For the past few months, Republican Gov. Ernie Fletcher has been doing just about everything he can to fend off a criminal investigation into alleged political hiring-and-firing by his administration. But the investigation has steamed on, and appears to be getting closer to Fletcher himself.

Eleven current or former members of his administration have been indicted so far in the probe by Kentucky's attorney general. And while there has been little or no evidence to publicly connect the governor to any wrongdoing, his efforts to thwart the investigation -- including his refusal to testify and his issuing of a blanket pardon to anyone charged -- appear to have done grave damage to him politically...

Prosecutors have accused Fletcher's administration of handing out jobs on the basis of political affiliation, in violation of a 1960 Kentucky civil service law.

According to court records: A transportation department inspector was fired for supporting Fletcher's Democratic opponent in the last election. A former Democratic lawmaker was supposedly given a highway job for supporting Fletcher. And the nephew of a GOP official was hired instead of someone more qualified...

In late August, Fletcher announced a pardon of the first nine people indicted -- and anyone else who might be charged, not including himself.