GOP vs. GOP Over Palin Inquiry

The Nation: Investigation Into "Troopergate" Headed By Democratic State Sen. Hollis French Is Backed By State Republicans

(The Nation)  This column was written by John Nichols.

Here is an interesting twist on the McCain campaign's determined effort to shut down the investigation of Alaska Governor Sarah Palin's abuses of power in what has come to be known as the "Troopergate" scandal.

Palin stands accused of dismissing the state's public safety commissioner because he would not fire her former brother-in-law, a state trooper with whom the governor was feuding after he and her sister divorced.

If Palin did so abuse her office, she could face any number of penalties, up to and including impeachment as governor. That would make it harder to pitch Palin as an "original maverick" reformer.

The McCain camp has tried a number of moves since Palin's selection to close down the bipartisan inquiry -- which was approved by the state's Legislative Council but is being conducted by a respected former prosecutor -- into the governor's alleged wrongdoing. If Alaska was a typical state, this partisan move might have worked. But Alaska is a very small state where top Democrats and Republicans have traditions of working together -- especially on ethics inquiries.

So, even though Republicans dominate the legislature, the McCain camp has been rebuffed.

Now, McCain's aides have gotten a handful of legislators who are tied to the campaign to file a suit in Alaska's Superior Court demanding that the investigation be halted. The clear goal is to prevent the completion of what is likely to be a damning report regarding Palin's misdeeds before election day -- as was evident when McCain aides suddenly began appearing on national news shows, fully briefed and ready to cheer on the suit, just moments after Alaskans learned it was being initiated.

What are the grounds for this suit? state Sen. Hollis French, who is managing the investigation at the behest of the legislature, is a Democrat who backs Barack Obama for president.

The five legislators name French and another Democratic legislator, Kim Elton, in the suit, as well as special investigator Stephen Branchflower and the Alaska Legislative Council. "The Partisan actions of Sen. French, Sen. Elton and the Legislative Council have tainted the investigation beyond the appearance of impartiality required under the Alaska Constitution," claims Kevin Clarkson, Esq., of the firm Brena, Bell & Clarkson, P.C., and counsel in the suit.

Here's the amusing part: The Alaska Legislative Council is a permanent interim committee of the Legislature and is responsible for conducting the business of the full Legislature when it is not in session.

The Council, which approved the Troopergate inquiry and is paying for it, and which has stood behind French despite the partisan attacks, is made up of 8 Republicans and 4 Democrats.

In other words, the McCain campaign's allies in Alaska are suing Republicans in order to protect Palin from a bipartisan inquiry.

Needless to say, the national McCain operatives who appeared on cable news shows to promote the suit failed to mention that detail.

[eggy1620]

This is nothing. Shortly after the election, it will be announced that Bristol suffered an %u201Centirely natural miscarriage.%u201D

[Gary Kempf]

So, even though Republicans dominate the legislature, the McCain camp has been rebuffed.

The McCain camp has tried a number of moves since Palin''s selection to close down the bipartisan inquiry -- which was approved by the state''s Legislative Council but is being conducted by a respected former prosecutor -- into the governor''s alleged wrongdoing.


So there are Republicans and Democrats truly working together, that are only investigating Palin politics, And only want to get to the truth, but McCain doesn''t want the truth to be known during the election campaign?????


MMMMMMMMMM!, I must question Mr. McCain''s ethics here.... I think this further proof of how low McCain will go!!!!!

