Scandal tightens around Fletcher

[norml]

Friday, October 14, 2005
Scandal tightens around Fletcher

By Mark R. Chellgren
The Associated Press


FRANKFORT - For the past few months, Republican Gov. Ernie Fletcher has been doing just about everything he can to fend off a criminal investigation into alleged political hiring-and-firing by his administration. But the investigation has steamed on, and appears to be getting closer to Fletcher himself.

Eleven current or former members of his administration have been indicted so far in the probe by Kentucky's attorney general.

And while there has been little or no evidence to publicly connect the governor to any wrongdoing, his efforts to thwart the investigation - including his refusal to testify and his issuing of a blanket pardon to anyone charged - appear to have done grave damage to him politically.

The first-term governor's approval ratings have sunk, and he has become isolated from other members of the GOP.

"You've got to wonder at what point it becomes a death spiral," said Michael Baranowski, a political science professor at Northern Kentucky University.


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http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051014/NEWS0103/510140405/1059/NEWS01

[alfredo]

1. Brings a smile to my face.