Wow. Even Clinton didn't go this far and he's been my model for the most corrupt use of the pardon, ever.
Ernie Fletcher (R) Governor of Kentucky, has pardoned everyone except himself in a wide spanning corruption scandal in Frankfort, KY. The state apparently has merit laws which require some level of measured competence for state jobs, which the governor and his staff ignored. Here is a good background/analysis piece.
What's interesting is how this backfires, unless it's the Governor’s intent to get impeached. By removing the threat of prosecution, the defendants can no longer claim the 5th Amendment if they were to be recalled by the AG (since the 5th only applies if the defendant might go to jail if he/she testifies). If the witnesses refuse to testify or lie, the AG can hit them with contempt or perjury charges. It seems likely they will talk in such a circumstance, which cannot be good for the Governor.
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