Palin to Give Deposition Friday
WSJ Blog - Susan Davis
October 21, 2008, 6:23 pm
Republican vice-presidential hopeful Sarah Palin will take a three-hour break from the campaign trail Friday to give a deposition on her role in the firing of an Alaska public safety official, the Associated Press reported today.
The Alaska Personnel Board is conducting the investigation, led by an independent counsel.
It will be the first deposition of the Alaska governor, but the second inquiry into the matter. The first investigation by the Alaska state legislature found that Palin abused her power in her efforts to get her former brother-in-law, a state trooper, fired.
Palin was not subpoenaed in the first probe, although her husband, Todd, gave an affidavit. Todd Palin is also expected to give a deposition Friday.
The Palins’ attorney told the AP that the couple will offer depositions Friday afternoon, outside of Alaska, but at an undisclosed site. Palin’s Friday schedule has not been released by the campaign.
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Palin to Give Deposition Friday
Showing posts with label troopergate. Show all posts
Showing posts with label troopergate. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Friday, October 10, 2008
Legislative panel: Palin abused authority
Legislative panel: Palin abused authority
AP - October 11, 2008
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — A legislative committee investigating Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin has found she unlawfully abused her authority in firing the state's public safety commissioner.
The investigative report concludes that a family grudge wasn't the sole reason for firing Public Safety Commissioner Walter Monegan but says it likely was a contributing factor.
The Republican vice presidential nominee has been accused of firing a commissioner to settle a family dispute. Palin supporters have called the investigation politically motivated.
Monegan says he was dismissed as retribution for resisting pressure to fire a state trooper involved in a bitter divorce with the governor's sister. Palin says Monegan was fired as part of a legitimate budget dispute.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — Alaska lawmakers have emerged from a private session in Anchorage where they spent more than six hours discussing a politically charged ethics report into Gov. Sarah Palin's firing of her state public safety commissioner.
The legislative panel began its public session by discussing whether to release the report's findings. The investigation was examining whether Palin, the Republican vice presidential nominee, fired a state commissioner to settle a family dispute. The report was also expected to touch on whether Palin's husband meddled in state affairs and whether her administration inappropriately accessed employee medical records.
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Legislative panel: Palin abused authority
AP - October 11, 2008
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — A legislative committee investigating Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin has found she unlawfully abused her authority in firing the state's public safety commissioner.
The investigative report concludes that a family grudge wasn't the sole reason for firing Public Safety Commissioner Walter Monegan but says it likely was a contributing factor.
The Republican vice presidential nominee has been accused of firing a commissioner to settle a family dispute. Palin supporters have called the investigation politically motivated.
Monegan says he was dismissed as retribution for resisting pressure to fire a state trooper involved in a bitter divorce with the governor's sister. Palin says Monegan was fired as part of a legitimate budget dispute.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — Alaska lawmakers have emerged from a private session in Anchorage where they spent more than six hours discussing a politically charged ethics report into Gov. Sarah Palin's firing of her state public safety commissioner.
The legislative panel began its public session by discussing whether to release the report's findings. The investigation was examining whether Palin, the Republican vice presidential nominee, fired a state commissioner to settle a family dispute. The report was also expected to touch on whether Palin's husband meddled in state affairs and whether her administration inappropriately accessed employee medical records.
Read the rest of the story:
Legislative panel: Palin abused authority
Palin Violated Ethics Laws in Trooper Case, Report Concludes
Palin Violated Ethics Laws in Trooper Case, Report Concludes
By JIM CARLTON
Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin violated ethics rules by trying to remove her former brother in law from his job as a state trooper, a highly-anticipated legislative report into the matter has concluded. But she didn't break any laws in firing her public safety commissioner, who said he had been pressured to fire the trooper, the report found.
[Photo] Associated Press
Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, signed autographs after a rally in Allentown, Pa., Wednesday.
The inquiry, approved by a legislative committee's bipartisan vote, began The report by investigator Stephen Branchflower was released late today in Anchorage by the state legislative panel that commissioned it. The bi-partisan panel voted 12-0 to release the findings to the public. Legislators said they would have to consider later what, if anything, to do now.
The so-called "Troopergate" inquiry was launched in July after Gov. Palin -- now on the Republican presidential ticket -- removed her public safety commissioner, and he later said he had been pressured by the governor, her husband and her staff to fire the trooper, Mike Wooten.
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Palin Violated Ethics Laws in Trooper Case, Report Concludes
By JIM CARLTON
Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin violated ethics rules by trying to remove her former brother in law from his job as a state trooper, a highly-anticipated legislative report into the matter has concluded. But she didn't break any laws in firing her public safety commissioner, who said he had been pressured to fire the trooper, the report found.
[Photo] Associated Press
Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, signed autographs after a rally in Allentown, Pa., Wednesday.
The inquiry, approved by a legislative committee's bipartisan vote, began The report by investigator Stephen Branchflower was released late today in Anchorage by the state legislative panel that commissioned it. The bi-partisan panel voted 12-0 to release the findings to the public. Legislators said they would have to consider later what, if anything, to do now.
The so-called "Troopergate" inquiry was launched in July after Gov. Palin -- now on the Republican presidential ticket -- removed her public safety commissioner, and he later said he had been pressured by the governor, her husband and her staff to fire the trooper, Mike Wooten.
