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Alaska inquiry finding: Palin abused power

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By MATT APUZZO / The Associated Press

Friday, Oct 10, 2008 - 08:44:52 pm CDT

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — Sarah Palin unlawfully abused her power as governor by trying to have her former brother-in-law fired as a state trooper, the chief investigator of an Alaska legislative panel concluded Friday. The politically charged inquiry imperiled her reputation as a reformer on John McCain’s Republican ticket.

Investigator Stephen Branchflower, in a report by a bipartisan panel that investigated the matter, found Palin in violation of a state ethics law that prohibits public officials from using their office for personal gain.

The inquiry looked into her dismissal of Public Safety Commissioner Walter Monegan, who said he lost his job because he resisted 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.

Story Photo
Republican vice presidential candidate Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin speaks at a rally near Wilmington, Ohio, on Thursday. (AP Photo/Tom Uhlman)

The report found that Palin let the family grudge influence her decision-making even if it was not the sole reason Monegan was dismissed. “I feel vindicated,’’ Monegan said. “It sounds like they’ve validated my belief and opinions. And that tells me I’m not totally out in left field.’’

Branchflower said Palin violated a statute of the Alaska Executive Branch Ethics Act.

“I disagree,’’ said Palin attorney Thomas Van Flein. “In order to violate the ethics law, there has to be some personal gain, usually financial. Mr. Branchflower has failed to identify any financial gain.’’

The statute says “any effort to benefit a personal or financial interest through official action is a violation of that (public) trust.’’

Palin and McCain’s supporters had hoped the inquiry’s finding would be delayed until after the presidential election to spare her any embarrassment and to put aside an enduring distraction as she campaigns as McCain’s running mate in an uphill contest against Democrat Barack Obama.

But the panel of lawmakers voted to release the report, although not without dissension. There was no immediate vote on whether to endorse its findings.

“I think there are some problems in this report,’’ said Republican state Sen. Gary Stevens, a member of the panel. “I would encourage people to be very cautious, to look at this with a jaundiced eye.’’

The nearly 300-page report does not recommend sanctions or a criminal investigation.

The investigation revealed that Palin’s husband, Todd, has extraordinary access to the governor’s office and her closest advisers. He used that access to try to get trooper Mike Wooten fired, the report found.

Branchflower faulted Sarah Palin for taking no action to stop that. He also noted there is evidence the governor herself participated in the effort.

Wooten had been in hot water before Palin became governor over allegations that he illegally shot a moose, drank beer in a patrol car and used a Taser on his stepson.

In proceedings revealed by the report, former Alaska State Trooper Col. Julia Grimes told investigators that Sarah Palin called her in late 2005 to discuss why Wooten hadn’t been fired, and Grimes told her the inquiry was confidential by law.

“Her questions were how can a trooper who behaves this way still be working,’’ Grimes said. “I asked her to please trust me, that because I can’t tell her details I would ask her to please trust me that I would take the appropriate action if and when I knew what the findings were. ... I couldn’t have another conversation with her about it because, again, it’s protected by law.’’

Grimes said Todd Palin also contacted her by telephone in late 2005 to discuss the confidential investigation of Wooten.

Wooten’s disciplinary case was settled in September 2006 — months before Palin was elected governor — and he was allowed to continue working as a trooper.

After Palin’s election, her new public safety commissioner, Monegan, said he was summoned to the governor’s office to meet Todd Palin, who said Wooten’s punishment had been merely a “slap on the wrist.’’ Monegan said he understood the Palins wanted Wooten fired. “I had this kind of ominous feeling that I may not be long for this job if I didn’t somehow respond accordingly,’’ Monegan told the investigator.

For months afterward, Todd Palin filed complaints about Wooten, saying he was seen riding a snowmobile after he had filed a worker’s compensation claim and was seen dropping off his children at school in his patrol car. Monegan said Wooten’s doctor had authorized the snowmobile trip and his supervisor had approved his use of the patrol car. Monegan said Alaska’s attorney general later called him to inquire about Wooten, and Monegan told him they shouldn’t be discussing the subject.

“This was an issue that apparently wasn’t going to go away, that there were certainly frustrations,’’ Monegan said. “To say that (Sarah Palin) was focused on this I think would be accurate.’’


