Alaska panel finds Palin abused power in firing

sara1981 · 10-10-2008, 09:33 PM

Alaska panel finds Palin abused power in firing
Alaska panel finds Palin abused power in firing - Yahoo! News

Quote:

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.

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."

sara1981 · 10-10-2008, 09:50 PM

Panel: Palin abused power in trooper case
Panel: Palin abused power in trooper case - CNN.com

Quote:

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (CNN) -- Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin abused her power as Alaska's governor and violated state ethics law by trying to get her ex-brother-in-law fired from the state police, a state investigator's report concluded Friday.

"Gov. Palin knowingly permitted a situation to continue where impermissible pressure was placed on several subordinates in order to advance a personal agenda," the report states.

Public Safety Commissioner Walt Monegan's refusal to fire State Trooper Mike Wooten from the state police force was "likely a contributing factor" to Monegan's July dismissal, but Palin had the authority as governor to fire him, the report by former Anchorage prosecutor Stephen Branchflower states.

However, it states that her efforts to get Wooten fired broke a state ethics law that bars public officials from pursuing personal interest through official action.

Monegan has said he was fired in July after refusing pressure to sack Wooten, who had gone through an acrimonious divorce and custody battle with Palin's sister. View a timeline of the investigation »

Palin and her husband, Todd, have consistently denied wrongdoing, describing Wooten as a "rogue trooper" who had threatened their family -- allegations Branchflower discounted.

"I conclude that such claims of fear were not bona fide and were offered to provide cover for the Palins' real motivation: to get Trooper Wooten fired for personal family reasons," Branchflower wrote.

The Branchflower report states Todd Palin used his wife's office and its resources to press for Wooten's removal, and the governor "failed to act" to stop it. But because Todd Palin is not a state employee, the report makes no finding regarding his conduct.

The bipartisan Legislative Council, which commissioned the investigation after Monegan was fired, unanimously adopted the 263-page public report after a marathon executive session Friday. About 1,000 more pages of documents compiled during the inquiry will remain confidential, the council's chairman, state Sen. Kim Elton, said.

A spokeswoman for the McCain-Palin campaign responded by calling the investigation "a partisan-led inquiry" run by supporters of Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama, but hailing its finding that Monegan's firing broke no law.

"Gov. Palin was cleared of the allegation of an improper firing, which is what this investigation was approved to look into," campaign spokeswoman Meg Stapleton said.

She said the Legislature exceeded its mandate in finding an ethics violation. "Lacking evidence to support the original Monegan allegation, the Legislative Council seriously overreached, making a tortured argument to find fault without basis in law or fact," she said.

Rep. John Coghill, a Republican who criticized the handling of the investigation, said it was "well-done professionally."

But he said some of the conclusions were judgment calls by Branchflower, and recommended readers should view them with a "jaundiced eye."

Palin originally agreed to cooperate with the Legislative Council inquiry, and disclosed in August that her advisers had contacted Department of Public Safety officials nearly two dozen times regarding her ex-brother-in-law.

But once she became Sen. John McCain's running mate, her advisers began painting the investigation as a weapon of Democratic partisans.

Ahead of Friday's hearing, Palin supporters wearing clown costumes and carrying balloons denounced the probe as a "kangaroo court" and a "three-ring circus" led by supporters of Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama.

The state senator managing the probe, Sen. Hollis French, fueled those complaints with a September 2 interview in which he warned the inquiry could yield an "October Surprise" for the GOP. But Palin's lawyers already had begun pushing for the state Personnel Board to launch its own investigation, calling it the proper legal venue for the matter.

sara1981 · 10-11-2008, 12:21 AM

Palin abused power, probe finds
BBC NEWS | Americas | Palin abused power, probe finds

Sarah Palin clears HERSELF in 'Troopergate' abuse of power probe as official report is due to be published
Sarah Palin clears HERSELF in 'Troopergate' abuse of power probe as official report is due to be published | Mail Online

Sarah Palin 'abused' power, says Troopergate report
Sarah Palin 'abused' power, says Troopergate report - Telegraph

Report Reveals Palin Abused Power
Troopergate: Sarah Palin Abused Her Power As Alaska Governor | World News | Sky News

sablescort · 10-11-2008, 12:41 AM

Good..the 'Cuda's done in once the election is over. Hope the Alaskans sends her back to Wasilla in 2010. That is unless they go ahead and impeach her.

jillio · 10-11-2008, 06:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sablescort

Good..the 'Cuda's done in once the election is over. Hope the Alaskans sends her back to Wasilla in 2010. That is unless they go ahead and impeach her.

Frankly, I can't see her ever holding another elected office. But be prepared for the McCain campaign to come out with some serious whining over how this decision is unfair and everyone is just out to get her!

Royale · 10-11-2008, 07:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sablescort

Good..the 'Cuda's done in once the election is over. Hope the Alaskans sends her back to Wasilla in 2010. That is unless they go ahead and impeach her.

Her popularity rating is above 80 percent. If the Alaskan legislative body decided to pursue an impeachment process against her, they will face the wrath of voters.

Byrdie714 · 10-11-2008, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jillio

Frankly, I can't see her ever holding another elected office. But be prepared for the McCain campaign to come out with some serious whining over how this decision is unfair and everyone is just out to get her!

They already did.

Report stings Palin over Troopergate flap - Yahoo! News

Quote:

ANCHORAGE, Alaska - The politically charged investigation into Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin is over, and its conclusions are stinging. But the fallout, if any, might not come until Election Day.

A legislative investigator found that Palin violated state ethics laws and abused her power by trying to have her former brother-in-law fired as a state trooper.

The next move may be at the ballot box. The legislative committee that released the report Friday recommends no criminal investigation and has no authority to sanction the governor, the Republican vice presidential nominee.

"It is out of the Legislative Council's hands. It goes to anyone's hands who got a copy or clicks the link on the Web," said Democratic state Sen. Kim Elton, the chairman of the committee that released the report. "I can't tell you how the process ends."

If voters believe the report's finding and it tarnishes Palin's reputation as a reformer and a champion for good government, that could hurt Republican presidential nominee John McCain in the final weeks of the race.

The McCain campaign quickly rejected that notion.

"I think the American people can tell the difference between the results of a politically motivated investigation and a legitimate finding of fact," campaign spokesman Taylor Griffin said.

The inquiry looked into Palin's 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 and custody battle with the governor's sister. Palin says Monegan was fired as part of a legitimate budget dispute.

Stephen Branchflower, a retired prosecutor hired to conduct the investigation, said Monegan's firing was lawful. But the pressure Palin and her husband put on him, he said, was not.

Under Alaska law, it is up to the state's Personnel Board, not the Legislature, to decide whether Palin violated the ethics laws. If so, it must refer the matter to the Senate president for disciplinary action. Violations also carry a possible fine of up to $5,000.

By the time that investigation is over, however, the election will be over. If Palin is the vice president-elect, the results will hardly matter. If she loses, she'll have to address the board's findings at home. The national media will be long gone.

Barack Obama's presidential campaign did not comment on the report amid persistent accusations by Republicans that rival operatives were manipulating the investigation to help the Democratic presidential nominee.

Democratic Sen. Hollis French, who oversaw the investigation, contributed to that perception when he said the report could provide an "October surprise" for the McCain campaign.

Elton said partisanship played no role in the report.

"When we began investigating this, we had no idea that Sarah Palin would be a part of the national ticket," said Elton, an Obama supporter.

Branchflower said Palin violated a statute of the Alaska Executive Branch Ethics Act. Lawmakers don't have the authority to sanction her for such a violation and they gave no indication they would take any action against her.

Palin has recently said that the Personnel Board inquiry is the only one that matters. And McCain's campaign echoed those comments Friday.

"This is the opinion of this Legislative Council investigation," Griffin said. "It's just an opinion."

The report notes a few instances in which Palin pressed the case against trooper Mike Wooten, but it was her husband, Todd, who led the charge. Todd Palin had extraordinary access to the governor's office and her closest advisers and he used that access to try to get Wooten fired.

Gov. Palin knowingly "permitted Todd to use the Governor's office and the resources of the Governor's office, including access to state employees, to continue to contact subordinate state employees in an effort to find some way to get Trooper Wooten fired," Branchflower's report reads.

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. The Palins said they feared for their family's safety after Wooten made threats against them

jillio · 10-11-2008, 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Byrdie714

They already did.

Report stings Palin over Troopergate flap - Yahoo! News

Yep, the American public can tell the difference. Guilty of abuse of power....fact.

Byrdie714 · 10-11-2008, 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Royale

Her popularity rating is above 80 percent. If the Alaskan legislative body decided to pursue an impeachment process against her, they will face the wrath of voters.

The Alaskan voters don't even know who they were voting for.

Remember this is the same state whose US senator is on trial for accepting bribes.

What are they drinking in Alaska?

jillio · 10-11-2008, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Byrdie714

The Alaskan voters don't even know who they were voting for.

Remember this is the same state whose US senator is on trial for accepting bribes.

What are they drinking in Alaska?

Must be the frigid temperatures. Kind of like eating ice cream too fast.....BRAIN FREEZE!

Byrdie714 · 10-11-2008, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jillio

Must be the frigid temperatures. Kind of like eating ice cream too fast.....BRAIN FREEZE!

Rob · 10-11-2008, 11:56 AM

This is all so amusing and pathetic. McCain and Palin have been losing, got desperate, and stopped talking about the issues. So, when push came to shove, they sacrificed integrity (well, not like they had any to begin with) for smear politics. Now, in every crowd speech, they try to paint Barack Obama as a terrorist sympathizer and spread the same kind of message of fear like George W. Bush has done to the American public for the past 8 years. McCain and Palin have started riots out of this and have fostered hate that has legitimately made people in crowds shout out wanting to kill Obama. And I say this, you just knew it wouldn't be long before their personal attacks would come back to bite them in the @$$.

McCain and Palin have been asking "Who is the real Barack Obama?"

Well, now that Palin got busted for her abuse of power and proved she can't be an unbiased leader and McCain shows constantly that he's full of crap, one has to ask this...who are the real John McCain and Sarah Palin?

BradB08 · 10-11-2008, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jillio

Frankly, I can't see her ever holding another elected office. But be prepared for the McCain campaign to come out with some serious whining over how this decision is unfair and everyone is just out to get her!

You take that back. In 'Nam, I was a POW and they didn't talk kindly to POWs who did the jitterbug on moonshine!

BradB08 · 10-11-2008, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Byrdie714

What are they drinking in Alaska?

Northern Comfort?

jillio · 10-11-2008, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rob

This is all so amusing and pathetic. McCain and Palin have been losing, got desperate, and stopped talking about the issues. So, when push came to shove, they sacrificed integrity (well, not like they had any to begin with) for smear politics. Now, in every crowd speech, they try to paint Barack Obama as a terrorist sympathizer and spread the same kind of message of fear like George W. Bush has done to the American public for the past 8 years. McCain and Palin have started riots out of this and have fostered hate that has legitimately made people in crowds shout out wanting to kill Obama. And I say this, you just knew it wouldn't be long before their personal attacks would come back to bite them in the @$$.

McCain and Palin have been asking "Who is the real Barack Obama?"

Well, now that Palin got busted for her abuse of power and proved she can't be an unbiased leader and McCain shows constantly that he's full of crap, one has to ask this...who are the real John McCain and Sarah Palin?

Good question! They have shown the American public over and over again that they certainly are not the people they want everyone to believe they are!

**Jiro** · 10-11-2008, 03:12 PM

somehow - I don't really care if Palin abused her power or not because who doesn't? Not really a big deal.

**Daredevel7** · 10-11-2008, 03:32 PM

I laugh about this because.... she abused her power to fire her ex brother in law? This is the political version of Jerry Springer!
"OMG! Dont tell me your husband is having lunch with that no good skank hussy!? No one messes with my sister like that!"
(By the way, I have no idea why she got him fired, but it would be funny if it was over some silly domestic thing)

**Jiro** · 10-11-2008, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daredevel7

I laugh about this because.... she abused her power to fire her ex brother in law? This is the political version of Jerry Springer!
"OMG! Dont tell me your husband is having lunch with that no good skank hussy!? No one messes with my sister like that!"
(By the way, I have no idea why she got him fired, but it would be funny if it was over some silly domestic thing)

Exactly! This is nothing but overly politically-charged bullshit. The more it continues, the further the hypocrisy is - especially the one who is leading this...... oh that would be Obama supporters. I wonder if Obama has abused his power... even slightest

BradB08 · 10-11-2008, 03:57 PM

McCain/Palin are undoing themselves.

Don't try to pin this on Obama and his supporters. Big fail there.

sablescort · 10-11-2008, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daredevel7

I laugh about this because.... she abused her power to fire her ex brother in law? This is the political version of Jerry Springer!
"OMG! Dont tell me your husband is having lunch with that no good skank hussy!? No one messes with my sister like that!"
(By the way, I have no idea why she got him fired, but it would be funny if it was over some silly domestic thing)

LMAO! The McCain/Cuda campaign needs Jerry Springer to open their rallies. Too bad Jerry's a Dem so he wont emcee their rallies..Thank goodness for that.

and ofc its over a domestic thing namely..divorce. I cant believe the Cuda brought her dirtier-than-dirty laundry to Juneau and aired it out!

jillio · 10-11-2008, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jiro

Exactly! This is nothing but overly politically-charged bullshit. The more it continues, the further the hypocrisy is - especially the one who is leading this...... oh that would be Obama supporters. I wonder if Obama has abused his power... even slightest

Actually, the investigation started long before she was mentioned as a VP nominee. It was only after she became McCain's running mate that the republicans advised her to stop cooperating with the investigation and started whining that the Dems were trying to railroad her. It always was a bipartisan committee and investigation.

**Liebling:-)))** · 10-12-2008, 03:30 AM

Karma: “What goes around, comes around.”

jillio · 10-12-2008, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Liebling:-)))

Karma: “What goes around, comes around.”

And if you aren't careful, it knocks you out on the return trip!

Liza · 10-12-2008, 01:23 PM

Calling a spade a spade; Palin sure did Alaska a grave disservice with her abuse of authority, and it is absolutely unbelievable to me that McCain chose her as his running mate. Sure tells me what HIS priorities are.

PowerON · 11-04-2008, 09:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jiro

somehow - I don't really care if Palin abused her power or not because who doesn't? Not really a big deal.

You're right, it's not big deal since it doesn't affect the voter in Alaska as well. How pity.

Hear Again · 11-04-2008, 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jiro

Exactly! This is nothing but overly politically-charged bullshit. The more it continues, the further the hypocrisy is - especially the one who is leading this...... oh that would be Obama supporters. I wonder if Obama has abused his power... even slightest

How can Obama abuse his power as Senator?

Hear Again · 11-04-2008, 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Liza

Calling a spade a spade; Palin sure did Alaska a grave disservice with her abuse of authority, and it is absolutely unbelievable to me that McCain chose her as his running mate. Sure tells me what HIS priorities are.

Hear Again · 11-04-2008, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jiro

somehow - I don't really care if Palin abused her power or not because who doesn't? Not really a big deal.

It is a big deal if Palin wants to be elected Vice-President. If she abused her power as Governor of Alaska, who's to say she won't do the same if she's VP? Besides, abuse of power could have very serious consequences for America.

PowerON · 11-04-2008, 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hear Again

How can Obama abuse his power as Senator?

Geez, he said IF
Don't take serious.

jswilson · 11-04-2008, 10:40 AM

Hey! Palin had just been cleared today of her guiltness!!

10-11-2008, 12:21 AM	#3 (permalink)
sara1981 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: North Little Rock,Ar Posts: 7,049	Palin abused power, probe finds BBC NEWS \| Americas \| Palin abused power, probe finds Sarah Palin clears HERSELF in 'Troopergate' abuse of power probe as official report is due to be published Sarah Palin clears HERSELF in 'Troopergate' abuse of power probe as official report is due to be published \| Mail Online Sarah Palin 'abused' power, says Troopergate report Sarah Palin 'abused' power, says Troopergate report - Telegraph Report Reveals Palin Abused Power Troopergate: Sarah Palin Abused Her Power As Alaska Governor \| World News \| Sky News __________________

10-12-2008, 03:30 AM	#22 (permalink)
Liebling:-))) Sussi 7.7.86 - 18.6.09 Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Germany Posts: 31,038	Karma: “What goes around, comes around.” __________________

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10-11-2008, 12:41 AM	#4 (permalink)
sablescort Registered User Join Date: May 2003 Location: Found my way back home to Knoxville...heh! Posts: 3,537	Good..the 'Cuda's done in once the election is over. Hope the Alaskans sends her back to Wasilla in 2010. That is unless they go ahead and impeach her.

10-11-2008, 11:56 AM	#12 (permalink)
Rob Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: South Jersey Posts: 14	This is all so amusing and pathetic. McCain and Palin have been losing, got desperate, and stopped talking about the issues. So, when push came to shove, they sacrificed integrity (well, not like they had any to begin with) for smear politics. Now, in every crowd speech, they try to paint Barack Obama as a terrorist sympathizer and spread the same kind of message of fear like George W. Bush has done to the American public for the past 8 years. McCain and Palin have started riots out of this and have fostered hate that has legitimately made people in crowds shout out wanting to kill Obama. And I say this, you just knew it wouldn't be long before their personal attacks would come back to bite them in the @$$. McCain and Palin have been asking "Who is the real Barack Obama?" Well, now that Palin got busted for her abuse of power and proved she can't be an unbiased leader and McCain shows constantly that he's full of crap, one has to ask this...who are the real John McCain and Sarah Palin?

10-11-2008, 03:12 PM	#16 (permalink)
Jiro Aparecium Deletrius Legil Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: The Soprano State Posts: 60,531	somehow - I don't really care if Palin abused her power or not because who doesn't? Not really a big deal.

10-11-2008, 03:32 PM	#17 (permalink)
Daredevel7 Adrenaline Junky Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Huntsville, AL Posts: 4,341	I laugh about this because.... she abused her power to fire her ex brother in law? This is the political version of Jerry Springer! "OMG! Dont tell me your husband is having lunch with that no good skank hussy!? No one messes with my sister like that!" (By the way, I have no idea why she got him fired, but it would be funny if it was over some silly domestic thing)

10-11-2008, 03:57 PM	#19 (permalink)
BradB08 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Vermont Posts: 2,676 Blog Entries: 1	McCain/Palin are undoing themselves. Don't try to pin this on Obama and his supporters. Big fail there.

10-12-2008, 01:23 PM	#24 (permalink)
Liza Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Jacksonville Posts: 4,367 Blog Entries: 2	Calling a spade a spade; Palin sure did Alaska a grave disservice with her abuse of authority, and it is absolutely unbelievable to me that McCain chose her as his running mate. Sure tells me what HIS priorities are.

11-04-2008, 10:40 AM	#30 (permalink)
jswilson Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 23	Hey! Palin had just been cleared today of her guiltness!!