[dave_in_md]

I have to say, I%u2019m sad today. I%u2019m a life-long democrat and now, with Obama regaining lost ground, I should be elated. Part of me is, I suppose, but another part is truly sad. Through the years, in debating with conservative friends, I%u2019d always say if John McCain was ever in a position to be President, I might vote republican for the first time. His honesty and integrity were worthy of the office. He would cross party lines to get things done. My friends would laugh. John McCain wasn''t a real republican. He''d never get the nomination. Yet, here we are. But things have changed. The John McCain I''d spent years admiring is gone. He''s been replaced by someone that I don''t recognize at all. The chatter is the same -- "Country First" and "Straight Talk Express," but the content is different. There''s no honesty anymore. In interviews, he seems to have a look on his face that reveals how he feels inside, but the words that come out of his mouth are not his own. And the John McCain that I respected would never have picked someone with so little experience to be the VP. He knows what''s at stake. John, wherever you are, wake up and stop this nonsense. You''ve reversed yourself on just about every position you''ve taken in the last 20 years. You''re losing what''s made you great! After this election, win or lose, I hope the real John McCain emerges. He won''t be the same -- he''s lost too much. But for those Americans like me, he''s really missed.

[thebob-bob]

McCain/Palin. Four more years of secrecy, deception and ''Make Me, What are you going to do about" abuse of power". Clearly McCain has accepted all the Bush Administrations insistence on unbridled executive power.

Mo More Years!

[jasonmcj]

Solid article. No Republcians here posting nonsense because they have no lies to push....

And this is just more proof of the insanity and desperation of the McCain campaign.

Gotta love this quote "In other words, the McCain campaign''s allies in Alaska are suing Republicans in order to protect Palin from a bipartisan inquiry.

Needless to say, the national McCain operatives who appeared on cable news shows to promote the suit failed to mention that detail."

Typical GOP lies....leave out the most important infomration that makes your lawsuit look like what it is....***

[j_mcdouglas]

It''s not just whether she fired Monegan for whatever reason. It''s whether she pressured Monegan to fire Wooten. Both are unethical and breaches of ethics standards.

There are two ethical issues here that could result in her impeachment, not one.

[ioweign]

Didn''t Sarah Palin file an ethics complaint against herself in regard to "Troopgate" ?

And now the McCain Campaign is filing a suit to stop the Alaska Legislator from investigating too!!!

Any separation of power in the Alaska state government ???

[stevex47]

"If Palin did so abuse her office, she could face any number of penalties, up to and including impeachment as governor"

Which she obviously did. Typical republicon tactic.

She needs to answer questions UNDER OATH.

How can she be VP as a felon or from prison?

[stevex47]

navpro,
"MMMMMMMMMM!, I must question Mr. McCain''''s ethics here.... I think this further proof of how low McCain will go!!!!!"

He can go this low, the scumbag...

"Why is Chelsea Clinton so ugly? Because her father is Janet Reno."

And the nutjobs think Democrats are too tough on poor little paylin. Hypocrits, especially exxon john mcbush.

[johnpatrick9]

McCain and Pallin are as corrupt as bush the worthless..typical republican sleaze tactics. Throw the bums out including the bimbo. These low lifes are a disgrace.

[stevex47]

She is kinda hot though, ha. Just the way mcsame likes them.

Do you think old johnny would have picked her if she was black and in her 60''s?

Ha.

[elkc]

It is a sad day! McCain has joined Bush in the misuse of government and jolted America right up the !@# again! A vote for McCain-Palin is nothing short of an excusal of injustice toward every breathing American and an indignity on those who have died protecting this country!

[swiltfong]

I think its amazing how people fail to mention that Palins Brother-in-law was tasering his own son...

[ramos937]

Hollywood could never have imagined a script like this. Case 1: Findings are in and Palin is cleared. No problem for the GOP. Case 2: Findings determine that Palin abused her office. Punishment hearings are initiated and these could include impeachment from office. If Case 2 happens before 11/04/2008, what can McCain do? Other than lose his famous temper? No sane American would vote for a ticket that included an a VP candate like this. It would hurt McCain big time no matter how much lipstick he puts on that pig.

Now suppose McCain/Palin ticket is elected and findings are in after 11/04/2008, can she still serve as VP?

What was McCain thinking when he selected her as his VP candidate?

[strangeworld]

McCain has no honor - he''s proven himself as of late to be nothing more than an extension of the Bush administration and his manuevering on this Palin issue looks similar to the antics of Bush/Cheney during the hearings about the outing of Valerie Plame. Bunch of slime-balls making believe that they actually care about our country. Shame of the GOP.

