Palin Hires Attorney For Trooper Inquiry

GOP VP Candidate Is Being Investigated Over Firing Of Alaska Public Safety Commissioner

(AP)  Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, the Republican vice presidential candidate, is being represented by an attorney in the investigation into the firing of her public safety commissioner.

The Legislature is investigating whether Palin fired public safety commissioner Walt Monegan after he refused to fire a state law enforcement official who had divorced Palin's sister.

The governor's decision to hire the attorney was disclosed by the Legislature's investigating committee on Monday, not by Gov. Palin's office. The committee released an e-mailed letter it had received from Palin's new lawyer on Friday, the day McCain announced she would be his running mate.

"We have been hired to represent the Governor and the Governor's Office" in the investigation, Anchorage attorney Thomas V. Van Flein wrote. "We fully welcome a fair inquiry into these allegations. ... Please know that we intend to cooperate with this investigation."

In July, a legislative oversight committee approved $100,000 to investigate whether Palin abused her power in firing Monegan.

This political he-said, she-said has dogged Palin for nearly two months and is likely to do so for another two months leading to the Nov. 4 presidential election.

The little-known vice presidential candidate faces accusations of firing public safety commissioner Walt Monegan in what amounts to a messy Palin family drama dating to her pre-gubernatorial days.

The accuser is blogger and rental car executive Andrew Halcro, a Republican-turned-Independent who lost to Palin in the 2006 governor's race.

The accused is Palin, the rising Republican star with a clean-hands reputation who has the most to lose.

The man in the middle is former commissioner, Monegan, who says Palin never told him to fire Mike Wooten, but he felt pressure to do so from members of her administration.

Then there's Wooten, who used a Taser on his stepson, Palin's nephew Payton. Wooten has been reprimanded for violating nearly a dozen laws and departmental policies since December 2001.

The matter is now in the hands of a state-hired investigator working for a Republican-dominated legislative committee that hopes to sort out the mess.

Palin steadfastly denies the allegations, and with her signature resolve, said she welcomes the investigation. "Hold me accountable," she challenge her critics.

With Palin now in the national spotlight as McCain's choice as running mate, the investigation could get more attention than the federal corruption probes involving Republican Sen. Ted Stevens and others that are already besetting this state.

"With this appointment, you've given an obscure investigation more national limelight than any grand jury," said Democratic consultant Dane Strother. "Think about it, if they come down on her, what is McCain going to do?"

McCain's campaign says it's not worried about the investigation. "The bottom line is Governor Palin has a proven record championing transparency in government and we are confident in that record," said McCain spokeswoman Maria Comella.

Monegan was fired in July, after he declined a transfer to become the director to the state's alcohol control board.

[kansas1946]

This HIGHLIGHTS THE FEARS that McCain is no where near ready to make critical decisions for this country. He failed to properly do the HOMEWORK before making his most CRITICAL decision to date. We do not need him deciding which war to start next.Posted by allurfears at 10:02 AM : Sep 02, 2008
************************************

I agree, totally. After he got shot down on practically every VP on his list, he had to hurry and pick someone before the convention. To grab a VP without vetting is inexcusable, shows a lack of judgement, and a whole bunch of desparation. It fact, it is just downright scary, at his age, that he would pick someone that is a heart-beat away from the presidency that has not been vetted.

[akoeppen]

I was leaning Obama/Biden, however, I am now leaning McCain/Palin. The biggest reason why? Obama''s cockiness and hypacrosy. I would like him better if he would just admit that he doesn''t have that much foreign policy or executive experience, but that he is ready, able and willing to learn. Palin''s 2 years as governor and head of Alaska National Guard is better than Obama''s two years of voting present in the Senate. Why are we comparing Obama to Palin? I thought she was the VP pick!

[frootloophhh]

Never fear Republicans.
The McCain/Palin ticket is a WINNER!
We elected Bush/Cheney twice didn''t we?

[warmonger247]

TROOP-GATE?

Sounds like she''s keeping her fingers crossed the way her daughter kept her legs crossed.

[caliguy55]

The Republican spin machine is an amazing thing to watch, although anyone with a little common sense can readily discern the BS and lies pouring out of this propaganda device. Watching the pious G.O.P. Delegates on TV talking about prayer and respect for the Hurricane Victims and reading the stories about the behind the door parties being thrown by lobbyist and big corporations for the Delegates, one quickly gets a sense of the magnitude of the deranged thinking that fills their minds. Of course, the truth eventually comes out, but it doesn''t seem to bother them as they effortlessly move on to the next bigger and better lie. These people are so hypocritical and stupid that they begin to believe their own lies. And, so it goes from day-to-day that bright and cheerful gathering known as the G.O.P. convention. Obama/Biden 08!!!

[allurfears]

PALIN GETTING NEW McCAIN CAMPAIGN VETTING- AFTER THE FACT

"La, la, la" (sound made by McCain supporters as they plug their ears so as not to hear the truth about his botched V.P. vetting job)

TODAY McCAIN SENT a team of eight "VETTERS" to Alaska. They will be investigating Palin to find out what they should have discovered about Palin BEFORE McCain decided to make her his V.P. candidate.

McCain made a last minute "seat of the pants" decision to pick Palin. This came after Karl Rove vetoed Joe Lieberman, and the Evangelicals vetoed Tom Ridge. McCain "liked" Paliin, so he picked her without doing the background work.

Reports indicate that McCain campaign vetters arrived in Alaska ONLY ONE DAY before the decision to pick Palin was announced Friday. McCain met with her the FIRST TIME on Thursday, and OFFERED HER THE JOB ON-THE-SPOT.

McCain "vetters" never researched the archives of Palin''s hometown newspaper.

McCain''s decision on Palin was driven by IMPULSE and WITHOUT CARE for the details or issues.

This HIGHLIGHTS THE FEARS that McCain is no where near ready to make critical decisions for this country. He failed to properly do the HOMEWORK before making his most CRITICAL decision to date. We do not need him deciding which war to start next.

http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/09/02/america/02vetting.php

http://strategy08.wordpress.com/2008/09/01/john-mccain-ready-to-vet-on-day-three/

[abbe91]

"Great pick McCain, I was for Obama Bin Biden ticket but now Im more McCain Palin

Posted by jedi080808 at 12:13 AM : Sep 02, 2008"

As if we would believe it ... Hey McCain, it''s still time to pick Harriet Myers ... LOL

[abbe91]

"It''''s led by a partisan democrat lawyer, ..."
Posted by GypsyMan4 at 03:02 AM : Sep 02, 2008

The accuser is blogger and rental car executive Andrew Halcro, a Republican-turned-Independent who lost to Palin in the 2006 governor''s race.

[gypsyman4]

This ethics investigation is total garbage. It''s led by a partisan democrat lawyer, and Palin did nothing wrong in dumping an ineffectual police commissioner.

Not WRIGHT for America (www.notwrightforamerica.com) does a good job destroying this alleged "ethics investigation" and demonstrating what it really is--a partisan witch hunt.

[allurfears]

The worst aspect of this is less about Palin than about McCain. It is entirely appropriate to draw conclusions from McCain''s gross failure of judgment and competence in this case.

If he cannot do a good job of this selection, his most critical decision so far, then how can we trust McCain will not "fire from the hip" on - oh let''s say- war with Russia?????

[tbweb]

Gov. Palin`s real problem with this TrooperGate scandal is that the official she fired has her emails, this is probably why Palin hired an Attorney! This is not a verbal he said, she said, Palin has an electronic paper trail. The White House knows how to lose emails, McSame should have selected Palin sooner so they could have assisted her! LOL

[tawpdawg111]

I doubt they are there to vet. more likely to cover tracks, change birth records and the like.

Under Alaska statutory rape laws, if Bristol baby was conceived while she was 16 then the father has to be either 16 or 17. If not then a felony has been committed. If the father was 15 or younger Bristol is the guilty party REGARDLESS of consent. If the father is 18 or older then HE is guilty of felony statutory rape REGARDLESS of consent.

When was Bristol born EXACTLY?

When was the father born EXACTLY?

Of course, the Governor could issue a pardon to either one.

[allurfears]

UPDATED:

PALIN GETTING NEW McCAIN CAMPAIGN VETTING- AFTER THE FACT

NOW there are reports that McCAIN HAS SENT a team of "VETTERS" to Alaska TODAY. They will be investigating Palin to find out what they should have discovered about Palin BEFORE McCain decided to make her his V.P. candidate.

Now it is coming out that McCain made a last minute "seat of the pants" decision to pick Palin. This came after Karl Rove vetoed Joe Lieberman, and the Evangelicals vetoed Tom Ridge. McCain "liked" Paliin, so he picked her without doing the background work.

Reports indicate that McCain campaign vetters arrived in Alaska ONLY ONE DAY before the decision to pick Palin was announced Friday. McCain met with her the FIRST TIME on Thursday, and OFFERED HER THE JOB ON-THE-SPOT.

McCain''s decision on Palin was driven by IMPULSE and WITHOUT CARE for the details or issues.

