Kentucky's Republican Governor Ernie Fletcher has been coming into some heat recently. Last week, hiring improprieties within his administration became apparent with the indictment of nine former and current officials within his administration. Today, as the AP's Mark R. Chellgren reports, Fletcher has granted all nine amnesty in the case.

Gov. Ernie Fletcher Monday granted amnesty to everyone who might be charged in connection with the investigation of violations of personnel laws in his administration, but said he would not pardon himself.

Fletcher said anyone responsible for violating the law would face the penalties that could be imposed by two administrative agencies that are also investigating.

Fletcher repeated his accusation that Democratic Attorney General Greg Stumbo has been carrying out a political vendetta. He also compared most of the charges that have been brought to minor violations of fishing laws.

Fletcher will appear Tuesday before the special grand jury that has charged nine current and former members of his administration with misdemeanor crimes. But he said he would not answer questions.

If this does not scream "conflict of interest," I'm not certain what would. I don't even think Richard Nixon did something like this during Watergate (nor did Reagan during Iran Contra [Bush 41 did that later] or Clinton during his myriad scandals).