Outgoing Gov. Haley Barbour's pardons shock Mississippi

By Richard Fausset, Los Angeles Times
Terrance Winters of Yazoo City, Miss., voted for Haley Barbour in the past, and while he gives the ex-governor a mixed grade these days, particularly on economic matters, he's always given Barbour points for political shrewdness.

Which is why Winters, a 31-year-old cook at a barbecue restaurant, is flummoxed by the mess that Barbour left behind after stepping down from office this week. "I actually don't know what he was thinking," Winters said. That is a question most of Mississippi, and the political world far beyond it, is asking.

In his final days of a two-term run as governor, the law-and-order Republican granted pardons or early release to more than 200 Mississippi lawbreakers.

The actions have brought criticism from victims' families, everyday Mississippians like Winters, and Democratic officials including Jim Hood, the state attorney general, who persuaded a judge to put some of the pardons on hold.

"It's unfortunate Gov. Barbour didn't read the constitution," Hood said in a televised interview Wednesday. "It's a shame, and he ought to be ashamed," Hood added.

Four of those pardoned were convicted killers who had worked as prison-system trusty laborers at the antebellum governor's mansion in Jackson.

The matter threatens to tarnish the exceptional reputation that Barbour enjoyed in his conservative home state, even as high-profile gaffes on the national stage last year made him reconsider a run for president.

A November survey by the firm Public Policy Polling found that Barbour enjoyed a 60% approval rating in Mississippi, the highest number among 42 sitting governors about whom the company inquired, according to Director Tom Jensen. By law he could only serve two consecutive terms.

In a statement Wednesday, Barbour said people misunderstood his motives.

"The pardons were intended to allow them to find gainful employment or acquire professional licenses as well as hunt and vote," he said. "My decision about clemency was based upon the recommendation of the parole board in more than 90% of the cases."

Barbour said the people were "not threats to society, but if any of them commits an offense — even a misdemeanor — they'll be returned to custody to serve out their term."

Of the 215 people Barbour pardoned, 26 were still incarcerated. The other 189 had already completed their sentences.