Giants' Tynes Seeks Pardon for Brother

George Lardner is an associate with the Center for the Study of the Presidency in Washington D.C and he's writing a book on presidential pardons.

Lawrence Tynes

(ABC News)

"These days I think its safe to say hundreds are denied en masse. Huge lists go over to the White House, denied, denied, deny, deny and I don't think they're very well investigated or scrutinized."

Another major obstacle to winning a clemency request is having to compete with those who have powerful political connections. There is a long list of high profile felons asking for pardons or reduced sentences, including Michael Milken, the former junk bond king who broke securities laws; disgraced CEO Bernie Ebbers, who was convicted in the accounting scandal that brought down WorldCom; and former Illinois Governor George Ryan, who is currently serving time on fraud charges.

All three men have applied for pardons.

Two politicians convicted of corruption, have applied for shorter prison terms: former California Congressman Randy "Duke" Cunningham and former Louisiana governor Edwin W. Edwards. So has John Walker Lindh, the so-called "American Taliban" who was captured during the 2001 invasion of Afghanistan.

There is also speculation the president might Pardon Lewis "Scooter" Libby, the former chief of staff for Vice President Dick Cheney found guilty of lying in the Valerie Plame case.

Some Republicans hope Bush issues so-called "preemptive" pardons to protect some former aides, like Attorney General Alberto Gonzales or C.I.A Director George Tenant.

They haven't been convicted of anything, but a pardon could protect them if they are ever charged as a result of their role in controversial policies like the domestic wiretapping program and the harsh treatment of terrorism suspects.

There is even speculation that pitching great Roger Clemens might seek a preemptive pardon, to protect him from any charges arising from baseball's steroid scandal.

George Lardner of the Center for the Study of the Presidency says the political jockeying plus the administrative backlog make it tough for most petitioners to get a fair shot at their last chance.