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Palin responds to "Latest round of falsehoods"

Posted by Alaska_Politics

Posted: July 22, 2008 - 4:59 pm

The governor's office just sent out this statement:

Governor Responds to Latest Round of Falsehoods

July 22, 2008, Juneau, Alaska – Governor Sarah Palin today strongly denied the latest accusations made by the former commissioner of the Department of Public Safety. The Governor also released details of her schedule outlining her meetings with former Commissioner Walt Monegan.

Through various media outlets, Monegan has accused the Governor of expressing concerns about the contents of an annual trooper report.

“Walt has falsely accused me of making a comment to him that a draft report on troopers’ activities would somehow make my administration look bad,” Governor Palin said. “Why would it? I would welcome further proof that my administration needs the resources we requested to get the job done. My administration asked for nearly $7 million more for the Department of Public Safety. However, working with the dollars that the legislature funded, I am confident that under new leadership, we will develop new public safety initiatives that are reasonable and actionable.”

For more than a week, Monegan has also falsely accused the Governor of having only four in-person meetings with him over the last 17 months. In fact, a quick review of state records proves more than two-dozen meetings, including one-on-one meetings and calls, Cabinet meetings and visits to the Governor’s home. This does not include meetings with the Chief of Staff and Special Assistants, community events and staff functions. Notably, the Governor and the former Commissioner made several trips to remote areas of the state in an effort to address public safety issues in rural Alaska. In fact, there were three separate trips that the Governor and former commissioner Monegan took together including Bethel, Dillingham and twice to New Stuyahok. During those trips, the Governor and Monegan were seated together and spent their days together tackling rural issues.

Several commissioners and cabinet members have also countered Monegan’s claims.

“Communication has always been paramount in Governor Palin’s administration,” acting Chief of Staff Mike Nizich said. “Commissioners have always had open access to the governor and members of her top staff. It is unfortunate that a former commissioner has deliberately and inaccurately portrayed her as inaccessible.”

“I have open communication with Governor Palin and her staff,” Labor Commissioner Click Bishop said. “Anytime I have asked to have a meeting with the Governor, I have been given the opportunity.”

“The Governor has made herself available every time I have asked for advice, guidance or support,” Corrections Commissioner Joe Schmidt said. “She’s been one hundred percent supportive, and she’s an excellent listener. Governor Palin never micro-manages and has never interfered with any operation or development of the Department of Corrections.”

"Governor Palin has always been accessible to me,” Military and Veterans Affairs Commissioner Craig Campbell said. “Whenever she or I have had the need to discuss any issue, we have been able to. For those who think that our Governor is not accessible, all you have to see is the hours she and her top staff put in. She is communicating all hours of the day and night. Our meeting and travel schedules are extremely packed, we are very busy; however, I have never had any difficulty communicating with her no matter where I may be. I do not believe that my experience is any different than those of her Cabinet."

“I have no problems communicating back and forth with the Governor,” Director of State and Federal Relations John Katz said. “Often, this occurs in e-mails between her and me. She is almost instantaneous in her responses. In addition, we communicate at Cabinet meetings, in teleconferences, and when she is in D.C. The reason for these communications is to inform the Governor and to get policy guidance from her on key issues. I find her to be well-informed on federal issues, and she provides the guidance we need in D.C. to advocate the State's interests.”

Monegan has also raised questions about the propriety of the First Gentleman, Todd Palin, meeting with Monegan right after the Governor was elected to discuss security concerns surrounding a state trooper. That meeting occurred following standard questioning of any newly-elected Governor and First Family members regarding security detail concerns. The First Gentleman was specifically told to meet with Monegan by the Governor’s top security detail, Special Agent Bob Cockrell, to forward serious concerns that were substantiated in an internal trooper investigation. The concerns regarding the trooper included: using a Taser stun gun on his stepson, illegally killing a moose and driving with an open container in his patrol car. The First Gentleman also expressed concern over death threats made against a family member by the trooper.

“When made aware of the security concerns regarding a state trooper, I instructed the First Gentleman to contact the commissioner of Public Safety,” Cockrell said. “It is standard protocol to ask every governor about any threats they perceive or have realized. I will not hesitate to set the record straight in answering these false allegations by former Commissioner Monegan.”

Cockrell, who joined the Alaska State Troopers in 1963, started with the Office of the Governor in 1983, under Governor Bill Sheffield. He is now serving his sixth governor.

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35 July 24, 2008 - 1:21pm | akadvocate59

Where's Alaska's investigation?

