Information reveals politics played role in hiring, promotion of merit employees by prior administration

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Governor Fletcher today announced the discovery of a database maintained in the years before December 2003 that shows the names of more than 7,400 merit employees who were hired, promoted and given bonuses based on their political connections.

The database was discovered in June by the Governor's Office as part of the on-going review in the merit system.  The Governor's Office launched this inquiry in June 2005 and came up with the findings.  The information was turned over late yesterday to Greg Stumbo, Franklin Circuit Judge William Graham and State Auditor Crit Luallen.

"We call on the Attorney General's office and the State Auditor to investigate this matter fully," said Governor Fletcher.  "If Greg Stumbo is really interested in letting the public know what has really happened within Kentucky's merit system, then he must look at all the evidence including the practices by prior administrations."