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Palin Violated Ethics Laws in Trooper Case, Report Concludes
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Palin Probe Takes New Track
Palin Probe Takes New Track
By JOEL MILLMAN Wall Street Journal
SEPTEMBER 25, 2008
An official probe into allegations that Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin abused the powers of her office has broken into two tracks, complicating an issue that has become central to the presidential election.
Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin in New York Wednesday after she and Republican Sen. John McCain met Ukrainian and Georgian presidents.
The Alaska legislature, which has been investigating whether Gov. Palin had improperly fired a state official over a personal matter, could issue results of its probe as early as mid-October, even though some key witnesses have declined to cooperate. A second investigation, sanctioned by the governor, is on a longer track, and could extend past the November election.
Since Gov. Palin was relatively unknown when Republican presidential nominee John McCain picked her as his running mate, the investigation has taken on added importance for voters. Gov. Palin had originally said she would cooperate with the legislative investigation, but appeared to backtrack after her vice-presidential nomination.
The McCain-Palin campaign on Tuesday pledged to fully cooperate with Tim Petumenos, an Anchorage, Alaska, attorney who was selected this week by the state executive branch's Personnel Board to head the second investigation. The governor's legal team argues that the ethics-oversight body has statutory jurisdiction over the case.
"The governor is an open book," said Taylor Griffin, a McCain-Palin campaign spokesman in Anchorage. "Gov. Palin has agreed to produce all documents, such as emails, and is working to schedule meetings" with Mr. Petumenos. Gov. Palin's husband, Todd Palin, is also willing to speak with the new investigator, as are other witnesses, he said.
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Palin Probe Takes New Track
By JOEL MILLMAN Wall Street Journal
SEPTEMBER 25, 2008
An official probe into allegations that Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin abused the powers of her office has broken into two tracks, complicating an issue that has become central to the presidential election.
Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin in New York Wednesday after she and Republican Sen. John McCain met Ukrainian and Georgian presidents.
The Alaska legislature, which has been investigating whether Gov. Palin had improperly fired a state official over a personal matter, could issue results of its probe as early as mid-October, even though some key witnesses have declined to cooperate. A second investigation, sanctioned by the governor, is on a longer track, and could extend past the November election.
Since Gov. Palin was relatively unknown when Republican presidential nominee John McCain picked her as his running mate, the investigation has taken on added importance for voters. Gov. Palin had originally said she would cooperate with the legislative investigation, but appeared to backtrack after her vice-presidential nomination.
The McCain-Palin campaign on Tuesday pledged to fully cooperate with Tim Petumenos, an Anchorage, Alaska, attorney who was selected this week by the state executive branch's Personnel Board to head the second investigation. The governor's legal team argues that the ethics-oversight body has statutory jurisdiction over the case.
"The governor is an open book," said Taylor Griffin, a McCain-Palin campaign spokesman in Anchorage. "Gov. Palin has agreed to produce all documents, such as emails, and is working to schedule meetings" with Mr. Petumenos. Gov. Palin's husband, Todd Palin, is also willing to speak with the new investigator, as are other witnesses, he said.
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Palin Probe Takes New Track
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Republican lawmaker says Palin inquiry should go on
Republican lawmaker says Palin inquiry should go on
CNN - September 23, 2008
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (CNN) -- The legislative investigation into Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's firing of her public safety commissioner needs to go ahead despite the increasingly heated opposition of the McCain-Palin campaign, a leading Republican said Tuesday.
Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin is being investigated for the possibly improper firing of a state official.
Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin is being investigated for the possibly improper firing of a state official.
Since becoming the Republican vice presidential candidate in August, Palin has halted her previously promised cooperation with the Legislature's investigation of the July dismissal of Public Safety Commissioner Walt Monegan.
Campaign aides have attacked the state senator managing the investigation, Hollis French, as a Democratic partisan running a "tainted" inquiry, and Palin's husband, Todd, and several top aides have refused to comply with subpoenas from French's committee.
But Rep. Jay Ramras, the Republican chairman of the Alaska House Judiciary Committee, said Tuesday that he still has confidence in the Legislature's investigation and said it should go forward.
"I think it's going to be benign in the conclusions that it reaches, anyway," he said. "But I think it's important to reach a conclusion."
Ramras called himself "a conservative, pro-life Republican" who is supporting GOP presidential nominee John McCain's ticket. But, he added, "We all took an oath of office, and this is an important report to come out."
The investigation was commissioned by a bipartisan committee of the Legislature in July, after Monegan's dismissal.
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Republican lawmaker says Palin inquiry should go on
CNN - September 23, 2008
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (CNN) -- The legislative investigation into Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's firing of her public safety commissioner needs to go ahead despite the increasingly heated opposition of the McCain-Palin campaign, a leading Republican said Tuesday.
Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin is being investigated for the possibly improper firing of a state official.
Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin is being investigated for the possibly improper firing of a state official.
Since becoming the Republican vice presidential candidate in August, Palin has halted her previously promised cooperation with the Legislature's investigation of the July dismissal of Public Safety Commissioner Walt Monegan.
Campaign aides have attacked the state senator managing the investigation, Hollis French, as a Democratic partisan running a "tainted" inquiry, and Palin's husband, Todd, and several top aides have refused to comply with subpoenas from French's committee.
But Rep. Jay Ramras, the Republican chairman of the Alaska House Judiciary Committee, said Tuesday that he still has confidence in the Legislature's investigation and said it should go forward.
"I think it's going to be benign in the conclusions that it reaches, anyway," he said. "But I think it's important to reach a conclusion."
