Pardon Me

[Philistine]

The Kentucky Governor decided to pardon anybody charged--or who may be charged--by a grand jury investigating his administration:

Calling the investigation into personnel practices in his administration a wasteful game of political gotcha, Gov. Ernie Fletcher tonight pardoned nine current and former officials who have been indicted along with anyone who “might … be charged.”

Although he has the authority to do so, Fletcher said he will not pardon himself. Consequently, Attorney General Greg Stumbo’s office could prosecute Fletcher if the special grand jury investigating his administration’s actions were to indict him.

Scheduled to appear tomorrow before the grand jury, Fletcher said he would not answer questions.

The grand jury, Fletcher said, is a “political tool of Greg Stumbo.”

The grand jury found some administration officials violated the state’s personnel law that bars them from hiring or firing merit employees solely for political reasons. The pardons mean those cases won't go to trial.

Rest of Story



Interesting way to do things. "Someone's investigating my administration--pardon everyone involved. Yes, they broke the law--but it wasn't a big deal...."

Is this a trial balloon for the Rove situation?

Up side is everyone pardoned can now be forced to testify in front of the Grand Jury (to the extent it stays open--as the Governor didn't pardon himself--yet) as they can no longer plead the 5th Amendment.

--Philistine

[mrbiggs]

That's ridiculous. If I was in Kentucky, I'd think it's time for an impeachment. A governor should not pardon criminals just because he's on their side.