Despite Uproar Over Clemency, Barbour Finds Lucrative Nest
But who will pardon the governor?
Since former Gov. Haley Barbour granted clemency to 215 convicts in his last few days in office, among them more than two dozen who had been convicted of murder or manslaughter, he has found few unqualified supporters here in Mississippi.
The talk radio phone lines are full of disappointment, anger and mostly bewilderment. Democrats, who are usually in some form of retreat here, are demanding action. Republicans, who are in greater control of the state than at any other time since Reconstruction, have said the system is flawed. Only a hardy few are coming to the defense of Mr. Barbour, who is to Republican politics what fellow Mississippian Brett Favre was to football, down to the questionable endgame.
New York Times
1/14/12
