EKB News

Former Lt. Gov. Steve Beshear was quoted as saying today that after two consecutive governors have pardoned their friends caught up in legal troubles, Kentucky needs to amend its constitution to limit future governors' amnesty powers to prevent pardons before someone has been convicted of a crime. Beshear who is seeking the Democratic nomination, said pre-emptive pardons such as the blanket amnesty Gov. Ernie Fletcher bestowed on members of his administration have dissolved the public's trust of government. Beshear urged state lawmakers to put a constitutional amendment before voters that would limit that pardoning power. Beshear also stated that when our leaders break the law and abuse the public trust, they should be held accountable just like regular citizens. Beshear is one of six Democrats seeking the nomination for governor in the May 22 primary.