The Pardon Party Continues: Bush Gives Reason for Thanks to 16

[WSJ_law_blog]

It’s been Pardon Month for the Law Blog.

The likely AG under President Obama, Eric Holder, may face questions about his role in a pardon under President Clinton. Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin granted immunity to one turkey while others were slaughtered around her (story here, video here). Bush administration officials involved in harsh interrogations and detentions of terror suspects likely won’t receive pre-emptive pardons, WSJ reports today. And the final turkey pardon of the Bush White House will feature a bird that was raised just a few miles from the Law Blog’s hometown in Iowa.

With so much pardoning news, it’s no surprise that President Bush (pictured, right, with last year’s lucky bird) issued 14 human pardons and commuted two sentences Monday. Here are stories from AP, which includes a list of the fortunate few, and NYT. Click here for a previous LB post on how Bush has used his pardon power sparingly.

While yesterday’s pardons don’t include any high-profile criminals who’ve asked for clemency, such as former junk bond investor Michael Milken or former sprinter Marion Jones, the Times notes there was no initial indication that anyone in the group had been a major donor to the Bush presidential campaigns or had personal ties to him. The individuals in question committed crimes including drug offenses, tax evasion, wildlife violations and bank embezzlement.

The closest any of the defendants came to celebrity was John E. Forté, a hip-hop artist and backup singer to Carly Simon who was convicted of aiding and abetting in the distribution of cocaine. Mr. Forté was sentenced to 14 years in prison, but Mr. Bush commuted the remainder of his sentence.

Others who were pardoned include Leslie O. Collier of Missouri, who was convicted in 1996 for the unauthorized use of a pesticide in killing bald eagles, and Obie Gene Helton of Georgia, whose offense was illegally acquiring food stamps. The Chattanoogan says Helton was sentenced in 1983 to two years probation for the crime and fined $500.

The AP now puts the Bush pardon tally at 171, plus eight commutations. That’s less than half as many as Presidents Clinton or Reagan — both two-term presidents — issued during their time in office.