Hampton – Barbour’s pardons shouldn’t alter power

Barbour’s pardons shouldn’t alter power

Former Gov. Haley Barbour may be one of the best politicians around, but he sure blew the politics when it came to his last-minute pardons.

I specifically say he blew the “politics” because the pardons were clearly within the powers of a governor.

The power to clemency, including the ability to give complete and full pardons, is an important executive authority and one that has been long exercised by Mississippi governors.

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Clarion Ledger
1/16/12