[skysoldier75]

If Palin continues to refuse to answer questions, under oath and before the election, then we simply HAVE to assume that the reason she won''t is because she knows she is guilty.

What other reason could she possibly have?

If she''s innocent she ought to welcome the opportunity to clear her name.

[thevealchop]

The Republicans are attacking themselves now! HAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh, this is rich. I can''t wait to read about their demise in this election in 20 years. A WHOLE bunch of people (with brains in their heads) will have plenty to write about...

[aboz3]

As a Navy combat veteran of Viet Nam there were two people I would have been proud to have voted for to become President. One was Colin Powell the other was John McCain. Sadly, this isn''t the case any longer. McCain has lost my respect and my vote! The more I see him the more I see the man he wants to replace. More sadly, Gen. Powell isn''t running!

[stirringitup]

So the Dems are upset that Palin tried to have a poor excuse for a lawman fired. While that has yet to be proven, I personally would cheer if it is true. Are Dems really wanting to defend a crooked cop who has admitted to the following (taser 11 year old for practice, drinking in police vehicle, shooting wildlife illegally). I suspect it is all about leverage and politics and there is no concern about the actual allegations against the "lawman".
I am a registered Dem but I am frankly absolutely disgusted with both parties.
At least McCain has gone against his own parties policies occasionally. Show me one example Biden or Obama going against their own party. And please dont cite Obama being against the war when his vote didnt matter. He did not have the guts or follow-though to vote against war funding, retro-active immunity for the telecoms when his voted did matter. I will make it easy - force William Jefferson out of ofice with loss of all pension or tell me why not (you know the guy with the 90K in marked bills hidden in the frig from the FBI during a sting)

[lawyertom1]

The issue is simple -- What is she trying to hide? What does she fear will come out that will adversely impact McPalin campaign? Obviously a lot.

[lawyertom1]

While idiots like swiltfong are repeating unsubstantiated rumors and urban myths, you are forgetting that their are two orders from the family law court that order Palin and her sister to stop bad-mouthing the former husband. Oh, my, did you overlook the facts? Pathetic.

[algwriter]

I find it ironic reading comments that condemn Democrats for this inquiry when the commission that is supporting it is made up of 8 Republicans and 4 Democrats. In other words, it''s the Republicans that feel she may have broken the law, and it''s the Republicans that hired the Special Prosecutor. It''s pretty bad when your own party thinks you''re a crook.

[algwriter]

ANd by the way...this inquiry is not about protecting a crooked cop, it''s about the governor abusing her power. When her husband started spreading information that could only be found in personnel files, it went from trying to get rid of a crooked cop to invasion of privacy and allowing civilian access to restricted information.

[rochest]

and this from the campaign that promises total open and transparent government. typical Republican playbook say one thing and mean another like transparency for others but executive privilege for me.

[notblue]

Why don''t any of you libs realize the Repubs want this investigation to shut down the liberal media rumor mill and the leftwing finger pointers?

[rinnie5]

At least McCain has gone against his own parties policies occasionally. Show me one example Biden or Obama going against their own party

They didn''t have to..........nuff said.

[tbweb]

Why are Republicans making it seem like its acceptable to ignore subpoenas and thwart investigations? Republicans think the rules and Laws don`t apply to them! Republicans have no shame anymore! Sarah Palin facing a criminal investigation that could lead to her impeachment as Alaska Governor should spare Americans her Jerry Springer lifestyle and family life and withdraw from the race! This is just the tip of the iceberg, the more America finds out the worst it will get and we haven`t even seen her racy pictures from her modeling days yet!

[skysoldier75]

It''s not about "protecting a cop" - it''s about exposing the illegal behavior of an out-of-control Governor who abused her official powers by using them to get personal revenge on somebody.

That''s an illegal abuse of power, plain and simple.

If the cop was doing things he shouldn''t have been doing, then the Chief of Police should have dealt with it - NOT the Governor.

