Judge Says Governor Can’t Be Tried in Office

CAN YOU BELIEVE THE NERVE?!

(AP)
August 12, 2006

A judge ruled Friday that Gov. Ernie Fletcher, who is embroiled in a hiring scandal, is protected by executive immunity and cannot be prosecuted while in office.

Mr. Fletcher, Kentucky’s first Republican governor in three decades, was indicted in May on charges that his administration rewarded political supporters with protected state jobs. He has accused the state’s attorney general, Greg D. Stumbo, a Democrat, of conducting a politically motivated investigation.

The judge, David E. Melcher, essentially stayed the case until Mr. Fletcher’s term expires, or unless he is removed through impeachment by the Legislature. He did not dismiss the case, though, as Mr. Fletcher’s lawyers had requested.

Vicki Glass, spokeswoman for the attorney general’s office, said prosecutors were pleased that the motion to dismiss was denied.

Mr. Fletcher said in a written statement Friday that he was pleased with the ruling.

He has said he will seek re-election in 2007, and the ruling was considered pivotal to his campaign.

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And is planning on seeking re-election in 2007. He wouldn't if he didn't think he had a fair shot at it. Welcome to my state. You can't swing a cat without knocking down a 'voter of the idiot type'.

Anonymous