Pubdate: Thu, 04 Dec 2003 Source: Messenger-Inquirer (KY) Copyright: 2003 Messenger-Inquirer Contact: http://www.messenger-inquirer.com Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1285 Author: Associated Press PENCE TO BE HEAD OF JUSTICE CABINET FRANKFORT -- 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 on Wednesday capitalized on Pence's experience as a federal prosecutor by naming the future lieutenant governor 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 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 removed from the ballot 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, which was 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 was the 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 in the state, particularly with methamphetamines and OxyContin. "That is a daunting task, and it's going to take more than just the 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 combatting drug abuse, Pence said, is a "multifaceted approach" that includes education, demand reduction and rehabilitation, Pence said. Before becoming an attorney, Pence worked as 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. The number was likely to be in the "single digits," Fletcher said. Still, having a lieutenant governor simultaneously serve as a cabinet secretary is not unprecedented. Outgoing Gov. Paul Patton served as secretary for the Economic Development Cabinet during then-Gov. Brereton Jones' administration. Also, outgoing Lt. Gov. Steve Henry served as secretary of the Cabinet for Human Resources while he was lieutenant governor. 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." While serving in two capacities, Pence said he would be receiving only his salary as lieutenant governor. Meanwhile, Pence named Joseph Whittle, a former U.S. attorney for the Western District of Kentucky, as his general counsel. Whittle was also a member of Fletcher's transition team and was assigned to review the Justice Cabinet. Whittle graduated from the University of Louisville law school and was U.S. attorney from 1986 to 1993, according to a Fletcher news release. - --- MAP posted-by: Josh