21.   He said neither he nor anyone else saw the pardon application that went to the White House.

22.   He then ordered the creation of new regional commissions to consider pardon applications, which he said would give the public more say into which convicts go free.

23.   In addition to considering pardon applications, the new regional commissions will also monitor the conditions in which convicts are held, according to the presidential decree.

24.   Several foreign heads of state also weighed in on pardon applications, Nolan said.

25.   That help included connecting his friends with lawyers, filling out pardon applications and making sure paperwork was properly filed with the Justice Department, he said.

26.   That perspective is supported by the Justice Department official in charge of reviewing pardon applications.