Frankfort, Ky. ? A judge disqualified Kentucky’s attorney general Friday from any involvement in prosecuting Gov. Ernie Fletcher in a state hiring scandal.

Special Judge David Melcher ruled that Atty. Gen. Greg Stumbo’s office still has jurisdiction so its prosecutors can remain on the case, but without Stumbo.

Fletcher, Kentucky’s first Republican governor in three decades, was indicted in May on charges alleging his administration rewarded political supporters with protected state jobs. He has accused the Democratic attorney general of conducting a politically motivated investigation in the case.

Fletcher pleaded not guilty last month to misdemeanor charges of conspiracy, official misconduct and political discrimination. Last summer, he issued a blanket pardon for any administration member who might face charges – except himself.