In a stunning goodbye, exiting Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour pardoned 210 state inmates, just moments before he left office this morning.  Nearly all the orders were “full, complete and unconditional” pardons. A few were suspended sentences, mostly for medical reasons.

Mississippi’s Secretary of State released the long list this afternoon.

The timing was perfect for the Barbour administration to avoid discussing the issue. Calls to Barbour’s people were answered by the staff of newly sworn-in Gov. Phil Bryant. Bryant’s office respectfully declined comment.

11 January