It doesn''t matter what the guy did or didn''t do - it''s about what the Governor did or didn''t do.

If she''s truly innocent, then why is she so afraid to testify?

[jamurphy4]

Well we can see the Republican Dirty Tricksters are at it again.. Palin is a slug, just like all the current president, and will bring Alaska down just like bush has done to America. Palin is guilty, and is running for cover, just like the treasonous duo of bush & chaney. She fits the mold of a "good" republican..lie, lie, lie, and the hell with what the American people think. I hope someone tell her what the "bush doctrine" is, and show her a map of the USA, so she knows where Fl., TX., VA., NM. and CA. is..she seem lost without snow.. What a loser.

[nbredwhty]

Haven''t we the American people had enough of non-compliance with subpoenas from the snakes in the current administration...Wake up People!

[tbweb]

When Pres. Bush took office in 2001 compared to now!!

Figures don`t lie but liars sure do figure!!

UNEMPLOYMENT RATE 2001 = 4.2%
UNEMPLOYMENT RATE NOW = 6.1%

BUDGET 2001 = $281 BILLION SURPLUS
BUDGET NOW = $357 BILLION DEFICIT

NATIONAL DEBT 2001 = $5.7 TRILLION
NATIONAL DEBT NOW = $9.7 TRILLION

NET RESULT TODAY UNDER BUSH
DOW DROPS 504 POINTS!
DOW DROPS AGAIN ANOTHER 449 POINTS!!
26,000 ADDITIONAL JOBS LOST

VOTE REPUBLICAN!
THE FISCAL CONSERVATIVES!
VOTE McSame/Moose Slayer!!

4 MORE YEARS?

ALL THIS DRAMA ON REPUBLICAN BUSHES WATCH!!

[tbweb]

Too bad Sarah Palin wasn`t a Democrat with all her Jerry Springer baggage! Republicans would have a field day with Palin and they know it! LOL

[samthetvcat]

Dem vs. Dem on Illinois Ethics Reform

State Senator and Barack Obama earmark recipient Emil Jones contacted Barack to ask him to speak out in favor of a bill which would limit the Illinois practice of State Senators doling out contracts to their donors to $50,000k a person and Barack said no.

Indicted Syrian Rezko donated hundreds of thousands to Barack''s campaigns and in return received tens of millions of dollars worth of contracts in return.

And it''s all legal.

I guess in some peoples minds that probably makes it okay . . .

[samthetvcat]

Barack Obama the Con Law lawyer used the law to disqualify the candidate for State Senate that the voters really wanted in the election that it was said he couldn''t have won otherwise.

I''m sure in some peoples'' minds that constitutes ''merit''.

[samthetvcat]

---"Suck it up dude."---
Posted by ainttaken

Go team.

What just happened to that article where we were talking about the allure of picking up the tab on our debt now possibly being geopolitical for Russia and the Saudis and that the fall of investment banks who''s mission it is to invest in the country''s most promising business ventures is at least due in part to there having not been that many promising business ventures such that giving the go-ahead for nuclear energy as a job creation tool perhaps makes more sense both economically and geopolitically rather than another round of stimulus checks?

[samthetvcat]

PS Once something disappears off the front page I can never find it again LOL

Where''d it go? :o

[bobbyduck1]

What else would you expect from a modern-era Republican? When caught red-handed, scream "Partisan Politics" and "Liberal Media" and start flooding the courts with law-suits that likely can''t be resolved until after the election. Enough airheads will like the "way she talks" and "her fighting spirit" to vote for her and McSame just like they did Bush!

Obama/Biden 08!!!!!

[samthetvcat]

Posted by bobbyduck1

If McCain wants to win, hopefully his advisors''ll at least consider polling people to see whether adjusting their tax cut profile earns him more votes. If they''re not even open to that, then he deserves the poll numbers he''s got.

This election may be for the most part outside the candidates hands barring some adjustment like a more humane redistribution plan from McCain. The economy goes into crisis, advantage Obama. A war breaks out that makes people nervous, advantage McCain.