Ramras called himself "a conservative, pro-life Republican" who is supporting GOP presidential nominee John McCain's ticket. But, he added, "We all took an oath of office, and this is an important report to come out."
The investigation was commissioned by a bipartisan committee of the Legislature in July, after Monegan's dismissal.
Read the rest of the rest of the story:
Republican lawmaker says Palin inquiry should go on
Monday, September 22, 2008
Palin lawyer meets with investigator in probe
Palin lawyer meets with investigator in probe
Associated Press - By MATT VOLZ
September 22, 2008
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — Less than a week after balking at the Alaska Legislature's investigation into her alleged abuse of power, Gov. Sarah Palin on Monday indicated she will cooperate with a separate probe run by people she can fire.
An attorney for the GOP vice presidential nominee met with an investigator for the state Personnel Board to discuss sharing documents and schedule witness interviews, McCain spokeswoman Meg Stapleton said. Neither she nor McCain spokesman Ed O'Callaghan had further details about the meeting and said they did not know if the governor or her husband would be interviewed.
Palin attorney Thomas Van Flein did not respond to telephone and e-mail messages.
Both the Legislature and the personnel board have hired investigators in separate inquiries of whether Palin abused her power when she fired Public Safety Commissioner Walt Monegan this summer. Monegan refused to dismiss a state trooper who went through a bitter divorce with her sister before Palin's became governor.
Palin has refused to participate in the Legislature's investigation since becoming Sen. John McCain's running mate.
The other investigation is overseen by the state Personnel Board, a three-member panel that serves at the governor's will. Two members are holdovers from the previous governor and Palin reappointed the third.
Separately, two Alaska Democrats said they may bring witness tampering allegations against the McCain-Palin campaign. The two state lawmakers, Rep. Les Gara and Sen. Bill Wielechowski, said they are evaluating Alaska's criminal code to see if it applies in what's become known as the Troopergate probe...
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Palin lawyer meets with investigator in probe
Associated Press - By MATT VOLZ
September 22, 2008
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — Less than a week after balking at the Alaska Legislature's investigation into her alleged abuse of power, Gov. Sarah Palin on Monday indicated she will cooperate with a separate probe run by people she can fire.
An attorney for the GOP vice presidential nominee met with an investigator for the state Personnel Board to discuss sharing documents and schedule witness interviews, McCain spokeswoman Meg Stapleton said. Neither she nor McCain spokesman Ed O'Callaghan had further details about the meeting and said they did not know if the governor or her husband would be interviewed.
Palin attorney Thomas Van Flein did not respond to telephone and e-mail messages.
Both the Legislature and the personnel board have hired investigators in separate inquiries of whether Palin abused her power when she fired Public Safety Commissioner Walt Monegan this summer. Monegan refused to dismiss a state trooper who went through a bitter divorce with her sister before Palin's became governor.
Palin has refused to participate in the Legislature's investigation since becoming Sen. John McCain's running mate.
The other investigation is overseen by the state Personnel Board, a three-member panel that serves at the governor's will. Two members are holdovers from the previous governor and Palin reappointed the third.
Separately, two Alaska Democrats said they may bring witness tampering allegations against the McCain-Palin campaign. The two state lawmakers, Rep. Les Gara and Sen. Bill Wielechowski, said they are evaluating Alaska's criminal code to see if it applies in what's become known as the Troopergate probe...
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Palin lawyer meets with investigator in probe
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Exclusive: New Doubts Over Palin's Troopergate Claims
Exclusive: New Doubts Over Palin's Troopergate Claims
Internal Government Document Contradicts Sarah Palin, Campaign
By JUSTIN ROOD - ABC News
Sept. 19, 2008
An internal government document obtained by ABC News appears to contradict Sarah Palin's most recent explanation for why she fired her public safety chief, the move which prompted the now-contested state probe into "Troopergate."
An internal government document obtained by ABC News appears to contradict Sarah Palin's most recent explanation for why she fired her public safety chief Walt Monegan, the move which prompted the now-contested state probe into "Troopergate."
Fighting back against allegations she may have fired her then-Public Safety Commissioner, Walt Monegan, for refusing to go along with a personal vendetta, Palin on Monday argued in a legal filing that she fired Monegan because he had a "rogue mentality" and was bucking her administration's directives.
"The last straw," her lawyer argued, came when he planned a trip to Washington, D.C., to seek federal funds for an aggressive anti-sexual-violence program. The project, expected to cost from $10 million to $20 million a year for five years, would have been the first of its kind in Alaska, which leads the nation in reported forcible rape.
The McCain-Palin campaign echoed the charge in a press release it distributed Monday, concurrent with Palin's legal filing. "Mr. Monegan persisted in planning to make the unauthorized lobbying trip to D.C.," the release stated.
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Exclusive: New Doubts Over Palin's Troopergate Claims
Internal Government Document Contradicts Sarah Palin, Campaign
By JUSTIN ROOD - ABC News
Sept. 19, 2008
An internal government document obtained by ABC News appears to contradict Sarah Palin's most recent explanation for why she fired her public safety chief, the move which prompted the now-contested state probe into "Troopergate."
An internal government document obtained by ABC News appears to contradict Sarah Palin's most recent explanation for why she fired her public safety chief Walt Monegan, the move which prompted the now-contested state probe into "Troopergate."