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I Guess wrote on October 10, 2008 8:57 pm:
" she really is a maverick like mccain. Both qualify for this honor. McCain will be found out to be involved more deeply in the water with his other 4 in the scandel in arizona. They truly are two of a kind. The next person who calls obama a liar in the commercials should be sued for slander. Like it says if you put lipstick on a pig its still a pig , by golly. Thats for all you joe six packs by gosh. Hey I can see a lake from my window does that make me a qualified submariner? If mccain is so desperate for votes that makes me want to know if anything out of his mouth is true. HOpe him and miss goody two shoes go down to defeat in a landslide. "

 TP wrote on October 10, 2008 9:02 pm:
" And this is the type of person we want a heart beat away from being president. I don't think so. It is time for a change. "

 Harry the Antenna Guy wrote on October 10, 2008 9:03 pm:
" Sarah Palin was an interesting experiment which will not work out for McCain. I hope the other guy can do a better job of running the country. "

 jo wrote on October 10, 2008 9:14 pm:
" now hopefully she'll bow out & McCain can get a decent VP choice. "

 Frank wrote on October 10, 2008 9:39 pm:
" First, let me state that I am not defending Sarah Palin or her actions. I honestly do not know what they were so I cannot either defend or condemn them. I will urge people to caution, however. Remember that she has of late become a high-profile political figure, and that our government (and almost any other political system) is extremely corrupt. This investigation was obviously politically motivated, and the results of the investigation, despite having a bi-partisan panel, may very well be tainted. Again, I am not stating that I either do or do not believe the results of the investigation. I am merely urging caution in forming your own beliefs. Remember, politicians regularly lie and cheat for both personal and political gain. There is really no way for the average citizen, who is not a political insider, to truly know who to believe in circumstances such as these. "

 JPP wrote on October 10, 2008 10:22 pm:
" It's funny that people are up-in-arms about a woman who's running for the VP slot (the VP slot!!), and her possible involvement in attempting to get a patrolman fired, who obviously is/was a jerk.

Yet, people turn a blind eye to the man running for the most powerful position in the world, and his prior associations. I ask that just one person who reads this, and thinks Barack Obama is a better candidate for the job, go and do an internet search for "Raila Odinga".

You'll soon find out how Obama visited Kenya on taxpayer dollars to openly campaign for the socialist Odinga. Only when the election didn't go his way, Odinga called for protests and encouraged violence, resulting in thousands of deaths and upheaval across Kenya. And that's just the most glaring aspect of this questionable man's resume. You'll find more if you do the search yourself.

So I'll ask.. what's worse? A Governor who supposedly tried to get her ex brother-in-law fired? Or a man who constantly has shown to have ties to, and made bad judgments about, some of the most radical people in the world? Oh wait, he's also trying to occupy the White House. "

 MMM wrote on October 10, 2008 10:25 pm:
" Show me a public official that HASN'T used their position for personal gain. Betcha can't! "

 mTm wrote on October 10, 2008 10:44 pm:
" This is a hack investigation by Democrats - you people are clueless "

 Abuse of Power wrote on October 10, 2008 10:45 pm:
" Predicted this earlier but...........It's just the tip of the iceberg. "

 Truth will set you free JPP wrote on October 10, 2008 10:53 pm:
" So I'll ask.. what's worse? A Governor who supposedly tried to get her ex brother-in-law fired? Or a man who constantly has shown to have ties to, and made bad judgments about, some of the most radical people in the world? Oh wait, he's also trying to occupy the White House. "

You are right JPP, I couldn't have said those things about McCain any better. His poor judgement with Keating, leaving his first wife for a lady he met in a bar, his deregulation of the financial industry, his support of wars against a country that did not attack us(by the way, how many innocents have died there?), his wife who used her foundation to get drugs illeagly, and of course there are still questions about his time as a POW and giving the enemy information. McCain has shown alot of poor judgement. Fact. "

 EthicalONE wrote on October 10, 2008 11:01 pm:
" Frank...not only was it bi-partisan, it was slanted in favor of REPUBLICANS!!! Quit defending this woman. She is radical, unethical, corrupt, and ignorant. Obama 08!!!!!!!!!!!!!! "

 DL wrote on October 10, 2008 11:14 pm:
" Governor Palin is certainly guilty of abusing her power as governor. It's all just a game to her, and she has neither the judgment nor the wisdom to lead the U.S. federal government out of George Bush's and the Republican party's black hole. "

 TP wrote on October 10, 2008 11:32 pm:
" mTm wrote on October 10, 2008 10:44 pm:
" This is a hack investigation by Democrats - you people are clueless "

LOL no we are not clueless we are very well informed. We don’t just watch one new station Like Fox news for example ( Now there is hack investigation and very very biased news reporting if there ever was some). We see the truth not the rhetoric and slander the McCain camp is putting out. If you spend your time looking for the truth and not listening to slander and lies that the McCain camp and a certain news station is putting out you will see who is the better candidate. It is time for a change people. Are economy can not take 4 more years of a republican in the white house "

 Kurt wrote on October 10, 2008 11:48 pm:
" What's the problem with this? This is all you have against her? She had her drunk, law breaking, in law fired. He was more corrupt than anything she did. How is it personal gain to get someone fired who is abuseing his own powers as a public servant? This means absolutely nothing, yet all you liberal lovers think it has significance. Just goes to show your intelligence level. If she was in the white house and an FBI agent was doing similar things, I would hope she does it again. "

 Not surprised wrote on October 11, 2008 1:03 am:
" I find it funny those that fell for the partisan Democratic witchhunt line from the McCain Campaign. Just keep in mind - she welcomed the investigation, it was approved unanimously by a legislature made up of 10 Republicans 4 Democrats. The panel investigating was majority Republicans. The decision to finalize and release this report was approved unanimously - again majority Republicans.

As for the person doing dirty sliming by bringing up Odinga, you've been duped. Check out snopes.com. Your claim is unsubstantiated. "

 jon wrote on October 11, 2008 4:18 am:
" people are "amped up" about the VP spot because McCain is old and has health issues. & the majority of the thinking voters are scared as hell of the thought of her being the President.
of course the other side doesn't want an arab to be president. lol that women McCain had to grab the Mic from at one of his rallies is the Republican base. "

 sense wrote on October 11, 2008 4:20 am:
" face it he last 8 years sucked give the other team the ball. "

 Sue F. wrote on October 11, 2008 5:32 am:
" Some people need to listen to something besides RushSeanBill. This investigation started long before Palin was picked by McCain. They was nothing partison about it at the time. It only became partison when the republicans tried to get it stopped. "

 de wrote on October 11, 2008 5:42 am:
" 'she must have been taking lessons from v.p.chenny" "

 Repub wrote on October 11, 2008 5:56 am:
" How can this probe be called a partisan hack job by democrats when this probe started long before Palin was picked as a VP nominee and was formed by a bi-partisan committee.

For all you RushHannityOReiley fans, that means both republicans and democrats decided there needed to be an investigation.

JPP: I did a search for Raila Odinga and did not find anything you claim. You must be getting your info from those rightwing talikng nut jobs on the radio like most repubs "

 Doug wrote on October 11, 2008 6:34 am:
" This guy is a lawyer? The law says personal interest,if getting your ex brother in law fired who you felt jacked your sister around in a divorce isn't personal interest what is? God forbid this person leading our country,we have enough irresponsible people in government who use their job for personal gain,I thought we wanted CHANGE. "

 LucidEye wrote on October 11, 2008 6:47 am:
" This is a political smear job. Her husband (Todd) was the only one who complained about the trooper. Palin got in trouble for not stopping him. The fact is that the Dumbo-rats are on the side of a cop who got drunk on duty, illegally shot moose, gave death threats against Palin's Father, and tasered a ten-year old. If there was a cop like that here in Lincoln people would be outraged, but since it makes Palin look bad all of that is overlooked.
Obama gets a 400k house for 100k from a gangster that's OK. Was a trainer for ACORN( voter fraud group), then funnels millions of taxpayers dollars (and thousands of his campaigns) into their coffers, that's OK. Hangs out with terrorists, goes to the church of blame whitey, and hasn't accomplished anything other than giving speeches that's OK. The Democrats are the party of the lawless, clueless, and soulless. Beware of what you hope for you just might get it. "

 Randy wrote on October 11, 2008 6:49 am:
" Gee let's look at some facts.

The Alaska state trooper drank beer in his patrol car, shot a moose out of season, used a taser on his step son, and threatened to kill his father-in-law.

A a Nebraska state trooper registered on what people say is a racist web site and gets fired for that action.

