Governor indicted on conspiracy charges

The first Republican elected Kentucky governor since 1967 promised to 'clean up the mess in Frankfort.'
FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) -- A grand jury indicted Gov. Ernie Fletcher on misdemeanor charges Thursday, accusing him of illegally rewarding political supporters with state jobs since taking office two years ago.
Fletcher was charged with conspiracy, official misconduct and violating a prohibition against political discrimination. A conviction on any of the counts could lead to jail time and Fletcher's removal from office, said Vicki Glass, spokeswoman for the attorney general's office.
Fletcher spokesman Brett Hall said the Republican governor was not surprised, given Democratic Attorney General Greg Stumbo's ongoing investigation into the administration's hiring practices.
For nearly a year, the special grand jury has been investigating whether the Fletcher administration broke state law by basing personnel decisions on political considerations.
Previously indicted
Thirteen other current and former administration officials and associates were previously indicted on misdemeanor counts, and the grand jury handed up an additional 14 sealed indictments Thursday. Last summer, Fletcher pardoned everyone in his administration other than himself who could be charged in the case, although a legal debate continues over whether a blanket pardon issued before charges are filed is valid.
Fletcher, the first Republican elected Kentucky governor since 1967, centered his 2003 campaign on a promise to "clean up the mess in Frankfort." His Democratic predecessor, Paul Patton, had been tarnished by a highly publicized extramarital affair.
Fletcher's indictment alleges that he conspired with other administration officials on a hiring scheme dubbed the "Governor's Personnel Initiative."
Copyright 2006 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.