Former Mississippi governor Haley Barbour’s parting pardons created quite a public reaction. Daniel Cherry with Mississippi Public Broadcasting describes it on PBS Newshour...

DANIEL CHERRY: “Governor Barbour had first pardoned five inmates, and that was drawing enough attention. And then came this additional 200-plus, and it really did just create a serious public outcry around here.”

Many who were granted clemency worked as trusties at the governor’s mansion during their prison sentences. The former governor defends his decision in this statement posted on his website...

“Historically the trusties sent to work at the Mansion have been murderers, convicted of crimes of passion, as experts say they are the least likely to commit another crime and are the most likely to serve well – all but one of the Mansion trusties this time were convicted of murder.”

In a press conference, Barbour reaffirmed his decision. Here’s CNN...

HALEY BARBOUR: “I have no question in my mind that these five guys are not a threat to society. But, you know, people like you can say, ‘what if, what if, what if?’ til the moon goes down.”

Barbour says he pardoned one murderer, Anthony McCray, because he was a -- quote -- diligent and dedicated workman. McCray was convicted of killing his wife, Jennifer Bonds McCray. Her sister, Joann Martin, spoke to CBS News...

JOANN MARTIN: “I don’t doubt that he didn’t do a good job, but that doesn’t make it right that he should be pardoned for murder.”

A writer for TIME reports Barbour claims...

“...the clemencies would save the state millions in medical bills because many of the inmates he pardoned were suffering from chronic diseases such as diabetes.”

Barbour also says he’s at peace with the pardons -- citing the faith he shares with the majority of Mississippians, saying...

“Christianity teaches us forgiveness and second chances.”

The people of Mississippi? Not as forgiving, says one New York Times reporter, who writes...

“Only a hardy few are coming to the defense of Mr. Barbour, who is to Republican politics what fellow Mississippian Brett Favre was to football, down to the questionable endgame.”