Ben LaGuer, the convicted rapist who became a hot button issue during the gubernatorial election, is seeking to have his sentence commuted, something somewhat possible with his former penpal Deval Patrick in the corner office.

LaGuer sent a letter this week to the Governor’s Council seeking an application for a commutation from Patrick. A commutation would set LaGuer free and would mark the first such move by a Bay State governor in a decade.

Patrick has been a past supporter of LaGuer but has said he would steer clear of the case as governor. Lt. Gov. Tim Murray, who presides over the Governor’s Council, told the State House News: “Any request for applications, people have a right and are entitled to get. We don’t make any comments on anything until they’re received.”

Has is been a while since you last heard the name Ben Laguer? Just in case you forgot, here's the scoop:

LaGuer was convicted of savagely raping a 59-year-old neighbor in Leominster in 1983 but has always maintained his innocence, despite a positive 2002 DNA test. The case became a major issue in Patrick’s campaign against former Lt. Gov. Kerry Healey after revelations that Patrick supported LaGuer’s parole bids and donated $5,000 to his cause.

Perhaps Governor Patrick will send another letter to LaGuer, maybe telling him to 'cut it out.'