Traffic:   40 Incidents
Weather: 62°F Go
  07:46pm, 11/07/09
Search:      wwj.com  Web  Audio
Local News
 
 
Text Size:   A   A   A

Posted: Thursday, 14 August 2008 11:22AM

Governor Responds To Pardon Request



Traverse City (WWJ/AP)  -- Governor Jennifer Granholm's legal team says she has no authority to pardon Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick because he hasn't been convicted of a crime.

Kilpatrick and his former top aide Christine Beatty are charged with conspiracy, perjury, obstruction of justice and misconduct in office. Kilpatrick also faces two felony assault charges.

The administration released a letter Thursday to Kilpatrick's legal team, which had raised questions about possible immunity or pardons.

Granholm's legal counsel says the constitution authorizes a pardon only after a conviction in court.  The letter says Granholm does not believe the charges or circumstances merit use of a pardon.  Click here to read the letter.

Granholm has been asked by the Detroit City Council to remove Kilpatrick for misconduct. A hearing is set for Sept. 3.

She says the situation needs to be resolved because it "has been very, very difficult for the city and for the state.''

Kilpatrick and former top aide Christine Beatty were in court Thursday being arraigned on charges of conspiracy, perjury, obstruction of justice and misconduct in office. Kilpatrick also faces two other felony charges.  Click here for more on that hearing.

© MMVIII WWJ Radio, All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
 
 
ADVERTISEMENT
Print Page Email This Page
Top News
 
 
WWJ 950 Video On Demand
 
 
Recent Podcasts
Dancing For Charity at the South Oakland Shelter 11/07
WWJ's Marie Osborne spoke live with Kevin Roach the Executive Director of the South Oakland Shelter. This is a charity event where area politicians, business leaders and media personalities will be pairing with professional dancers.
Movie Boot Camp 11/7
Larry Meistrich a veteran producer, talks about a three day filmakers workshop next weekend which he will host.
Health Care Overhaul 11/7
A live WWJ interview with AFL-CIO President Mark Gaffney on today's health care rally in Royal Oak.
China Mission 11/7
Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano further elaborates on the trip to China for himself and a board of delegates.
Republican Response 11/7
Governor Haley Barbour of Missippi delivers the address this week.