A convicted killer’s family raised over $25,000 for defeated GOP Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin’s re-election campaign. Yesterday, Bevin pardoned him. Democrats are asking the state attorney general to investigate. Read story here.
Photo: Lame duck GOP Gov. Matt Bevin has issued more than 400 pardons to criminals since losing the November 2019 election.
This is a normal part of most states political process. Most state constitutions give the Governors the power to issue pardons. Many are issued when they become lame ducks whether they decide not to run for another term, cannot run for another term, or get voted out. Suddenly issuing pardons runs much less political risk, though some braver souls use the power throughout their term as Governor.
Pardons are a normal part of most states’ political process, but selling pardons is a crime. At least one governor (Ray Blanton of Tennessee) went to prison for that. My guess is the AG’s investigators will look into whether Bevin received money or other compensation in exchange for any of these pardons. If he did, he’s in big trouble. If he didn’t, then it likely was within his official prerogative, however much others might disagree with what he did.