Governor still hasn’t issued a pardon

Republican Gov. Scott Walker hasn’t granted a pardon since he took office two years ago and has yet to appoint anyone to the state’s Pardon Advisory Board.

Walker spokesman Cullen Werwie said he didn’t have any estimates on how many people have asked for a pardon since he took office. He declined to comment on why Walker hasn’t issued any pardons beyond saying the governor made a decision.

That stands in stark contrast to his predecessor. Democrat Jim Doyle pardoned 287 people during his eight years in office.

The Wisconsin Constitution grants the governor the power to pardon anyone convicted of a felony in the state. A pardon restores lost rights ranging from the ability to possess a firearm to holding public office. It doesn’t overturn a conviction, however.