I guess that many of you think registering on a racist web site is way worse than drinking beer in your patrol car, poaching a moose, tasering your step son, and threatening to kill his father-in-law. Take politics out of this and decide what is worse. "

 Terry wrote on October 11, 2008 7:04 am:
" If this "non event" is the best the Democrat mud-slingers can come up with, I'm not worried about Palin a bit. Too bad the media will beat this into the ground, and won't mention a thing about the past dealings of Biden and Obama. "

 DSL wrote on October 11, 2008 7:38 am:
" Palin was a bad choice. I agree this is only the tip of the iceberg. We have bigger things to focus on right now. Let's vote wisely this election. Let's move on to turning things around. In order to fix this good people from both sides are going to have to work together. McCain and Palin promoting real hate is not helping. "

 STLNebraskan wrote on October 11, 2008 7:38 am:
" Looks to me like she was "cleaning" out corruption! How many (do nothing)cronies was Monegan looking out for? Sound fimiliar? Does that man think it is acceptable behavior for an officer to taser a 10 year old and drink beer while in a patrol car? Doubt that would go over well in Nebraska or any other state. Where are all the people that get upset at the site of officers using taser's on "real" unruly people? To think this subject carries more weight than all of the less than desirable and known terrorists (Ayres) that Obama continues to associate with. Precisely what is needed in Washington! Sara, can't wait til you get there. "

 MarkyMark wrote on October 11, 2008 8:04 am:
" What a hack investigation by the EIGHT Repulicans and FOUR Democtrats. Some posters are clueless. "

 GBRNU1 wrote on October 11, 2008 8:05 am:
" I think the "grand old party" should have taken a deeper look in it's own closet before it started casting stones. Palin is but one example.
There's dirt to go around on both sides. We need to focus on the ISSUES.
I'm voting for change I can believe in...YES WE CAN. "

 I dont think so wrote on October 11, 2008 8:18 am:
" I'm a Maverick gosh darn it...gonna shake things up...(repeat every 3-4 mins for hours on end)...and that's why I'm qualified to be VP. "

 No mTm wrote on October 11, 2008 8:51 am:
" It was a bipartisan investigation that was going on before she was nominated. The real problem for Gov. Palin is that she has been out on the campaign trail, questioning the character of Barrack Obama (actually inflaming the racial views of the McCain base to a point where John McCain had to run damage control) and what we know about him. Now there is information that Gov. Palin abused her power to settle a personal score. Doesn't sound like she has the same credibility today to criticize others as she did yesterday. The political spin is there is enough abuse of power going on in Washington today and we don’t need to add to it. The reality is that Gov. Palin does not have the moral perfection to be calling the kettle black. "

 Re mTm wrote on October 11, 2008 8:56 am:
" The investigative committee was composed of 10 republicans and 4 democrats. The legislative council ended up voting unanimously. Hard to call this a witch hunt. Although perhaps not criminal, they found she abused her power. "

 Check the Facts mTm wrote on October 11, 2008 9:02 am:
" Ummm, a "hack investigation by Democrats"? The legislative committee in Alaska that performed the investigation was a group of 8 Republicans and 4 Democrats. "

 Verify your statements wrote on October 11, 2008 9:16 am:
" Regarding the comment by JPP - it may come as a shock to you, but not everything you read on the Internet is true. Do a search for "Raila Odinga" on snopes.com or factcheck.org, both of which are respected fact-checking websites for both political parties. They do the research and post their sources, unlike people who perpetuate falsehoods. Stop believing the forwards in your e-mail. "

 An Observer wrote on October 11, 2008 9:23 am:
" Do you folks really think that no other Governor, even some in Nebraska, have ever done this? You are truly naive? "

 Chunky Peanut Butter wrote on October 11, 2008 9:24 am:
" Lets see, the state trooper, Mike Wooten, at the center of this "scandal", tasered his step-son, illegally hunted a moose, drank beer in his cruiser, and threatened the Palis family. Sure sounds like grounds for a firing. Public Safety Commisioner Walter Monegan then refused to to fire this monster, sure sounds like incompetance to me, and a good reason to fire Monegan. "

 hmmm wrote on October 11, 2008 9:35 am:
" It amazes me how when a reptublican gets caught, investigated and found to be a fault for something like an ethics violation (this isn't rumor anymore but now found tobe fact) all of the blind residents of this state can find a way to justify it (i.e. everyone does it so it must be okay) but then they can make up all sorts of accusation that have been unfounded and ready to tar and feather the guy and send him out of town. is it because he is black? is it because he is a democrat? is it because he is from a one parent home and knows what life in the real world is like? and you wonder who i am going to vote for? get real people! "

 Gene Hogan wrote on October 11, 2008 9:36 am:
" The Alaska legislature voted unanimously (that means Republicans too) to investigate these charges well before she was chosen as the VP candidate. It's hilarious that the GOP want to drum up fake hype about Bill Ayers and what's at best a passing connection between he and Obama when this was a deliberate abuse of power by an elected official. It's no wonder the GOP are getting their clock cleaned. "

 Surprise surprise wrote on October 11, 2008 10:14 am:
" Narcissism has no boundries. "

 Hjalmer wrote on October 11, 2008 10:29 am:
" Mtm, "Hack investigation by Democrats"? The committee was made up of 10 Republicans, 4 Democrats and Alaska is more Republican than Nebraska, yet the Republicans in Alaska issue a critical report. I would guess this situation is worse than described since her own party issued the report. McCain picked this unqualified person to be VP and now his reckless, impulsive decision has blown up in McCain's face. "

 no change wrote on October 11, 2008 10:42 am:
" I love that Palin has "claimed" to be fresh air and not corrupted by DC, but this bites her in the but to show that she will get there already that way in Alaska. It drives me up the wall on how much of this is a fun joke to her. Yea, have fun at your job, but this needs to be a little more serious than signing up for skits on snl. "

 nemo wrote on October 11, 2008 10:45 am:
" Oh wow the governor of Alaska actually took it upon herself to find out why a drunken poacher who allegedly abuses his stepson is still a trooper. That guy should have been fired(or in jail) along with any one else in the trooper's office that gave him such light discipline. If this had been a demo gov, they just would have been doing their job and you would all be up in arms about these good old boy troopers. As far as her husband having access to the gov's office and her advisors, tell me about Hillary Clinton, ok? "

 well wrote on October 11, 2008 10:56 am:
" the republicans put out earlier that she was found to be not responsible. Now it comes out that she was a main party in this investigation which found her responsible. Come on someone, jump on this to offset the b.s. that mc loser and paliniski have spewed. It seems like she is getting a early start on corruption. I agree that the entire washington bunch are corrupt though. Give each 6 years to see how they behave in washington then make them sit out 6 before running again. Fire them all and start over. I want to check back this afternoon after the nu-tt game and see what kind of venom is said after the techies clean house in the game. "

 DP wrote on October 11, 2008 11:02 am:
" Drinking on the job in a police car, tasering his stepson? Sounds like he needed to be fired anyway. "

 Apples to Oranges wrote on October 11, 2008 11:20 am:
" Why is it so many closed-minded people on this post, want to compare "Guilt by Association" with Guilt?

There is much more abuse of power in the Palin family to be outted. Stay tuned. "

 Larry the Cable Guy wrote on October 11, 2008 11:21 am:
" Folks, When Harry the Antenna Guy gives up, It's Over! "

 Big Brother wrote on October 11, 2008 11:24 am:
" This is Rural Big Brother at it's worst.

Very similar to being stopped in the south by some Confederate small town Sheriff. "

 Hey Frank wrote on October 11, 2008 11:26 am:
" I agree it is hard for the average Joe Six-pack to know the truth.

I might tend to believe the 8 Repulicans and 4 Democrats in the Alaska Legislature. "

 sweet sara wrote on October 11, 2008 11:32 am:
" This reminds me of the mean girl title of junior high mentality. Run you mouth of to your friend so they do your dirty work and when you get caught you move your mouth from the halls (public) to the bathroom so you can continue the behavior. Birds of a feather flock together. "

 I did a search wrote on October 11, 2008 11:33 am:
" Raila Odinga on truthorfiction and snopes and both debunk the rumors floating around. Now, if I do a search of all the email junk floating around I get hits upon hits of "reliable source" info.

