Now That's Chutzpah

Wow. There's political courage, and there's just shameless cockiness. Which one is this?

Kentucky has recently seen some grand jury activity surrounding hiring practices in Republican Governor Ernie Fletcher's administration. I haven't been following the matter closely, but Kentucky law requires hiring for state jobs to be based on merit rather than political favors. The grand jury has charged nine current and former administration officials with misdemeanors in breaking merit hiring laws, and Fletcher himself is due to testify before the grand jury tomorrow (he's said he'll refuse to answer their questions). So what did he do tonight? In an appearance at which he was surrounded by cheering political appointees and that sounded more like a pep rally than a gubernatorial address, he boldly issued pardons for anyone who might be charged in the investigation. Not just for the nine who have been, but for anybody else who could conceivably still be charged, as well. He bravely exempted himself from the pardons, though I suppose he could always change his mind. Prosecutors responded that the grand jury will continue its work.

So Kentucky readers, can Fletcher get away with this? Will anybody care? Don't think George W isn't watching and taking notes.