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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She's the most mavericky maverick that ever mavericked a maverick. You go maverick.
A small part of me wants to clap my hands and laugh...after all, this woman has just been exposed as a lying hypocrit.
The larger part of me wants to almost cry from the worry that this woman will become vice president. It could still happen...and she is inept as to be completely incompetent. How could Alaska reelect her in the future? Good Lord, it makes me worry about the future so much.
On the upside (and yes, there is one), I have been more actively involved in this election than any in my lifetime. For this, I have Obama to be thankful for, and McCain/Palin to be thankful to.
Hmmm... abuse of power...say it ain't so Sarah!
The funny thing is all the Repugs are all over TV already spewing their talking points that this was a political witch hunt by the Obama supporting liberals... but just a reminder- this report was released by a BIPARTISAN committee (which means Republicans and Democrats).
We just had 8 years of law manipulation and Abuse of Power and thats more than we could stand- so thanks to no thanks to Bush/Cheney in Lipstick!
Obama/Biden 08!
Palin is a racist, liar, broke ethics (law) & abuse power.
doh, what you expect. not eligible for VP. yeah. go back to Alaska.
run, don't come back. McCain was o.k before but palin is the one who spoiled him. She is not qualified.
OBAMA/BIDEN
i'd like to end all the mud throwing and hear some solutions to the problem.
what drama, high school never ends.... isn't it true?
Time for Palin exit, Lieberman enter.
She didn't break the law in the firing of the Trooper and his unemployment claims were fine. So what law did she break? This is really stupid. She is found guilty because she didn't tell people to keep their mouths shut. Give me a break.....Maybe we should have these people who investigated Palin investigate Obama. Maybe then we will all learn the truth about him. Abuse of Power my butt
I love it. I love it. I love it. Karma is something not to be messed around with. And go figure....some people will still vote for this ticket. Unbelievable. I am so happy I wasn't suckered in by the "Hockey Maverick"!!
Obama/Biden 08/12
Her husband seemingly is the one who abused the Governor's office, and she did nothing to stop him. Sadly I think her political career is dead in the water. 14 politicians on the committee, 10 were Republican, hardly a Democratic conspiracy. USA needs to get behind Obama, and pull together for the good of everyone.
Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin abused her power as Alaska's governor
1982: Garn-St. Germain Depository Institutions Act
2. 1987: Keating Five
3. 1999: Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act
4. 2000: Commodity Futures Modernization Act, which led to the rise of Credit Default Swaps
ethics violations ethics violations ethics violations ethics violations
This is grounds for impeachment from her Gov Office. The lies always catch up, just like the lies are with McCain.
Neither one is fit to lead
Obama/Biden 08/12
Based on what we have seen with her smear tactics in the short time that she has been in this campaign, the report comes as no surprise.
Obama/Biden '08
Palin: Gocha!!!
Abused her power? Who cares? She abuses me on a daily basis just by making a mockery of our electoral system.
I can't believe McCain picked her. What was he thinking.
I am amazed so many Americas think she is charming-she wants this more than anything and will walk over anybody to get it. she is already arguing with McCain about how to run a campaign. Folks, watch her body language and how she gauges the audience reaction. Cold, Cunning with a very fake affectation for her baby. She kisses him then looks at the audience. Watch her poor pregnant daughters face as she dutifully stands behind Mom who is oblivious that her daughter is very pregnant and very uncomfortable! She is just another prop so Mom will be rich and famous. I absolutely despise this woman.
Who is the REAL Sarah Palin?
what goes around comes around. what goes up must come down
She abused her power? And who is surprised by this??
McCain/Palin=Bush/Cheney
Go Obama/Biden '08
Five minutes and a season misconduct to the mavericky hockey mom for abuse of power. You betcha!
How will her supporters defend this one?
Seems pretty hard for her to go attack Obama's character when she has been formally found as corrupt.
Abuse of power?
Thanks, but no thanks.
Eight is enough!
No way, no how, no McCain, no Palin
My heart is more at ease. A few months ago, I was fearing this election would be similar to 2000 and 2004 and would be voted so closely that we wouldn't know (or ever really believe) the results of the votes until weeks after Nov. 4'th.
Now I think Obama will slide to a comfortable victory, and we can all go skipping down the yellow-brick-road.
Wow, the McCain campaign has just completely imploded in the last couple of weeks. I can't believe I ever thought this election would be close.
SAY IT AINT SOOOO, GOV!!!!!!!
SAY IT AINT SOOOO, GOV!!!!!!!
SAY IT AINT SOOOO!!!!!!!