Fighting back against allegations she may have fired her then-Public Safety Commissioner, Walt Monegan, for refusing to go along with a personal vendetta, Palin on Monday argued in a legal filing that she fired Monegan because he had a "rogue mentality" and was bucking her administration's directives.
"The last straw," her lawyer argued, came when he planned a trip to Washington, D.C., to seek federal funds for an aggressive anti-sexual-violence program. The project, expected to cost from $10 million to $20 million a year for five years, would have been the first of its kind in Alaska, which leads the nation in reported forcible rape.
The McCain-Palin campaign echoed the charge in a press release it distributed Monday, concurrent with Palin's legal filing. "Mr. Monegan persisted in planning to make the unauthorized lobbying trip to D.C.," the release stated.
Read the rest of the story:
Exclusive: New Doubts Over Palin's Troopergate Claims
Friday, September 19, 2008
The Bush/McCain/Palin contempt for subpoenas and the rule of law
The Bush/McCain/Palin contempt for subpoenas and the rule of law
Friday Sept. 19 - Salon.com
Bill O'Reilly, Wednesday night, calling for the arrest of Gawker's owners and managers:
The website knows the law, and says "you know -- I'm going to do it anyway. I dare you to come get me."
Associated Press today, on Todd Palin's refusal to comply with the Alaska State Senate's subpoena:
Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's husband has refused to testify in the investigation of his wife's alleged abuse of power, and key lawmakers said Thursday that uncooperative witnesses are effectively sidetracking the probe until after Election Day.
Todd Palin, who participates in state business in person or by e-mail, was among 13 people subpoenaed by the Alaska Legislature. Palin's lawyer sent a letter to the lead investigator saying Palin objected to the probe and would not appear to testify on Friday. . . .
Ignoring a legislative subpoena is punishable by a fine up to $500 and up to six months in jail under Alaska law. But courts are reluctant to intervene in legislative matters and the full Legislature must be in session to bring contempt charges, Wielechowski said. The Legislature is not scheduled to convene until January.
It is illegal in the State of Alaska to fail to comply with legislative subpoenas. But Todd Palin has announced he will do exactly that which the law prohibits for one simple reason -- because nothing can be done about it until after the election, and even then, it's unlikely much will be done to punish him for breaking the law. Sarah Palin has similarly ordered all of her aides to refuse to comply with these subpoenas even though doing so is illegal, because she, too, doubts there will be consequences for this illegal behavior. Or, as Bill O'Reilly put it in his righteous Rule of Law tirade: "I'm going to do it anyway. I dare you to come get me."
Read the rest of the story:
The Bush/McCain/Palin contempt for subpoenas and the rule of law
Friday Sept. 19 - Salon.com
Bill O'Reilly, Wednesday night, calling for the arrest of Gawker's owners and managers:
The website knows the law, and says "you know -- I'm going to do it anyway. I dare you to come get me."
Associated Press today, on Todd Palin's refusal to comply with the Alaska State Senate's subpoena:
Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's husband has refused to testify in the investigation of his wife's alleged abuse of power, and key lawmakers said Thursday that uncooperative witnesses are effectively sidetracking the probe until after Election Day.
Todd Palin, who participates in state business in person or by e-mail, was among 13 people subpoenaed by the Alaska Legislature. Palin's lawyer sent a letter to the lead investigator saying Palin objected to the probe and would not appear to testify on Friday. . . .
Ignoring a legislative subpoena is punishable by a fine up to $500 and up to six months in jail under Alaska law. But courts are reluctant to intervene in legislative matters and the full Legislature must be in session to bring contempt charges, Wielechowski said. The Legislature is not scheduled to convene until January.
It is illegal in the State of Alaska to fail to comply with legislative subpoenas. But Todd Palin has announced he will do exactly that which the law prohibits for one simple reason -- because nothing can be done about it until after the election, and even then, it's unlikely much will be done to punish him for breaking the law. Sarah Palin has similarly ordered all of her aides to refuse to comply with these subpoenas even though doing so is illegal, because she, too, doubts there will be consequences for this illegal behavior. Or, as Bill O'Reilly put it in his righteous Rule of Law tirade: "I'm going to do it anyway. I dare you to come get me."
Read the rest of the story:
The Bush/McCain/Palin contempt for subpoenas and the rule of law
Australia: Palin's husband will not testify
Palin's husband will not testify
From correspondents in Anchorage
September 19, 2008
Article from: Agence France-Presse
THE husband of the US Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin is refusing to comply with a subpoena issued in an abuse of power probe of his wife, the family's lawyer says.
Todd Palin, father of five children with John McCain's running mate, was among 13 people ordered to testify in the potentially explosive "Troopergate" investigation of his wife, who is the Alaska governor.
In a letter to independent investigator Stephen Branchflower, lawyer Thomas van Flein described the legislature's investigation into whether Palin improperly removed a commissioner for refusing to fire a state trooper who was her former brother-in-law as politically biased and lacking legal authority.
"We maintain our general objections that the legislative council investigation, besides being pursued for partisan purposes, is being conducted in violation of all accepted norms of due process," Mr van Flein wrote.
He also argued that the subpoena was "unduly burdensome" because of Todd Palin's travel schedule with his wife ahead of the election.
The probe is being overseen by the head of the Alaska state Senate judiciary committee, who is a Democrat.
But shortly after Governor Palin was tapped to join John McCain's ticket she called for a formal review of her actions by the Alaska Personnel Board, a panel which is under her authority...
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Palin's husband will not testify
From correspondents in Anchorage
September 19, 2008
Article from: Agence France-Presse
THE husband of the US Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin is refusing to comply with a subpoena issued in an abuse of power probe of his wife, the family's lawyer says.
Todd Palin, father of five children with John McCain's running mate, was among 13 people ordered to testify in the potentially explosive "Troopergate" investigation of his wife, who is the Alaska governor.
In a letter to independent investigator Stephen Branchflower, lawyer Thomas van Flein described the legislature's investigation into whether Palin improperly removed a commissioner for refusing to fire a state trooper who was her former brother-in-law as politically biased and lacking legal authority.
"We maintain our general objections that the legislative council investigation, besides being pursued for partisan purposes, is being conducted in violation of all accepted norms of due process," Mr van Flein wrote.
He also argued that the subpoena was "unduly burdensome" because of Todd Palin's travel schedule with his wife ahead of the election.
The probe is being overseen by the head of the Alaska state Senate judiciary committee, who is a Democrat.
But shortly after Governor Palin was tapped to join John McCain's ticket she called for a formal review of her actions by the Alaska Personnel Board, a panel which is under her authority...
Read the rest of the story:
Palin's husband will not testify
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Palin's husband refuses to testify in probe
Palin's husband refuses to testify in probe
By MATT VOLZ – Associated Press
September 18, 2008
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's husband has refused to testify in the investigation of his wife's alleged abuse of power, and key lawmakers said Thursday that uncooperative witnesses are effectively sidetracking the probe until after Election Day.
Todd Palin, who participates in state business in person or by e-mail, was among 13 people subpoenaed by the Alaska Legislature. Palin's lawyer sent a letter to the lead investigator saying Palin objected to the probe and would not appear to testify on Friday.
"The objections boil down to the fact that the Legislative Council investigation is no longer a legitimate investigation because it has been subjected to complete partisanship and does not operate with the authority that it had at the time of its initial authorization," McCain-Palin presidential campaign spokesman Ed O'Callaghan said.
Sarah Palin initially welcomed the bipartisan investigation into accusations that she dismissed the state's public safety commissioner because he refused to fire her ex-brother-in-law, a state trooper. "Hold me accountable," she said.
But she has increasingly opposed it since Republican presidential candidate John McCain tapped her as his running mate. The McCain campaign dispatched a legal team to Alaska including O'Callaghan, a former top U.S. terrorism prosecutor from New York to bolster Palin's local lawyer.
In the letter, Palin attorney Thomas Van Flein lists nine objections to the Legislature's investigation into Gov. Palin. Van Flein also argues the subpoena is "unduly burdensome" because Palin has travel plans that require him to be out of the state.
Earlier this week, Alaska Attorney General Talis Colberg said the governor, who was not subpoenaed, declined to participate in the investigation and said Palin administration employees who have been subpoenaed would not appear.
State Sen. Bill Wielechowski, a Democrat, said the McCain campaign is doing all it can to prevent the Legislature from completing a report on whether the GOP's vice presidential nominee abused her power as governor.
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Palin's husband refuses to testify in probe
By MATT VOLZ – Associated Press
September 18, 2008
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's husband has refused to testify in the investigation of his wife's alleged abuse of power, and key lawmakers said Thursday that uncooperative witnesses are effectively sidetracking the probe until after Election Day.
Todd Palin, who participates in state business in person or by e-mail, was among 13 people subpoenaed by the Alaska Legislature. Palin's lawyer sent a letter to the lead investigator saying Palin objected to the probe and would not appear to testify on Friday.
"The objections boil down to the fact that the Legislative Council investigation is no longer a legitimate investigation because it has been subjected to complete partisanship and does not operate with the authority that it had at the time of its initial authorization," McCain-Palin presidential campaign spokesman Ed O'Callaghan said.
Sarah Palin initially welcomed the bipartisan investigation into accusations that she dismissed the state's public safety commissioner because he refused to fire her ex-brother-in-law, a state trooper. "Hold me accountable," she said.
But she has increasingly opposed it since Republican presidential candidate John McCain tapped her as his running mate. The McCain campaign dispatched a legal team to Alaska including O'Callaghan, a former top U.S. terrorism prosecutor from New York to bolster Palin's local lawyer.
In the letter, Palin attorney Thomas Van Flein lists nine objections to the Legislature's investigation into Gov. Palin. Van Flein also argues the subpoena is "unduly burdensome" because Palin has travel plans that require him to be out of the state.
Earlier this week, Alaska Attorney General Talis Colberg said the governor, who was not subpoenaed, declined to participate in the investigation and said Palin administration employees who have been subpoenaed would not appear.
State Sen. Bill Wielechowski, a Democrat, said the McCain campaign is doing all it can to prevent the Legislature from completing a report on whether the GOP's vice presidential nominee abused her power as governor.
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Palin's husband refuses to testify in probe
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Alaska AG: Palin subpoenas won't be honored
Alaska AG: Palin subpoenas won't be honored
And five Alaska lawmakers file suit to end ‘Troopergate’ probe
Assoicated Press - September 16th, 2008
JUNEAU, Alaska - Alaska's investigation into whether Gov. Sarah Palin abused her power, a potentially damaging distraction for John McCain's presidential campaign, ran into intensified resistance Tuesday when the attorney general said state employees would refuse to honor subpoenas in the case.
In a letter to state Sen. Hollis French, the Democrat overseeing the investigation, Republican Attorney General Talis Colberg asked that the subpoenas be withdrawn. He also said the employees would refuse to appear unless either the full state Senate or the entire Legislature votes to compel their testimony.
Colberg, who was appointed by Palin, said the employees are caught between their respect for the Legislature and their loyalty to the governor, who initially agreed to cooperate with the inquiry but has increasingly opposed it since McCain chose her as his running mate...
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Alaska AG: Palin subpoenas won't be honored
And five Alaska lawmakers file suit to end ‘Troopergate’ probe
Assoicated Press - September 16th, 2008
JUNEAU, Alaska - Alaska's investigation into whether Gov. Sarah Palin abused her power, a potentially damaging distraction for John McCain's presidential campaign, ran into intensified resistance Tuesday when the attorney general said state employees would refuse to honor subpoenas in the case.
In a letter to state Sen. Hollis French, the Democrat overseeing the investigation, Republican Attorney General Talis Colberg asked that the subpoenas be withdrawn. He also said the employees would refuse to appear unless either the full state Senate or the entire Legislature votes to compel their testimony.
Colberg, who was appointed by Palin, said the employees are caught between their respect for the Legislature and their loyalty to the governor, who initially agreed to cooperate with the inquiry but has increasingly opposed it since McCain chose her as his running mate...
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Alaska AG: Palin subpoenas won't be honored
Lawmakers sue to stop 'Troopergate' probe of Palin
Lawmakers sue to stop 'Troopergate' probe of Palin
By STEVE QUINN Associated Press September 26, 2008
JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — Five state Republican lawmakers want a judge to stop an investigation into Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's firing of a public safety commissioner.
A bipartisan oversight committee had unanimously approved an inquiry into whether Palin, now the Republican vice presidential nominee, dismissed the commissioner because he wouldn't fire her ex-brother-in-law, a state trooper.
In Anchorage Superior Court on Tuesday, three state representatives and two state senators sued to stop the investigation. Palin had said months ago that she welcomed the inquiry. The lawsuit called the investigation "unlawful, biased, partial and partisan."
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Lawmakers sue to stop 'Troopergate' probe of Palin
By STEVE QUINN Associated Press September 26, 2008
JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — Five state Republican lawmakers want a judge to stop an investigation into Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's firing of a public safety commissioner.
A bipartisan oversight committee had unanimously approved an inquiry into whether Palin, now the Republican vice presidential nominee, dismissed the commissioner because he wouldn't fire her ex-brother-in-law, a state trooper.
In Anchorage Superior Court on Tuesday, three state representatives and two state senators sued to stop the investigation. Palin had said months ago that she welcomed the inquiry. The lawsuit called the investigation "unlawful, biased, partial and partisan."
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Lawmakers sue to stop 'Troopergate' probe of Palin
Monday, September 15, 2008
Palin won't meet with 'Troopergate' investigator
Palin won't meet with 'Troopergate' investigator
Campaign says governor won't cooperate because investigation is 'tainted'
Jack Dempsey / AP - Sept. 15, 2008
ANCHORAGE, Alaska - A campaign spokesman says Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin won't speak with an investigator hired by lawmakers to look into the firing of her public safety commissioner.
McCain campaign spokesman Ed O'Callaghan told a news conference Monday that the governor, the Republican nominee for vice president, will not cooperate as long as the investigation "remains tainted." He said he doesn't know whether Palin's husband would challenge a subpoena issued to compel his cooperation.
The campaign insists the investigation has been hijacked by Democrats. It says it can prove Public Safety Commissioner Walt Monegan was fired because of insubordination on budget issues -- not because he refused to fire a state trooper who had divorced Palin's sister.
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Palin won't meet with 'Troopergate' investigator
Campaign says governor won't cooperate because investigation is 'tainted'
Jack Dempsey / AP - Sept. 15, 2008
ANCHORAGE, Alaska - A campaign spokesman says Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin won't speak with an investigator hired by lawmakers to look into the firing of her public safety commissioner.
McCain campaign spokesman Ed O'Callaghan told a news conference Monday that the governor, the Republican nominee for vice president, will not cooperate as long as the investigation "remains tainted." He said he doesn't know whether Palin's husband would challenge a subpoena issued to compel his cooperation.
The campaign insists the investigation has been hijacked by Democrats. It says it can prove Public Safety Commissioner Walt Monegan was fired because of insubordination on budget issues -- not because he refused to fire a state trooper who had divorced Palin's sister.
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Palin won't meet with 'Troopergate' investigator
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Palin's track record marked by bitter clashes
Palin's track record marked by bitter clashes
Tim Harper, Washington Bureau The Star
Sept 13, 2008
WASILLA, ALASKA –Twelve years before she became America's right-wing sweetheart, Sarah Palin rode another wave of "change" to power.
Immediately after her election as mayor, the self-described pit bull ran into trouble in this tiny community tucked into Alaska's Matanuska-Susitna Valley, sparking a colourful internecine political battle. It was remarkable even by the intense, incestuous standards of America's Last Frontier.
John McCain's Republican presidential running mate arrived as mayor already facing allegations she had introduced conservative social issues – including her anti-abortion position – into the mayoral campaign. She even questioned why the incumbent mayor's wife still used her maiden name.
As mayor, she fired administrators, gagged others and tried to move a museum out of the downtown.
She mused about banning books, was accused of being in the pocket of the National Rifle Association, dissolved a commission seeking ways to improve the city's problem with drinking and driving, and faced charges she had tried to break laws to put her supporters on council. On Day 120 of her administration, the first day such a move was allowed by law, she faced an incipient recall movement.
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Palin's track record marked by bitter clashes
Tim Harper, Washington Bureau The Star
Sept 13, 2008
WASILLA, ALASKA –Twelve years before she became America's right-wing sweetheart, Sarah Palin rode another wave of "change" to power.
Immediately after her election as mayor, the self-described pit bull ran into trouble in this tiny community tucked into Alaska's Matanuska-Susitna Valley, sparking a colourful internecine political battle. It was remarkable even by the intense, incestuous standards of America's Last Frontier.
John McCain's Republican presidential running mate arrived as mayor already facing allegations she had introduced conservative social issues – including her anti-abortion position – into the mayoral campaign. She even questioned why the incumbent mayor's wife still used her maiden name.
As mayor, she fired administrators, gagged others and tried to move a museum out of the downtown.
She mused about banning books, was accused of being in the pocket of the National Rifle Association, dissolved a commission seeking ways to improve the city's problem with drinking and driving, and faced charges she had tried to break laws to put her supporters on council. On Day 120 of her administration, the first day such a move was allowed by law, she faced an incipient recall movement.
Read the rest of the story:
Palin's track record marked by bitter clashes
Alaska probe seeks subpoenas as Palin halts cooperation By Ken Dilanian, USA TODAY Sept 13, 2008 ANCHORAGE — A few months ago, before she was selecte
Alaska probe seeks subpoenas as Palin halts cooperation
By Ken Dilanian, USA TODAY
Sept 13, 2008
ANCHORAGE — A few months ago, before she was selected as the Republican vice presidential nominee, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin promised complete cooperation in the legislature's investigation into whether she improperly fired her public safety director.
How things have changed.
A joint legislative committee Friday voted to subpoena Palin's husband, Todd Palin, and a dozen others as part of its probe into whether the Alaska governor used her office to settle a personal score.
Lawmakers took that step because several members of Palin's administration in recent days canceled interviews with the legislature's investigator, former prosecutor Stephen Branchflower. In a statement, Palin's second in command, Lt. Gov. Sean Parnell, called the investigation a "complete farce."
"I'm disappointed by the complete hijacking of what should be a fair and objective process," Parnell said. "It is troubling to see partisan Democrats and Obama supporters abuse their power, the legal system and trust of Alaskans to smear Governor Palin to score political points."
FIND MORE STORIES IN: AmerisourceBergen Corp. | Anchorage | Sarah Palin | Sen. Obama | Wasilla | Alaskans | Todd Palin | Mike Wooten | Governor Palin | Stephen Branchflower | Frank Bailey | Sen. Charlie Huggins
Democrats and Republicans on the committee hotly disputed that. While one Republican sought to delay the subpoenas and another voiced opposition to them, other Republicans said the investigation should go forward.
"I do not support Sen. Obama," said Sen. Charlie Huggins, a Republican from Palin's hometown of Wasilla, who was wearing camouflage hunting pants. "I'm simply here today, with a short break in my moose hunting, to say, let's get to the facts."
At issue is whether Palin, her husband Todd or her aides acted inappropriately when governor sacked Public Safety Director Walt Monegan in July after he refused to dismiss Palin's former brother-in-law, Mike Wooten, a state trooper whom the governor said had threatened her family. The trooper has denied making such threats.
The investigative report is due Oct. 10 — well in time to become grist for the presidential campaign.
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Alaska probe seeks subpoenas as Palin halts cooperation
By Ken Dilanian, USA TODAY
Sept 13, 2008
ANCHORAGE — A few months ago, before she was selected as the Republican vice presidential nominee, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin promised complete cooperation in the legislature's investigation into whether she improperly fired her public safety director.
How things have changed.
A joint legislative committee Friday voted to subpoena Palin's husband, Todd Palin, and a dozen others as part of its probe into whether the Alaska governor used her office to settle a personal score.
Lawmakers took that step because several members of Palin's administration in recent days canceled interviews with the legislature's investigator, former prosecutor Stephen Branchflower. In a statement, Palin's second in command, Lt. Gov. Sean Parnell, called the investigation a "complete farce."
"I'm disappointed by the complete hijacking of what should be a fair and objective process," Parnell said. "It is troubling to see partisan Democrats and Obama supporters abuse their power, the legal system and trust of Alaskans to smear Governor Palin to score political points."
FIND MORE STORIES IN: AmerisourceBergen Corp. | Anchorage | Sarah Palin | Sen. Obama | Wasilla | Alaskans | Todd Palin | Mike Wooten | Governor Palin | Stephen Branchflower | Frank Bailey | Sen. Charlie Huggins
Democrats and Republicans on the committee hotly disputed that. While one Republican sought to delay the subpoenas and another voiced opposition to them, other Republicans said the investigation should go forward.
"I do not support Sen. Obama," said Sen. Charlie Huggins, a Republican from Palin's hometown of Wasilla, who was wearing camouflage hunting pants. "I'm simply here today, with a short break in my moose hunting, to say, let's get to the facts."
At issue is whether Palin, her husband Todd or her aides acted inappropriately when governor sacked Public Safety Director Walt Monegan in July after he refused to dismiss Palin's former brother-in-law, Mike Wooten, a state trooper whom the governor said had threatened her family. The trooper has denied making such threats.