Who do you think I'll believe? "

 This wasnt a hack job wrote on October 11, 2008 11:38 am:
" But I know some people will never be convinced no matter what. "

 Smile wrote on October 11, 2008 11:41 am:
" Didn't this investigation start before Ms Palin was tapped to be McCain's running mate? Weren't there more Republicans than Democrats on the investigation panel? If so, how can this be some sort of smear-job pushed by the Democrats? "

 Taser wrote on October 11, 2008 11:48 am:
" The Taser thing was bogus. Do some research on it and you may find more lies by the Palins. "

 Criminal wrote on October 11, 2008 11:51 am:
" A fish rots from the head on down. Perhaps since we have a criminal as President, that has chosen to ignore American Law, and our Constitution, that other politicians also feel they can commit whatever crimes suit their agenda. "

 Mar wrote on October 11, 2008 12:12 pm:
" are all you people that are against Palin really that stupid or are you afraid of what might happen when McCain gets elected? Here was a rogue trooper that Tod Palin was trying to get fired and yet the person who had the power to get rid of him refused to do so.Kind of sounds like the Democrats and their friends on Wall Street "

 skeptic wrote on October 11, 2008 12:13 pm:
" CHANGE? You are all for CHANGE! I'm voting for CHANGE! WOO-HOO!!! What does this mean? What do you think will change? How will this "change" better your lives and this country? Here's what I think will change with a Dem as president: more government, more taxes. Is that what we want? I hope there is more thought behind your decision for President than just blindly following the herd mooing "CHANGE!" "

 BicycleMike wrote on October 11, 2008 12:25 pm:
" What's the big deal, in less than a month she'll be history anyway. Sarah Palin can go back to Alaska and sell her snake oil out of her office full time. Obama 08! "

 Ej wrote on October 11, 2008 1:04 pm:
" one simple question-
how would you feel if this man were a lincoln police officer and was left on the force? Be honest. "

 Leslie wrote on October 11, 2008 1:37 pm:
" Palin fits right in, abuse of executive power places her alongside Gonzales, Bush and Cheney. Her actions are rotten and stink of corrupt government. She's a *** with lipstick. You can't fight corruption in Washington if you are a symbol for it. "

 NRK wrote on October 11, 2008 1:54 pm:
" Hey mTm: Spin, spin, spin!!!! Right? Hack investigation...Gimme a break. This just goes along with all of the other crap you hear about Palin. She has no business being in a position to potentially run the country some day. McCain is going to lose, and you're feeling desperate. GOBAMA! "

 MK wrote on October 11, 2008 2:14 pm:
" My stepfather was a long-time Nebraska Republican. I think his heart would be broken, first by McCain's comments on ethanol (my dad was a corn grower) and now by the continuing campaign by McC and his running mate. She has been consistently mean,hateful, and inaccurate in her attacks, misquoting, misrepresenting, and out and out lying. Now a bipartisan group has found her actions unethical. Not a surprise at all. I just feel sorry for folks like my dad who are good, decent Americans and expect our politicians to be decent as well.
MK "

 mTm wrote on October 11, 2008 3:51 pm:
" To all you clueless Kool Aide drinkers. The investigation did not start until after she was named as candidate. The investigator was one dropped in by Obama/DNC. etc. etc......How about you all think for yourselves and leave out the taling points. "

 Whoa Mar wrote on October 11, 2008 3:52 pm:
" It is all about Palin's credibility now. She should have been more up front about how things unfolded. She was within her rights to fire the guy, but she broke her own state's ethical rules in how she did it. She is supposed to uphold those rules, yet she broke them for her own personal reasons. As a Democrat, I could live with John McCain, but Sarah Palin has no place in our federal government. If McCain wants to change running mates, very quickly, I might consider him, but I will vote against Sarah Palin if I have to. "

 P. Robert wrote on October 11, 2008 3:54 pm:
" It's funny but they would be calling Palin out if she HADN'T tried to do anything about the guy. Liberals need to get a clue. I don't mind that you call out Palin and if she did do something illegal then I agree that she should be punished but I am stunned at what your willing to overlook in your messiah/Manchurian Candidate. "

 jake wrote on October 11, 2008 4:11 pm:
" She was completely and correctly within her power to remove that so-called commissioner of public safety. She did not need a reason EVER. The jerk at the center of the democrat do-gooder "save the trooper" squad was a true jerk, but beyond that he was a dangerous jerk. I hope that Nebraska and the liberal unions NEVER try to protect a Nebraska jerk like him. How stupid it is to allow a dangerous jerk like him to patrol the high ways with a taser and a gun. I am amazed at you liberals however. While you are willing to kill babies by the millions (48,000,000) since Roe Wade, you strain at gnats trying to save the lives of convicted murderers and here you protect a jerk like that "trooper".
This whole affair is just a political trick by a stupid partisan democrat radical group. Nothing more and supported by some very none thinking people in Lincoln Nebraska.
She may or may not be a good vice president, but we all know that biden is a loose cannon and cannot be trusted with anything. "

 peb wrote on October 11, 2008 4:30 pm:
" For those of you that choose to comment but NOT read the article, here are a couple quotes from the article:

"Julia Grimes told investigators that Sarah Palin called her in late 2005 to discuss why Wooten hadn’t been fired, and Grimes told her the inquiry was confidential by law."

