The Kentucky Post
NEWS
OPINION
BUSINESS
LIVING
SPORTS
ENTERTAINMENT
CLASSIFIED
POST
THE POST
Kentucky Post
Back Issues
Cincinnati.com
AP News
News Summary
News
Business
Living
Opinion
Sports
Search
Contact Us
DAILY FIX
Weather
Traffic
Talk, Cincinnati
Giveaways
Horoscopes
Lottery Numbers
Comics
Crosswords
Stahler
SPORTS
Bengals
Reds
Golf Guide
Hockey
ENTERTAINMENT
Movies
Dining
Menus
Local Events
Video Games
CLASSIFIEDS
Jobs
Cars
Homes
General
LOCAL INFO
Maps / Directions
Send an E-Postcard
Visitor's Guide
Local Links
School Links
HELP
Feedback
Subscribe
Search
Survey
Full cooperation
Nothing, for some Kentuckians, could restore their confidence in
Gov. Paul Patton.
Many of them didn't like the governor to begin with, whether because
of political differences, personal animosity or other reasons.
And some saw his admission of an extramarital affair as proof enough
to turn them forever against Paul Patton.
But there are many others who are more concerned about the
accusations by the governor's mistress that Patton misused his power
than they are about his personal failings. For misuse of power leads
quickly to serious criminality.
They are waiting to see the outcome of now three investigations
one by the Executive Branch Ethics Commission, one by Attorney
General Ben Chandler and one by the FBI and what the civil lawsuit
filed by Patton's paramour discloses.
While admitting to an affair with western Kentucky businesswoman
Tina Conner, the governor has steadfastly denied her accusations
that he harassed her and used his power at first to benefit her
business and later, after she broke off the relationship, to harm
it.
This week there have been disclosures that Conner certainly got
attention in Frankfort, most notably at the Transportation Cabinet
where a construction company she co-owned qualified for special
consideration as a female-owned business. Yet her company never got
any road projects.
That special attention, of course, doesn't look good.
But was it because of her relationship with Patton? Was any of the
consideration she got in Frankfort at the direction of the governor?
Those are core questions.
It will take sorting out the facts, which will be revealed by Conner
and her lawsuit and uncovered by investigators, to learn the answers
to know what is true, what is not and whether power was misused.
For those Kentuckians who are yet to form a judgment, what is
pivotal is how Patton conducts himself, how he responds to
investigators and how forthright he is. Their confidence in the
governor hangs on that.
On Friday, Patton said he could not foresee running against U.S.
Sen. Jim Bunning in 2004, which removes a political dimension from
the scandal. He also pledged his cooperation with the ethics
commission, which announced it would investigate.
Patton's full cooperation must be given to all investigators.
Moreover that cooperation must extend throughout his administration
and among his political associates. Anything short of that erodes
any confidence Kentuckians still have in the governor.
Let the facts come out and let the chips fall.
Publication Date: 09-28-2002
Email this story to a friend
Post Features
Store at the Post
Subscribe Online
HGTV
Personal Finance
Lottery Numbers
Contact Us
Editor of
The Cincinnati Post
Editor of
The Kentucky Post
Webmaster
Sports Editor
Living Editor
Business Editor
Kentucky Post
City Editor
LATEST NATIONAL,
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Weapons Inspectors Open Iraq Talks
Division in Congress Over Iraq
Japan's PM Reshuffles Cabinet
Sharon Criticized for Arafat Siege
Shippers: W. Coast Ports Stay Shut
Senegal Promises Answers in Sinking
Census: Number of Uninsured Up
Seahawks Trounce Vikings 48-23
NEWS
OPINION
BUSINESS
LIVING
SPORTS
ENTERTAINMENT
CLASSIFIED
POST
Search our site by keyword:
Search also: News | Jobs | Homes | Cars | Classifieds | Obits |
Coupons | Events | Dining
Movies/DVDs | Video Games | Hotels | Golf | Visitor's Guide |
Maps/Directions | Yellow Pages
Need help? | Suggestions | News tips | Letters to editors
Web advertising | Place a classified | Subscribe | Circulation
Copyright 2001 The Cincinnati Post, an E.W. Scripps newspaper.
Use of this site signifies agreement to terms of service updated 2/28/98.