It's time to investigate all this for the good of the state. Read the information Andrew Halcro's blog, which includes the Governor's response to a request for emails from the whole insider crew - Frye, Bailey, Perry, Palin, etc. The file on Halcro's site shows that Todd Palin was included on several emails relating to political decisions? Why? I echo the sentiments of others who said you didn't see Susan Knowles or Nancy Murkowski playing this sort of role in their spouse's administration. Hollis, Lyda, Ralph - please investigate.

34 July 24, 2008 - 11:53am | akgen

to be expected...

If you
- threaten a elder in my family with a "lead bullet".
- tase a preteen in my family.
- drive drunk while on the job.
Expect nothing but grief till you find another job. Pure and simple. Good for Todd Palin. I'd probably do the same thing.

All this crap is brewing because of the POOR BEHAVIOR of a ALASKA STATE TROOPER.
Fire the creep and get over it.

July 25, 2008 - 12:53pm | rfn

A little help here....

Doggone kids down the street have been allowed to be in the room when parents are watching what passes for "the news". They're all pushing for toy tasers.

Anyone know which specific brand/model is recommended for children under 12 by public safety or judicial authorities?

July 24, 2008 - 12:59pm | AK_Lady

Where does it say he drove drunk on the job?

July 24, 2008 - 11:06pm | rfn

Purely hyopthetical....

If anyone were to drive while under the influence of alcohol would it make any difference under basic motor vehicle laws whether said person were working or not at the time? Or, where the driving took place? I do wonder, though, whether driving intoxicated on one's own property, say a big farm without public access, comes under those laws.

----

Late afternoon update:

I'm sorry those questions have proven so challenging. Perhaps consider answering just one -- any one -- your choice! Or perhaps not quite so certain about the original assertion just now?

-----

Late night update:

These questions appear to have been far harder than I ever imagined! Make believe it's the 9% loser asking; might make it easier to come up with something!

July 24, 2008 - 11:16pm | Sheridan_Sheraton

Or is that..

Or is that o.09% looser. Was he breathylized and not prosecuted by AI?

July 24, 2008 - 11:20pm | rfn

Good question.

One person posting here appears to have direct personal knowledge of that incident and has made strong definitive statements but is declining to share anything additional. I would imagine it will come out when the federal authorities start looking into how equipment possibly purchased for anti-terrorism came to be used as a sort of toy.

They may want the money returned!

July 25, 2008 - 7:56am | pixieteeth

I've long advocated

the return of federal money until and unless Alaska can be fair and equal in its distribution of services among its actual citizens. The Alaskan regulatory agencies believe wrongly that they exist to serve the tourist public primarily rather than the Alaskan year-round residents. Especially FHWA funds.

July 24, 2008 - 11:50pm | Sheridan_Sheraton

Well the Breathylizer is a

Well the Breathylizer is a very standardized thing in most courts, using specific machinery.

Many do not do the pocket sized things that I have seen the JPD deal with people the police mingle with, and offering a free test outside certain establisments is one way to discourage those that participate in driving afterwards. JPD may have a better way to RID the roads better that way. More like an injunction without burdening someone with Lawyers, and less crashes.

Even while waliking, it is nice to know a certain consumed amount in a certain time, so I took an offer to know my own current capacity. Point 08 does not take much beer.

But the pocket sized or any breathylizer has callibration problems that the Attorneys jump on as they should. I know one court that dismissed all cases for a whole weekend when everyone blew near death levels of poisoning. It was with a brand specific standardized but uncalibrated machine

July 24, 2008 - 12:45pm | Emperor

All of that...

...was ok as long as he was part of Palin Crew, and it wasn't reported for years (in some cases). This is just another example of the vindictiveness and viciousness of this family.

If my son asked me at age 11 what a taser felt like, I'd give him a taste. No harm done. It's not like he put him in a shock collar or something. It wasn't done with malice nor as punishment. That's why no complaint was made at the time, it's no big deal.

Your other two "charges" weren't confirmed by any investigation, unless you're privy to something I have missed.

July 25, 2008 - 1:18am | Cartman3_15

You appear to have missed

the letter from Col. Grimes telling Wooten he is unfit to be a trooper because of a pattern of bad and unethical behavior (11 documented incidents in a two-year period).

But you also appear to be willing to dismiss all transgressions of others because of some alleged transgressions by the Palins.

To be clear, I think reasonable people would agree there are questions that need to be answered, all around.

But do you really believe that only the Palins have questions to answer? Are you really unconcerned with the state of business as usual within DPS/AST?

33 July 24, 2008 - 10:07am | bubbaboy

Curious

When the special investigator looks into all these matters, and has access to email records, I wonder how many he/she might find are posts on the ADN blog - hmmm. Could get dicey.

