FRANKFORT, Ky. — Gov. Ernie Fletcher yesterday granted blanket pardons to current and former members of his administration who have been charged in an investigation into alleged improper hiring.

The move came on the eve of Fletcher's appearance before a grand jury investigating his administration's hiring practices.

"I cannot allow state government to continue to be consumed by this game of political 'gotcha,' paralyzing our ability to serve you, the people of Kentucky," Fletcher said.

The Republican said he would appear before the grand jury but would not testify.

The grand jury has charged nine current and former members of Fletcher's administration with misdemeanor violations of the state's personnel law for allegedly basing hirings on political considerations rather than merit.

Some of those charged are senior members of the administration, including Deputy Chief of Staff Richard Murgatroyd and acting Transportation Secretary Bill Nighbert. Fletcher said the senior managers provided "inadequate oversight" of younger people.

Also among the nine is a former Fletcher administration member who has been indicted on 22 felony counts of evidence or witness tampering.

Fletcher said anyone who violated the law could face penalties from two administrative agencies that are investigating.

The governor's decree pardons the nine people already charged as well as anyone else who might be accused of violating any section of the penal code, not just the personnel laws. The pardon extends to crimes that may have been committed up to yesterday.

Fletcher said he would not pardon himself, if he were charged.

Democratic Attorney General Greg Stumbo said the grand jury has compiled evidence of potential federal crimes and his office has been in contact with the FBI.