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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2009
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Requests for Pardons Flood White House

Petitioners include the American Taliban, but not Scooter Libby

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(Newser) – President Bush is nearing the end of his term, and felons are coming out of the woodwork in historic numbers to ask for pardons and reduced sentences, the New York Times reports. It is not unusual for there to be a spike in pardons granted by a president in his final months in office: Half of Bill Clinton’s 459 pardons happened in his last three months.

By comparison, Bush has been a teetotaler, granting clemency just 44 times in the past 7 years. That could change, as experts agree that the expected 2,100 petitions for clemency this year (including Marion Jones and John Walker Lindh) will be the largest group ever. Add to that the possible pre-emptive pardoning of officials involved in counter-terrorism programs, and it could be an interesting season.

Michael Milken has asked the president to pardon him for a 1990 felony conviction.
Michael Milken has asked the president to pardon him for a 1990 felony conviction.   (Getty Images)
President Bush pets May, the National Thanksgiving Turkey, as he pardons the bird.
President Bush pets May, the National Thanksgiving Turkey, as he pardons the bird.   (AP Photo)
President Bush, behind closed doors.
President Bush, behind closed doors.   (AP Photo)
Three-time Olympic gold medalist Marion Jones cries after pleading guilty to lying to federal investigators. She is among those seeking a pardon.
Three-time Olympic gold medalist Marion Jones cries after pleading guilty to lying to federal investigators. She is among those seeking a pardon.   (AP Photo)
John Walker Lindh, shown in 2001, has asked President Bush to commute his 20-year prison term, citing the case of an Australian man who was sentenced to less than a year for aiding terrorism.
John Walker Lindh, shown in 2001, has asked President Bush to commute his 20-year prison term, citing the case of an Australian man who was sentenced to less than a year for aiding terrorism.   (AP Photo)
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