The investigative report is due Oct. 10 — well in time to become grist for the presidential campaign.
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Alaska probe seeks subpoenas as Palin halts cooperation
Friday, September 12, 2008
Alaska Lawmakers Vote to Subpoena Todd Palin
Alaska Lawmakers Vote to Subpoena Todd Palin
By SERGE F. KOVALESKI NY Times Online
Published: September 12, 2008
ANCHORAGE — Alaska lawmakers voted Friday to issue a subpoena to Todd Palin, the husband of Gov. Sarah Palin, in an escalation of the inquiry into whether Ms. Palin improperly tried to have her former brother-in-law dismissed from his job as a state trooper.
The subpoena was one of 14 approved by the Judiciary Committee of the State Senate in a vote of 3 to 2 in a joint hearing with the House Judiciary Committee, which served in an advisory role during the proceeding. The subpoenas were requested by the legislative investigator conducting the inquiry, Stephen E. Branchflower, a former Anchorage prosecutor who now lives in South Carolina.
The vote set the stage for a possible legal clash between the Legislature and the Palin administration, which threatened this week to go to court to quash any subpoenas. Ms. Palin, the Republican candidate for vice president, has hired a lawyer, who did not return calls seeking comment.
“It seems that we are heading for a branch-against-branch smack-down,” said Senator Gene Therriault, a Republican who voted against approving the subpoenas and instead advocated that the investigation be handled by the state Personnel Board. “This is a nuclear route that should be avoided at all costs.”
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Alaska Lawmakers Vote to Subpoena Todd Palin
By SERGE F. KOVALESKI NY Times Online
Published: September 12, 2008
ANCHORAGE — Alaska lawmakers voted Friday to issue a subpoena to Todd Palin, the husband of Gov. Sarah Palin, in an escalation of the inquiry into whether Ms. Palin improperly tried to have her former brother-in-law dismissed from his job as a state trooper.
The subpoena was one of 14 approved by the Judiciary Committee of the State Senate in a vote of 3 to 2 in a joint hearing with the House Judiciary Committee, which served in an advisory role during the proceeding. The subpoenas were requested by the legislative investigator conducting the inquiry, Stephen E. Branchflower, a former Anchorage prosecutor who now lives in South Carolina.
The vote set the stage for a possible legal clash between the Legislature and the Palin administration, which threatened this week to go to court to quash any subpoenas. Ms. Palin, the Republican candidate for vice president, has hired a lawyer, who did not return calls seeking comment.
“It seems that we are heading for a branch-against-branch smack-down,” said Senator Gene Therriault, a Republican who voted against approving the subpoenas and instead advocated that the investigation be handled by the state Personnel Board. “This is a nuclear route that should be avoided at all costs.”
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Alaska Lawmakers Vote to Subpoena Todd Palin
Palin and Troopergate: A Primer
Palin and Troopergate: A Primer
Thursday, Sep. 11, 2008 By NATHAN THORNBURGH
TIME Magazine
On July 11, 2008, Walt Monegan, the public safety commissioner (or top cop) for the state of Alaska, was fired. On the face of it, there was nothing wrong with that. He was a Palin appointee, and she had the right to fire him. But at first with prodding from his union, and then on his own, Monegan began telling people about the persistent pressure he claimed to have felt, in the months leading up to his dismissal, from the governor, her staff and her husband to get rid of a state trooper named Mike Wooten. Wooten happened to be Palin's former brother-in-law and had been involved in a bitter divorce and custody dispute with Sarah Palin's younger sister Molly McCann since 2005.
Monegan's refusal to remove Wooten was, he said, part of what led to his firing. If Monegan's accusations are true, it would be a serious abuse of the power of the governor — not to mention a major blow to her image as a good-government reformer — suggesting that she used her office and the office of many of the state's top functionaries to settle an old family score. On Friday, the retired Alaska prosecutor investigating whether Palin abused the power of her office in the matter asked state lawmakers for the power to subpoena 13 witnesses and the phone records of a key Palin aide. The request is expected to be granted...
Read the rest of the story:
Palin and Troopergate: A Primer
Thursday, Sep. 11, 2008 By NATHAN THORNBURGH
TIME Magazine
On July 11, 2008, Walt Monegan, the public safety commissioner (or top cop) for the state of Alaska, was fired. On the face of it, there was nothing wrong with that. He was a Palin appointee, and she had the right to fire him. But at first with prodding from his union, and then on his own, Monegan began telling people about the persistent pressure he claimed to have felt, in the months leading up to his dismissal, from the governor, her staff and her husband to get rid of a state trooper named Mike Wooten. Wooten happened to be Palin's former brother-in-law and had been involved in a bitter divorce and custody dispute with Sarah Palin's younger sister Molly McCann since 2005.
Monegan's refusal to remove Wooten was, he said, part of what led to his firing. If Monegan's accusations are true, it would be a serious abuse of the power of the governor — not to mention a major blow to her image as a good-government reformer — suggesting that she used her office and the office of many of the state's top functionaries to settle an old family score. On Friday, the retired Alaska prosecutor investigating whether Palin abused the power of her office in the matter asked state lawmakers for the power to subpoena 13 witnesses and the phone records of a key Palin aide. The request is expected to be granted...
Read the rest of the story:
Palin and Troopergate: A Primer
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