The Knucklehead of the Day award

Today's winner is Kentucky Governor Ernie Fletcher. Yesterday Gov. Fletcher pardoned nine current or former members of his administration who were indicted in a civil service scandal.

This knucklehead Governor showed his contempt yesterday for both the law and the people of the state of Kentucky. He himself is being investigated by a Grand Jury for the same scandal. Fletcher says he won't pardon himself, but don't bet on it. He has already shown he will protect his cronies instead of seeing justice served.

By Mark Pitsch and Tom LoftusThe Courier-Journal

FRANKFORT, Ky. -- Gov. Ernie Fletcher used the power of his office yesterday to pardon nine current or former members of his administration who were indicted in an investigation of alleged illegal hiring.

Fletcher also said he would not pardon himself or testify today during his appearance before the grand jury, which is investigating whether state jobs were filled on the basis of politics, not merit.

"I cannot allow state government to continue to be consumed by this game of political 'gotcha' paralyzing our ability to serve you, the people of Kentucky," he said.

The pardon Fletcher signed covers officials indicted so far and "any and all persons who have committed, or may be accused of committing, any offense up to and including the date hereof, relating in any way to the current merit system investigation."

In his remarks, Fletcher compared the severity of misdemeanor and felony charges to illegal fishing, dismissing the investigation as "a political tool of Greg Stumbo."

Speaking during an address before about 150 supporters at the Capitol, Fletcher said "at no time was there a cynical scheme to displace thousands of hard-working state employees."

"Even though I am very disappointed at the abuse of our justice system throughout this entire affair, I am ready to stand up to this misguided display of prosecutorial misconduct," Fletcher said.

Open Post- Mudville Gazette