A constitutional amendment that would block the governor from granting pardons 30 days prior to an election or inauguration is gaining steam -- now having passed one chamber. The bill's sponsor, Sen. Chris McDaniel, says the aim is to prevent actions like the slew of controversial pardons issued by former Gov. Matt Bevin during his final weeks in office.
"The practical implications would be that either a governor or their party would have to stand before voters and answer for any pardons they issued," McDaniel said.
That bill is awaiting a committee assignment in the House. If passed, it would go on the ballot for voters to decide this November.
Another bill — this one filed by House GOP Floor Leader Steven Rudy — would strip the governor of the authority to appoint a replacement in the event of a vacancy in the U.S. Senate. Instead, a special election would be called and the winner would serve the remainder of the term. The governor is already limited in his choices should a U.S. Senate seat open up. He must choose between three nominees selected by the party of the outgoing senator.
The bill comes as speculation ramps up about the political future of Sen. Mitch McConnell, who has vowed to finish his current term ending in 2027 but has stopped short of hinting at another reelection bid amid questions about his health and an uneasy relationship with former president Trump.
