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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It is still cloaked under an unbrella of vendetta and vengeance. Who's to say it won't continue into the White House like Cheney.
I guess nothing's going to happen to her, since she didn't violate any laws... She clearly retaliated against the former public safety commissioner but I guess that doesn't mean anything when you are the Republican VP nominee.
Sarah Palin abused her position for governor. This means she is not fit to be Vice President. I hope after Nov 5, she can pack her bags and go back to Alaska and look after her kids.
Obama/Biden 2008
Anthony
Florida
Kinda what I expected from the report. Condemn her too much and the right will be up in arms saying that the Democrats in the legislature abused their power. Don't condemn her enough and the left will be up in arms saying that the probe was toned down due to her candidacy. But the fact remains, she may not have broken any laws but this abuse of power doesn't bode well for her temperament or judgment... and given McCain isn't a young man anymore... imagine that judgment/temperament being in control of our "nucular" weapons...?
What a suprise, another republican abusing their power, it's unthinkable!
I can't stand her, and a few month's ago I didn't even know her, I truly pray alaska vote's her out of there after her and Mccain loose in November.
Early voting is the way to go.
Registered Republican voted Obama/Biden 08
Who's to say she and Toddy wouldn't do the same as Vice President? If you abuse power you should be admonished as this report conclusively shows.
In reading the report it's apparent that Ms. Palin's husband was making calls that he never should have been making in the first place and there is no doubt that his wife knew he was making those calls.
What have you got to say to that Sarah?
Bad Judgment from McCain in selecting her and Horrible Judgement from Pailin in acting on feelings.
Abuse of Power is not needed in the Next WhiteHouse.
Oh no what is going to happen now....please call Joe Lieberman
who is telling the truth?
who is lying?
who is the real sarah palin?
yea, exactly.
WELL WELL WELL, MS SQUEAKY CLEAN IS NOT SO INNOCENT AFTER ALL
WE DO NOT NEED ANOTHER 4 YEARS OF DICK CHENY AND THE BUSH CLAN IN THIS ADMINISTRATION
LETS GO OBAMA!!!!!!!!!
Check....
MATE
We see now that Mccain did not do his homework in checking his runningmateS background....It seems that she has abused her power in the firing of her ex-brother in -law...McCain/ Palin not ready to lead the USA...It would be worst that it is now....
OBAMA ALL THE WAY!!!!!
It must be wrong. The McCain campaign cleared her this morning.
She abused her power but broke no laws...so would the same happen as VP? I find it interesting how involved her husband is of Alaska's politics...does anyone find this strange?
McCain/Palin – Going Out of Business Sale
Honor, Integrity 1/2 OFF
Wow, I can't think of anything worse for an elected official. I will expect the impeachment very soon.
it was planned – once she became a drag on the mccain ticket. she will step down and mccain will appoint a new vp (romney?) and will get an october boost...
Landslide.
We've had enough abuse of power from white house VPs over the last two terms.
Obama-Biden '08!
Palin is horrible. Palin wants the VP to have more power. She is so power hungry. If Alaska wants her they can have her. We can't afford to have a power crazy person and an unstable person in the Whitehouse. She throws John McCain under the bus to further her. Palin is dangerous. And she attacks Barack starting riots.
Put her in the Whitehouse and she will do the same!
What's the problem? Being "mavericky" means being above basic standards of decency, doesn't it? Just look at the hypocrisy she exudes every day! The media isn't being tough enough on Barack Obama? This from someone who basically chooses not to speak with the media? Give us a break! Gobama!
Well, well, well...whether she was broke any laws..this is a serious judgment of character!!!!!
WoW! Way to go Sarah! You do us all so proud.
NOT!
Palin first! No more of this nonsense we need real intelligent leadership enough of the redneck thuggery