"Wooten’s disciplinary case was settled in September 2006 . . ."

Notice, they were working on the case in 2005 and the highway patrol's case was settled in 2006.

This wasn't a case about whether the two guys were right or not, but a case to decide whether Mrs. Palin abused her power. Or maybe let her husband have too much power--and that's a scary thought.

We have learned from our current administration what happens when someone in authority abuses their power . . . "

 Melissa wrote on October 11, 2008 5:47 pm:
" I am so disappointed McShame hasn't asked Palin to step down. Bringing corruption to the White House isn't the type of maverick we can put trust in. "

 Rick Marchand wrote on October 11, 2008 6:06 pm:
" As a veteran, christiam and a close follower of politics it disturbs me as am American citizen that this country and it's people can be so blind and have such a short memeory. We as Americans have to understand that most if not all politicians are crooked, I now live in S. Florida and see it on a daily basis with their county commissioners going to jail for accepting bribes and whatever else they do. What really disturbs me is when we as Americans cried and asked God for help from the attacks of 9/11. It doesn't matter what poitical office was responsible for the attacks The Clinton or Bush administration. The bottom line is it happened. Whnat matters is that we as Americans who roughly 90% of us believe in God want to support a candidate who has Muslim ties. This country treats him like a rock star and I have seen nothing like this since the beatles came to America. It is time for all Americans especially "Christians to stop acting like convenient christians and to what is in their hearts and not their checking account. Tell me as an American and a politician how many of us would not abuse our power even just a little. Bottom line is McCain and Palin are what is best for America. Trust me when i tell you this we will all be sorry if Obama is elected President come Nov. 4th. "

 Dr Juan wrote on October 11, 2008 6:51 pm:
" This is such a TYPICAL example of how Republicans think:

“I disagree,’’ said Palin attorney Thomas Van Flein. “In order to violate the ethics law, there has to be some personal gain, usually financial. Mr. Branchflower has failed to identify any financial gain.’’

The statute says “any effort to benefit a personal or financial interest through official action is a violation of that (public) trust.’’

Palin sure belongs on the BUSH/McCAIN ticket. She can (through her attorneys) deny and twist the law and the truth with the best of them. She's out now saying this same report "vindicated" her. Its obvious that she is a vengeful person who ignores the law and does whatever she wants... a true "BUSH" clone. "

 CS wrote on October 11, 2008 7:05 pm:
" I wish a gay woman atheist would get elected. Im getting really tired of my christian friends wrapping this up in their faith. Im so tired of hearing the faith majority of this country trying to force the vote based on a non-issue. I don't care if the President is Christian. I know many agnostics, atheists, Wiccans, and Secular Humanists that put you to shame in the morals, ethics, and basic human decency categories. "

 Its so unfortunate wrote on October 11, 2008 7:29 pm:
" I think it is unfortunate that these people get into a "Power Trip" and abuse the office. Its not ILLEGAL however, and it SHOULD be, at least a misdemeanor, they should have to pay a fine. As it stands now they are only slapped on the hand.
If we keep having officials that abuse their offices then we the people may have to change this so it IS a criminal offense. I think at that point we should see less of this type of behavior. "

 WCG wrote on October 11, 2008 7:45 pm:
" "What matters is that we as Americans who roughly 90% of us believe in God want to support a candidate who has Muslim ties."

Huh??? What in the heck are you talking about, Rick? Muslim ties? Don't make me laugh! That's about the silliest thing I've seen yet,... and if you look at the previous pro-McCain posts, that's saying something! You can't possibly expect people to believe that...

Here's what I don't understand. We've had a 'born-again' president who's done his very best to destroy America for eight years now - and done a very good job of it, too. OK, morons need representation, too, I suppose (if anyone gets the Carl Curtis reference). But for the rest of us, why would anyone want to 'stay the course' when it's led to nothing but disaster for eight years now? McCain has NOTHING. If he had anything, he'd be telling the American people about his plans, not hiring Rovian slime-masters to run negative ads 24 hours a day.

