Kentucky.com: Stumbo confirms talks to drop charges against Fletcher

[Eugene]

(Lexington Herald-Leader)

Posted on Thu, Aug. 24, 2006

Stumbo confirms talks to drop charges against Fletcher
Attorney general says governor unlikely to stand trial
By Jack Brammer
FRANKFORT BUREAU

Attorney General Greg Stumbo confirmed this morning that his office has been
negotiating with Ernie Fletcher to drop the misdemeanor charges against the
Republican governor.

Stumbo said Fletcher's attorneys signed a waiver for Stumbo to participate
in the negotiations for the last two days, Tuesday and Wednesday. The waiver
expired at midnight. A judge earlier had ordered Stumbo to not participate
in the case because he was a potential opponent for Fletcher in next year's
governor's race.

Stumbo, a Democrat, declined to offer any details of a possible settlement
but said they could come as early as today.

He said it was "highly, highly unlikely that the governor would ever stand
trial" and that negotiations seemed appropriate. A special grand jury Stumbo
sought indicted Fletcher on May 11 on three charges that he violated state
hiring laws.

-snip-

Full article: http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/15349938.htm

Related AP article:

Associated Press
Indicted Ky. Governor in Negotiations

08.24.2006, 10:07 AM

Kentucky's indicted governor and the state attorney general are negotiating
a potential settlement to charges filed in a state hiring scandal, Attorney
General Greg Stumbo said Thursday.

-snip-

Full article: http://www.forbes.com/home/feeds/ap/2006/08/24/ap2970972.html

[Ian David]

1. Is he just dropping the charges so he can run for governor? n/t

[alfredo]

2. they cut some type of deal. Stumbo is on TV right now.

I will get back when I know more.

Stumbo said even if Ernie was tried and convicted, he would have pardoned himself.

Ernie has admitted to his unethical acts and is taking responsibilities, but will not admit to breaking the law. Those hired unlawfully have tendered resignation (I think). Any person who feel they did not get hired because they were Democrats can plead their case. The hiring board will be replaced with a list of people Stumbo will present. I'm not sure those fired for WWD Working While Democrat will be rehired. I hope so.

[Roland99]

3. Charges against Gov. Fletcher are dismissed (after settlement agreed to)

http://www.forbes.com/home/feeds/ap/2006/08/24/ap2971445.html


Four of his assistants will resign as part of the settlement.

Charges were dismissed with prejudice.



Prick got lucky as hell!

[alfredo]

4. Joel Pett's take on Ernie's deal