Kentucky Governor Refuses to Testify To Grand Jury

Kentucky Governor Ernie Fletcher made a very brief appearance in front of a grand jury which is investigation his administration's hiring practices.

Last night, Fletcher announced he would not testify before the grand jury. As a result of his refusal to cooperate, he was in the grand jury room a total of three minutes.

Last night, Fletcher issued a blanket pardon to all members of his administration who may come under investigation by the grand jury.

The grand jury is currently investigating nine current and former members of Fletcher's administration with misdemeanor violations of the state's personnel law for allegedly basing hirings on political considerations rather than merit.

Fletcher made an effort to protect his administration. He has compared the alleged crimes to 'minor fishing violations' in the past.

Tuesday, he told reporters, 'I cannot allow state government to continue to be consumed by this game of political 'gotcha.''

But according to Kentucky Attorney General Greg Stumbo, the grand jury may expand to include federal crimes which the governor may not have the authority to pardon people from.

Right now, the case in the hands of the grand jury. How they interpret Fletcher's actions will go a long way to determining his political future.