Key Adviser to Ky. Gov. Latest to Leave

[Judi Lynn]

Key Adviser to Ky. Gov. Latest to Leave
Key Adviser to Ky. Gov. Ernie Fletcher Latest to Leave Troubled Administration
By MARK R. CHELLGREN Associated Press Writer
The Associated Press

FRANKFORT, Ky. Sep 29, 2005 — Gov. Ernie Fletcher's office announced Thursday that one of his closest advisers and defenders is resigning, a move that further roils an administration under fire over alleged political hirings.

In his resignation letter, Commerce Secretary Jim Host cited his and his wife's health among the "several issues" that led him to step down. His resignation is effective Oct. 14.

Host, like the governor, declined to testify before a special grand jury that since June has been investigating allegations that the administration hired some state workers because of political considerations rather than merit.

Host, a political veteran who made a fortune broadcasting University of Kentucky sports, has been one of Fletcher's most experienced and visible Cabinet secretaries.
(snip/...)

http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=1170393

[NewInNewJ.]

1. The Republican Party in Ky is falling apart,

and it is spreading all across the Nation!

[JNelson6563]

2. Let me guess.....

to spend more time with the family? ;-)

[Inland]

3. Did he get a pardon as a going away gift? nt

[Roy]

4. Weren't there pre-emptive pardons issued by the gov?

for all those who refuse to speak or co-operate or something like that?

[Inland]

5. As I remember

he granted a blanket pardon to everyone in his adminstration for any violation of anti-patronage laws.

[MasonJar]

6. Actually Jim Host had nothing to do with the Transportation

Dept where the inquiries are centered. Jim Host has been a substantial leader in Ky. for years. He played basketball for UK and then founded Host Communications. He may have just had enough; he just finished a major project for Fletcher, which was spearheading a study for a basketball arena in Louisville. He is probably ready to get out of dodge now that the work on that committee is complete.