Granholm won't help Kilpatrick avoid jail

DETROIT, Sept. 6 (UPI) -- Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm says she will do nothing to help Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick avoid four months in jail for his crimes.

The day after Kilpatrick pleaded guilty in Wayne County Circuit Court to two felony obstruction of justice charges, Granholm said she was required to hold a special hearing to call for the mayor's dismissal, the Detroit Free Press reported Saturday.

"The mayor's team had 27 witnesses that they intended to call," Granholm said Friday. "Obviously, you want to get through the entire hearing before you make a final decision. Obviously, it's a moot point now."

The hearing now has been suspended until Sept. 22.

"I just had to follow what the law says," Granholm said of Wednesday's hearing. "The city council did their homework. I think that it's really important that the city of Detroit understand I was asked to come in by your city leaders."

The Press said Kilpatrick is expected to resign Sept. 18.