As anticipation builds over a Bush pardon for Scooter Libby, it is worthwhile to go through the administration's policy on pardons just to make sure that there is a consistent application of policy.
In December of 2002, Bush issued the first Presidential pardons and the Administration explained its pardon policy. According to White House spokesman Ken Lesaius, "What each case has in common is that each pardon request was from someone who committed a relatively minor offense many years ago. Each has stayed out of any real trouble with the law since then and has gone on to live an exemplary life and become a positive force in their respective communities."
Shortly after taking office in 2001, Bush said, "Should I decide to grant pardons, I will do so in a fair way. I will have the highest of high standards."
During his first term, Bush granted only 31 pardons which shows that he truly has the highest of high standards for granting pardons.
So, here's a checklist for Libby when he applies for a pardon:
First, you must have served your entire sentence and paid your entire fine.
Second, no application will be accepted until at least 10 years have passed.
Third, you must (during those ten years) lead an exemplary life staying out of trouble.
So, in fairness to the thousands of pardon applications that Bush has denied, he will surely defer judgment on this application until Libby has served his entire sentence (that would be about December of 2009) when, OPPS...Bush will be out of office by then.
Tough break, Scooter. I'm afraid that your only chance is if Bush has no consistent policy on pardons and will violate his own rules if it will help loyal friends.