Report: Palin abused power, violated ethics code in trooper case
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2008/images/10/10/art.palin03.gi.jpg caption="Report: Palin ‘abused her power’"] ANCHORAGE, Alaska (CNN) - Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin abused her power as Alaska's governor and a 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.
"Governor 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 sack 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. Palin and her husband, Todd, have consistently denied any 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.
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This is just the kind of Woman we need in Washington and I think John McCain and Sarah Palin will turn Washington around. They speak with authority and a can do attitude. People are tired of the same old politics that continues to strip the American people of their hard earn working wages to let wall street take advantage of the average working people that are trying to live the American dream. We all want jobs, a home, a car and family and retirement, proud for the things we own. Stop selling our lively hoods down to tubes, give us bail out like wall street.
Didn't she break state law? She states that she is a Christian. Does she not know Christian values? She who is without sin let her cast the first stone. In essense, she can not and should not have cast any stones.
Sarah palin should do some interviews so we can know about her. Father John please let sarah do her job answering voters questions how MCCAIN camp is saying that media is not treating them fairly I think MCCAIN/PALIN are unfair to media and voters.
I can read the scripted paper too can i become a vice president
Only God knows what she would if she becomes vice pres.
She is power hungry .
Hmm, I wonder what an abuse of power would be in the vice presidential or presidential role? It sounds very dangerous to me.
I'm scared what will happen if this woman and her running mate are elected.
LOL I could have told you that
Why this come out in the long week end?????? Kill the news right!!!
Sarah Palin is Scum, plain and simple
Palin abused her power, but violated no laws..........
what type of report is this???
This is not far from the truth. The refusal of public safety commissioner to fire her brother- in-law from the state police is a strong contributing factor......that makes her maverick!!!
So if I understand this, she abused her power as Governor, but it's okay, because the Governor is allowed to fire anyone she wants to.
That should make US attorneys feel comfortable....
This verdict should end the political career of Gov. Palin. She hasn't the experience nor the credibility to run for the office of the vice president of the USA. In the interest of the Republican Party, she should bow out the presidential race and resign from her current governorship position.
Are you guys out of your minds? The report stated in finding number one that she abuse her power in VIOLATION of Alaska statue 39.52.110 of Alaska Executive branch ethics. So why are you saying no law is broken?
Palin said she has nothing to hide but in fact she did hide something...she hid the fact that she abused her power in office.
But I don't understand how abuse of power is not against the law, especially for someone in public office. What's the point then? I guess she just had 'guidelines' for behaviour that are 'optional'?
Of course she did not break the law, she is a republican, they are above the law, just ask Bush
AMERICANS DON'T NEED MORE MESS....CAN WE WISE UP AND SEE THIS!!!!
WE ALL NEW THAT SHE WAS A BAD CHOICE...I HAVE NOTHING AGAINST HER PERSONALLY....BUT THIS IS TOO IMPORTANT TO BE PLAYING SOMETYPE OF POLITICAL GAME
to all of you who have the gal and audacity to question Obama's ethics, his patriotism, his faith in your thinly veiled racist lynch mob mentality....i ask you this. WHO IS THE REAL SARAH PALIN? well as we find out more and more each day, she is NOTHING more than a vengeful, power hungry, lying, out of control, two faced, woman who should not, could not be VP. this scandal speaks to both her conduct but more importantly to the rash, erratic and out right BAD judgment of Senator John McCain. they should both, if they have any respect for this country, step down!!! so much for the Palin moral authority!!!!!
my God people get over the race issue and vote for this country and not just for your race
Riiiight, just imagine the stuff we'd find up there in Alaska if anyone bothered to look.
Palin – not properly vetted-08
A discredited violator of public trust has no standing to occupy the office of the Vice Presidency. Poor, Terrible Judgement by McCain. This is the begining of the end of the McCain candidacy as we knew it.
As Senator Biden said..."Past is prologue" Watch out for this woman. No wonder she would like to see the powers of the VP expanded.
This is shameful!!! Mccain/Palin would take this kind of behavior to the white house if elected Palin is the one you can'nt trust the truth came to the light !!!!
Knew it. This person would be a dictator if elected as VP or GOD forbid POTUS. Wake up AMERICA before it's too late.
Obama-Biden 08
Huh? Last time I checked, abusing power is breaking the law!
Obama/Biden '08
Maybe Governor Palin and Elliott Spitzer should rendezvous and create a New Party – The ME FIRST PARTY They both appear to be fearless, ruthless and use their positions to throw any and everyone under the bus.
Didnt Elliott Spitzer do the same type of thing? He is no longer our Governor.
This is One amazing Week...That One name calling,The Mob Inciting,Terrorist Pallin,Erratic Behaviors,Wall STREET Worst week and now to top it all off..Pitbull Palin VIOLATED AND MISUSED HER POWER AUTHORITY!!!!WOW!I am so getting drunk!!!