Whatever''s happening in the world in November could determine our next President . . .

[stn_sage]

Too bad Sarah Palin wasn`t a Democrat with all her Jerry Springer baggage! Republicans would have a field day with Palin and they know it! LOL

Posted by tbweb at 10:22 PM : Sep 17, 2008
--------------
That''s an excellent point! IF she were a Demo, they''d savage her like there was no tomorrow! And whens the Dems complained about it, they''d smugly remind them that it''s part of running for office! They wouldn''t apology for it AND they SURE wouldn''t let UP!

[stn_sage]

What else would you expect from a modern-era Republican? When caught red-handed, scream "Partisan Politics" and "Liberal Media" and start flooding the courts with law-suits that likely can''''t be resolved until after the election. Enough airheads will like the "way she talks" and "her fighting spirit" to vote for her and McSame just like they did Bush!
Obama/Biden 08!!!!!
Posted by bobbyduck1 at 12:48 AM : Sep 18, 2008
---------------------
Geez, most Rep supporters would back a chimpanzee if the party put one up for the position! It''s NOT like they care what happens to the country or whether or not their kids have a future, they DON''T! They just believe that nothing can happen to THEM!

Well, I wouldn''t bet on that proposition too much longer if I was them! They''re going to find out
differently over the next 2-3 years!

[rjstolba]

Geez, all the good stuff has been said already!! I guess all I can say is, WAKE UP FOLKS. REMEMBER THE KEATING 5!!! AS SARAH AND JOHN WOULD SAY, "TRANSPARENCY, TRANSPARENY, TRANSPARENY." Well, maybe not too much transparency!!!

[jjp735i]

McCain - McBush, no matter the name, the game is the same. Hide as much as you can from the public. Take court action to stop any one from looking to close. And McCain states he is not another Bush!

[sleepyric]

What we are witnessing America, is John McCain''s latest coverup! Imagine what we would see if the old man is elected?? I mean, if you go to these lengths to coverup Palin''s mistakes, what would he do for his own mistakes???

[jntlw-2009]

McCain is just more of the same old Bush cover up GOP scandals through bribery or political intimidation. McCain did not propery vet Gov. Palin and now he has to pull intimidation and lies such as "this is being pushed by the Obama camp when in truth it is being pushed by the Republican run Alaskan legislative council". McCain you are not presidential material and your straight talk express is just an off road vehicle going nowhere.

[tonyd_31]

How can the GOP faithful let "values" come out of their mouths? People, please wake up! How can you be so dimwitted and dense? I know you do have some good and honorable people in the GOP (there has to be)

[tonyd_31]

Why don''''t any of you libs realize the Repubs want this investigation to shut down the liberal media rumor mill and the leftwing finger pointers?

Posted by notblue

Uh, I can figure the answer to this one out: Because it is not true and does not past the common sense test (but you GOP''ers don''t know anything about common sense) :)

[tx_doughboy]

I would like to remind you folks that about a GOP concern over another leader who 10 years ago "abused his power." Lucky for us that abuse only amounted to tainted dresses and cigars, not the destruction of careers as a result of jilted family members. Where''s Ken Star when you need him?

[tejasdemo]

I go out of town...ask my menopaused out wife to do 1 frickin thing for me while I''m gone..does she do it ?

No !

Then she is yellin at me because it didnt get done. The next day she asks me if I want her to still do it.

No, crazy wack job...you just lay down and watch your stupid soap operas and take advil constantly.

This country needs a woman in the white house like we need a hole in our heads !!!

[notblue]

tony-31, it is true, that''s why there are more repubs on the panel than dems, it''s the typical biased CBS headline that keeps you 67 percenters confused.

[noloyalisti]

Failin Palin said a number of times that she would fully cooperate with any investigation regarding alleged misuse of power. Is she a flip-flopper like Same? Or is she just against the rule of law like most of the Republicon criminals? Or for different rules for the rich like most Cons?