High-ranking Fletcher administration aide resigns

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http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/news/politics/11881248.htm



KEITH HALL HEADED STATE HOMELAND SECURITY

By Ryan Alessi

HERALD-LEADER FRANKFORT BUREAU

Keith Hall, a top aide in Gov. Ernie Fletcher's administration, abruptly resigned late Friday, becoming the first high-ranking official to leave state government since the attorney general began investigating allegations of improper hiring.

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He submitted his resignation letter to Lt. Gov. Steve Pence, who also oversees the Justice Cabinet, which works closely with the homeland security division. Before joining state government, Hall was an associate at Pence's law firm Pedley, Zielke, Gordinier, and Pence.

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As boards and commissions director, Hall led a small office that conducted background research and made recommendations to Fletcher regarding candidates for appointed jobs, ranging from university trustees to elections and ethics board members.

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In November, at the age of 31, Hall became the nation's youngest state homeland security director, and was charged with overseeing the distribution of federal funds, according to the office's Web site.



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1. Details few on official's quick exit

http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/news/11888625.htm

Lt. Gov. informed Stumbo same day
By Ryan Alessi
HERALD-LEADER FRANKFORT BUREAU

FRANKFORT--- Gov. Ernie Fletcher's administration alerted the attorney general to the resignation of one of its top aides last Friday, but has since offered few answers about the curious timing and nature of Keith Hall's departure.

Lt. Gov. Steve Pence sent a letter to Attorney General Greg Stumbo late Friday, informing him of Hall's resignation and saying that the "Kentucky State Police and the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet's Office of Investigations have taken immediate steps to secure state property at Mr. Hall's office."

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Pence yesterday declined to talk about the unusual step of sending in the state police to "secure" the office of an outgoing employee.

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So far, eight administration officials and one former employee have gone before the special grand jury. No other high-ranking Fletcher aide or administration official has resigned or been fired since the probe began.

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