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Kentuckians Believe Fletcher Should Quit
(Angus Reid Global Scan) - Many adults in the Bluegrass State believe their governor should step down, according to a poll by SurveyUSA released by WHAS-TV. 54 per cent of respondents in Kentucky think Ernie Fletcher should resign.
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. 34 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 allege that the Fletcher administration illegally placed the governor's supporters in civil service positions. State attorney general Greg Stumbo severely criticized Fletcher's actions.
Earlier this month, 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.
Yesterday, Fletcher dismissed the possibility of a plea bargain, saying, "I'm not even considering that. The attorney general had the opportunity of putting that behind the state for a long time and decided he would rather pursue this. I think it's unfortunate for the commonwealth, but at this point—as I've said—my conscience is clear."
Polling Data
Do you approve or disapprove of the job Ernie Fletcher is doing as governor?
Approve | 34% |
Disapprove | 56% |
Not sure | 10% |
Based on what you know, do you think Fletcher should remain in office? Or do you think Fletcher should resign?
Remain in office | 40% |
Resign | 54% |
Not sure | 6% |
Source: SurveyUSA / WHAS-TV
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 500 Kentucky adults, conducted on May 11, 2006. Margin of error is 4.4 per cent.