Last month, Stevan Dozier was released from Monroe Correctional Complex after serving about 15 years for his third-strike offense.

To read Satterberg's clemency request for Bridges, click here.

To read the clemency request for Shadeed, click here.