- Many residents of the Bluegrass State disagree with their attorney general’s decision to dismiss charges against governor Ernie Fletcher, according to a poll by SurveyUSA released by WHAS-TV. 55 per cent of respondents in Kentucky think Greg Stumbo’s conclusion was wrong.
- Many residents of the Bluegrass State disagree with their attorney general’s decision to dismiss charges against governor Ernie Fletcher, according to a poll by SurveyUSA released by WHAS-TV. 55 per cent of respondents in Kentucky think Greg Stumbo’s conclusion was wrong.
Fletcher—a Republican—was elected in November 2003, defeating Democrat challenger Ben Chandler with 55 per cent of the vote. Fletcher took over in December 2003 from Paul E. Patton, who was ineligible for a third term. Fletcher became the first Republican governor in the Bluegrass State since 1971. Only 29 per cent of respondents approve of his performance.
In August 2005, Fletcher issued pardons to nine current or former members of his administration who were indicted in an investigation into purported illegal hiring practices. A special grand jury had indicted the nine persons on 48 misdemeanour and 22 felony charges. State prosecutors alleged that the Fletcher administration illegally placed the governor’s supporters in civil service positions. Stumbo severely criticized Fletcher’s actions.
In May, Fletcher was indicted on three misdemeanour counts over allegations that he violated state legislation that requires hiring rank-and-file state workers solely on the basis of their qualifications.
On Aug. 24, the patronage charges were dismissed after Fletcher acknowledged responsibility and agreed to a deal which calls for the resignations of four of the governor’s appointees to the state Personnel Board. Stumbo has been mentioned as a possible 2007 gubernatorial candidate for the Democratic Party.
Polling Data
The misdemeanour charges against Ernie Fletcher were dismissed today. In exchange for the dismissal of charges, Fletcher has admitted responsibility for improper hirings and that the attorney general was just doing his job in investigating. Do you think the attorney general was right or wrong to accept this deal?
Right | 36% |
Wrong | 55% |
Not sure | 9% |
Do you approve or disapprove of the job Ernie Fletcher is doing as governor?
Approve | 29% |
Disapprove | 64% |
Not sure | 7% |
Source: SurveyUSA / WHAS-TV
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 500 Kentucky adults, conducted on Aug. 24, 2006. Margin of error is 4.3 per cent.
