KY Governor Ernie Fletcher Pardoning Everyone In His Admin. For Scandal But Himself

Fletcher Announces Pardons To Everyone In Hiring Scandal But Himself

http://www.wkyt.com/Global/story.asp?S=3778971

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) - Governor Ernie Fletcher says he will pardon current and former members of his administration charged in an ongoing grand jury investigation.

Fletcher says he is granting blanket amnesty to any member of his administration who might be charged with breaking state merit system laws. But Fletcher says he will not pardon himself.

Nine members of his administration have been charged with misdemeanor violations of state hiring laws. He compared those charges to minor violations of fishing laws.

One member of the administration, Dan Druen, is also facing several felony charges. Fletcher used a televised address to accuse Attorney General Greg Stumbo of wasting time on the investigation while ignoring other priorities. Stumbo has called a news conference for Monday night to respond.

Fletcher also said that he will appear before the grand jury tomorrow in Frankfort. But he said he will decline to testify.

(Copyright 2005 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)