Pubdate: Thu, 04 Dec 2003
Source: Courier-Journal, The (KY)
531.html
Copyright: 2003 The Courier-Journal
Contact:  http://www.courier-journal.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/97
Author: Joe Biesk, Associated Press

PENCE PLEDGES TO WAGE WAR ON ILLEGAL DRUGS

Lt. Governor-Elect Tapped To Oversee Justice Cabinet

FRANKFORT, Ky. - As Kentucky's next lieutenant governor and Justice Cabinet 
secretary, Steve Pence said he plans to focus on fighting the state's drug 
problems.

Gov.-elect Ernie Fletcher capitalized on Pence's experience as a federal 
prosecutor by naming the future lieutenant governor yesterday to serve in a 
dual role in his administration. During their campaign, Pence had promised 
to be a "working lieutenant governor" and take an active role in the 
administration.

"This is the first delivery on that promise," Pence said at a morning news 
conference. "It's not the fulfillment of the promise entirely because now 
we must deliver in the area of justice."

Pence, 49, became a candidate for lieutenant governor during the spring 
primary campaign after Hunter Bates was disqualified for not meeting the 
state's residency requirements. Previously, Pence was the U.S. attorney for 
the Western District of Kentucky.

"He has an impeccable, exemplary record of integrity, character and 
effectiveness, and those are the characteristics that I have looked for in 
individuals for leadership positions in my administration," Fletcher said.

In the early 1990s, Pence was a lead prosecutor of Operation BOPTROT, the 
FBI's code name for an investigation of bribery and influence peddling in 
and around the General Assembly. Pence prosecuted former House Speaker Don 
Blandford and Bruce Wilkinson, who served as appointments secretary for his 
uncle, then-Gov. Wallace Wilkinson.

Now, Pence said he wants to focus the Justice Cabinet's efforts on fighting 
drug abuse, particularly with methamphetamines and OxyContin.

"That is a daunting task, and it's going to take more than just the (U.S.) 
Department of Justice," Pence told reporters. "It's going to take many 
cabinets, many individuals working together, but it can be done."

His plan for combating drug abuse, Pence said, is a "multifaceted approach" 
that includes education, demand reduction and rehabilitation.

Before becoming a lawyer, Pence was an elementary school math teacher. He 
has a law degree from the University of Kentucky. He was appointed U.S. 
attorney in September 2001.

Pence said he plans to end his affiliation with the Louisville law firm of 
Pedley, Zielke, Gordinier and Pence on Monday.

Fletcher said he anticipated his administration would have fewer cabinets 
than his predecessor's - probably in the "single digits."

Having a lieutenant governor serve as a cabinet secretary is not 
unprecedented. Outgoing Gov. Paul Patton served as secretary for the 
Economic Development Cabinet when he was lieutenant governor during 
then-Gov. Brereton Jones' administration. Also, outgoing Lt. Gov. Steve 
Henry served as secretary of the Cabinet for Human Resources.

Exactly how long Pence will fill both roles was uncertain. Pence said he 
would stay "as long as Governor Fletcher feels I can do this job effectively."

Pence said he will receive only his lieutenant governor's salary while he 
serves the dual positions.

Pence also announced yesterday that former U.S. Attorney Joseph M. Whittle 
would be general counsel and Justice Cabinet liaison for the lieutenant 
governor's office.

Whittle was U.S. attorney for the Western District of Kentucky from 1986 to 
1993.
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman