How corrupt can a sitting governor be to appoint his own justices to hear his corruption case? Well, Kentucky governor Ernie Fletcher is gunning to be a proud member of the Republican Culture of Corruption.
From the
HERALD-LEADER
Two Justices Named To Hear Hiring Investigation Case
By Jack Brammer
HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER
FRANKFORT - Gov. Ernie Fletcher today appointed two substitute justices to the Kentucky Supreme Court to hear a dispute over a special grand jury's investigation of alleged personnel violations in his administration.
They are Jeffrey T. Burdette, chief judge of the Pulaski, Lincoln and Rockcastle Circuit Court, and attorney Ronald L. Green of Lexington.
Fletcher's office said in a statement that the appointments were handled by Edwin Orange, the governor's director of boards and commissions.
Orange said, "These two gentlemen represent the finest traditions of legal service, and their devotion to fair application of the law is beyond reproach."
...The Supreme Court is to hear oral arguments in the case March 16.
...Late last year, the Kentucky Court of Appeals rejected Fletcher's move to effectively shut down the special grand jury that has been investigating his administration since June. The governor has appealed that decision to the state's highest court.
Thirteen current or former members of Fletcher's administration and associates have been indicted. In August, Fletcher pardoned nine people who had been indicted and anyone in his administration who could face charges from the investigation. Fletcher did not pardon himself.
Attorney General Stumbo, a democrat, who has indicted several officials in the Fletcher administration and has been hard on this case just put out the following statement:
"It is unprecedented for the governor's office to choose the judges for its own case. All parties should disclose any prior contacts with the special justices. I will continue to defend the Grand Jury's right to reveal government corruption."
Kentucky has to rid itself of this most corrupt governor.