Republicans need a comprehensive legal approach to the limits of the power to pardon. It must have SOME limit — otherwise, a president could pardon everyone who is later charged with past failure to pay taxes, assaulting a federal officer, etc.
This is my plan:
1. An incumbent President running for re-election should only be able to grant pardons up to election day. Make him issue those underhanded pardons before the vote. If he loses, then no more pardons.
2. The transition period should be two weeks. People no longer have to travel by horseback to get to their new jobs and setup living arrangements.
3. Congress should be in recess during the transition period except for emergencies.
4. Any EO's and important decisions should be in consultation and agreement with the incoming President.