OK, sure, Barack Obama is black. Big deal! Are Nebraskans still THAT racist? Do they have to invent lunatic lies about the man, just because he's black? I've got to say, my opinion of humanity is dropping steadily, one person at a time, as each Republican comments. "

 hey rick merchand wrote on October 11, 2008 8:01 pm:
" I'll say this! Bush is not nor has he ever been a christian!!!! He said things to get the conservatives to vote for him. Look at this disgraceful person. He is corrupt in so many ways I don't even try to count. He now has the blood of over 4000 troops on his hands. If he were a christian he would never picked tricky dicky to be his vp. These two running now are not quite as bad as georgie, but, if whats been happening they will close the gap. Check out mccains town hall in minnesota and iowa. People are calling to kill obama and afraid of a arab running the country. YOU CAN GO TO HELL FOR LYING THE SAME AS STEALING. Go call dear john and sweet sara now.!!!!!!!!!!!! "

 I told you wrote on October 11, 2008 8:17 pm:
" I told you she's a "mean girl" -- McCain finally showed some of the class I used to respect him for (in his attempt to calm fears of an Obama presidency and telling the old lady that Obama wasn't an arab). Too bad he has already unleased the Palin attack dog and set the hate ads in motion. He used to be a respectable man, I would have voted for him in 2004. Would have considered it this time had the same McCain showed up. "

 Josh wrote on October 11, 2008 8:26 pm:
" I just wonder how many folks making these comments actually read the report? "

 JR wrote on October 11, 2008 8:34 pm:
" mTm, if you continue to spew falsehoods and outright lies like you have today, people are going to think you work for Fox News, or KLIN, instead of just listening to it "

 Steve wrote on October 11, 2008 11:00 pm:
" Maybe everyone should re-read the article. The inquiry is looking at the firing of the Public Safety Commissioner who refused to fire her former brother in law, not the firing of the brother in law himself. Also, what should be more disturbing are findings that Palin's husband has "extraordinary access to the governor's office and her closest advisors." "

 Frank wrote on October 12, 2008 7:15 am:
" EthicalOne, perhaps you did not read my post. I was not defending her. I explicitely stated that in my post. Is it ethical to make accusations and false statements when the truth/facts are right in front of you, as my post was? Please read more carefully in the future. Thank you. To "Hey Frank", you stated that "I might tend to believe the 8 Repulicans and 4 Democrats in the Alaska Legislature". That is your perogative. The point I was making is that we should not just believe something because a politician or group of politicians stated it as a truth. The vast majority of the information that we receive comes from either the politicians themselves, or from a news agency which is usually biased in one direction or the other, or that dramaticizes a story to make it more entertaining. I don't believe the report any more or less than I believe Sarah Palin. I don't know any of the involved parties personally or professionally, and I have no idea whether any of them are trustworthy. Blind faith in our politicians and partisan bickering are two big reasons why our country is in the shape that it currently is. "

 joe wrote on October 12, 2008 9:28 am:
" whew thats good news! now i know she is smart enough to use her power to bully people, she's smarter than i thought. "

 talk radio wrote on October 12, 2008 9:33 am:
" no kidding about KLIN. talk about GOP biased news. the mainstream media is controlled by the GOP. but if enough right winged nuts (that are in the media) tell you that the media is controlled by the left wing you buy it. suckers.

it would be funny if our entire country wasn't at stake. "

 MtM wrote on October 12, 2008 3:09 pm:
" thing is you have more republicans calling for her to step aside than democrats. it is a foregone conclusion this race is lost the republican party leaders know it and will just put a pony show on for the rest of the campaign and tighten the purse strings saving up for the mid term elections in the house and senate to try and regain face to go to bat in 2012 for the white house "

 Theresa wrote on October 12, 2008 6:27 pm:
" "Palin says Monegan was fired as part of a legitimate budget dispute."

Just curious, can she do that? I mean, apparently so... but IF that was the case, that's kind of messed up anyway. Firing someone because they disagree on your budget plan, is it just me or does that sound intolerant? Whatever happened to people sitting down and discussing issues. "You don't like my budget plan so I'm going to fire you"??? "

 there wrote on October 12, 2008 7:29 pm:
" is also a white house intern from the 90's that told her story about abuse of power and all you libs did was snicker. "

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