This proves McCain is no where near ready to make critical decisions for this country. He failed to properly do the HOMEWORK before making his most CRITICAL decision to date. We do not need him deciding which war to start next.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/02/us/politics/02vetting.html

[tbweb]

PALIN GETTING NEW McCAIN CAMPAIGN VETTING- AFTER THE FACT

NOW there are reports that McCAIN HAS SENT a team of ADDITIONAL "VETTERS" to Alaska TODAY. They will be investigating to find out what they should have discovered about Palin BEFORE McCain decided to make her his V.P. candidate.

A LITTLE LATE, ISN''''T IT McCAIN?

This proves McCain is no where near ready to make critical decisions for this country. He failed to properly do the HOMEWORK before making his most CRITICAL decision to date. We do not need him deciding which war to start next.

Posted by allurfears at 12:45 AM : Sep 02, 2008,,,

Gov. Palin has also admitted to smoking marijuana and while many dismiss this as harmless I would still be interested in Gov. Palin clearing the air and putting her drug use to rest. Was Gov. Palin a heavy drug abuser when she smoked marijuana, a Pot head? Or was Gov. Palin a casual recreation drug user? I read somewhere on the web there may be embarrassing photos of her, maybe the person with the embarrassing pictures is waiting until Gov. Palin gains more popularity so the embarrassing pictures will be worth more money! hmmm.

[mapatty1]

I''ve been telling you that McCain is incompetent.

[libra127]

PALIN: BA degree in journalism - U of Idaho
Wasilla, Alaska, City Council - 1992-1996 (4 years)
Wasilla, Alaska, Mayor - 1996-2002
Ran for Lt. Gov. 2002 - lost
Gov of Alaska - 2006-current, 20 months (state pop: 1/5 that of Chicago)

****************************
****************************

OBAMA: Occidental College - 2 years
Columbia U - BA degree in Political Science with a specialization in International Relations
Worked at Business International Corporation
Chicago Community Organizer - 3 years
Harvard Law School - Juris Doctor, President of Harvard Law Review (first year), Graduated Magna _Cum Laude
Lawyer - Sidley & Austin Law Firm, Chicago
U of Chicago Law School - Constitutional law teacher 12 years: Lecturer for four years (1992-1996), Senior Lecturer for eight years (1996-2004).
Wrote 2 best-selling books
Civil Rights Attorney - 1993-1996- Associate, of counsel- 1996-2004
Illinois State Senate: 1998-2004 - 3 terms
US Senate - 2004-Current; Committees: Foreign Relations, Vet Affairs, Envir and Public Works, European Affairs
Presidential Campaign - 19 months

and over 800 pieces of legislation that he''s written, sponsored, co-sponsored and voted on.

[allurfears]

PALIN GETTING NEW McCAIN CAMPAIGN VETTING- AFTER THE FACT

NOW there are reports that McCAIN HAS SENT a team of ADDITIONAL "VETTERS" to Alaska TODAY. They will be investigating to find out what they should have discovered about Palin BEFORE McCain decided to make her his V.P. candidate.

A LITTLE LATE, ISN''T IT McCAIN?

This proves McCain is no where near ready to make critical decisions for this country. He failed to properly do the HOMEWORK before making his most CRITICAL decision to date. We do not need him deciding which war to start next.

[allurfears]

PALIN and "ALASKA INDEPENDENCE PARTY"

The Alaskan Independence Party (AIP) believes:
-- Alaskans must vote for secession from the United States (can you say "49 states"?)
-- That "the vote for Alaskan statehood was invalid"
-- ALL environmental regulation should be eliminated
-- All government lands should be turned over to private parties
-- THE MAJOR PARTIES MUST BE "INFILTRATED" TO OBTAIN ALASKAN INDEPENDENCE

WHAT IS THE EXTENT OF PALIN''S RELATIONSHIP TO THE AIP?

Palin belonged to the AIP before she decided to seek higher office.

The AIP supported Palin for Governor.

AIP Vice Chairman of the AIP, Dexter Clark revealed this year:
"the one we were hoping would get elected, Sarah Palin, did get elected. ... And there was a lot of talk about her moving up. She was an AIP member before she got the job as a mayor of a small town, that was a non-partisan job. But you get along to go along, she eventually joined the Republican Party

Sarah Palin recorded a nice message to the AIP Convention this year, saying that the party "plays an important role in our state''s politics" and that "we have a great promise to be a self-sufficient state."

Is Sarah Palin a radical Alaskan secessionist? She certainly believes in them, and she belonged to their party before it became politically expedient for her to join the Republicans...

[jimfinster]

Maybe Palin should have stayed home and been in a mother. Her pregnant 17 year old daughter?