July 24, 2008 - 11:22am | Stags_Leap

Yes it could

especially if it was a Palinbot at the state leaking information....

32 July 24, 2008 - 10:03am | Stags_Leap

Why did Todd Palin get Bitney fired?

this level of involvement by the First Gent -is unacceptable.

Andrew Halcro presents some convincing information on his blog....and I think this soap opera is only going to get worse for Palin. I am shocked at the stupidity and moronic actions going on with this administration. I mean -it's like a high school clique...certainly not Chief Executive material.

July 24, 2008 - 10:57am | black33

Yeah, but, what about her being VP?

Or do you think all the postings on the McCain blogs themselves have dimmed her chances?

eg http://www.blogsforjohnmccain.com/category/tags/investigation

Do you think it would help if McCain was told he could get a twofer?

July 25, 2008 - 4:57pm | rfn

While some of the initial

trial balloons for Ms. Palin as a VP candidate might have been serious, that has all changed.

Now they're doing it just because of the foaming-at-the-mouth rage it causes. A touch of sadism there, perhaps? It certainly seems to be fulfilling that function!

July 24, 2008 - 10:28am | black33

FirstDudism 101: Bitney was "dating" the soon-to-be ex-wife

Of one of Todd's best friends. Interestingly, she still works for the Todd Palin regime- in charge of PFD's.

This is not the only instance where the Todd Palin regime has displayed a different standard of fidelity for some than for others.

Halcro made a great case today regarding the Todd Palin regime's attempt to keep certain documents secret., and it may be that the AG (or judge if the AG proves to be a lackey) will need to answer a simple question:

If a member of the executive branch sends an e-mail with a copy to a person who is not a member of the executive branch (Todd Palin), has a claim of executive privilege, deliberative document, etc. just been waived?

In any case, now we know who the brains of the operation has been.

July 24, 2008 - 11:12pm | tlamb775

Black33

federal government has somone here. Looking for office space where OCS is located.

Looks like parts of family law are going to get a look over. Depending on how things shake out, it might turn out to be a makeover.

It's starting.

31 July 24, 2008 - 7:51am | spiabaihh

shocking news today...

Go to www.andrewhalcro.com to see how Todd Palin has had his hand everywhere to insert friends and family into high level positions. He needs to get a real job-we did not elect him.

30 July 24, 2008 - 7:34am | publicfacts

Kopp's had access to sensitive files--Wooten,others need to SUE!

If he has to withdraw how much of the information he has learned in the last week will be used against people who tried to keep him out of the Commissioners Chair. For that matter, how much of the information the Governor has learned will become public in one shape or another after the Wooten fiasco? Mike Wooten needs to sue the state and do it fast.

The people in Kenai don't want Kopp back, the best he can hope for is early retirement and raise his kids where no one can tell them the stories about their dad. How sad to hurt your family in the name of promoting yourself.

Interestingly enough stun guns with the power off are no more harmful than stick tights in the Alaskan forests. Wooten didn't have the power on when he did this. It was stupid but from the paper we saw in the building the power was off and it stuck to the kids shirt.

July 24, 2008 - 11:51pm | tlamb775

Why not ask Wooten himself

and ask Judge Suddock how he came to the conclusion that Wooten has his immaturities and vulnerabilities with conflicts.

Doesn't seem the custody case records are sealed. So it would be public information thus "publicfacts".

And why is it that Monegan was threatening Palin if the records where unlawfully obtained.

From Halcro:

"...A short time afterwards, it was discovered that confidential material in Wooten's Administrative Investigation file had been released to his ex-wife and her attorney. This drew outrage from the Public Safety Union as well as the Commissioner. AI files are strictly confidential and can only be released with the written signature of the Trooper, but yet no one could explain how the detailed confidential information was released."

Then you have this little detail....

"...Reportedly, both Commissioner Monegan and Colonel Audie Halloway warned that if they found out the file was leaked by the governor's office, they would pursue charges."

Who told Monegan that they were?

oops.

Andrew writes:

"...Meanwhile in court, Wooten prevailed at every turn as Judge Suddock quickly realized there was a concerted effort to damage Wooten. Finally the judge warned that if any of their actions caused Wooten to lose his job or pay in anyway, Molly and her family would be held liable."

Hmmm, would that be the goose that lays the golden egg? The goose that has the immaturities and vulnerablities when handling conflict?

Color this one: Troopergate.

July 24, 2008 - 4:22pm | Sheridan_Sheraton

Here's the Collective Bargaining Agreement Language

Here's the Collective Bargaining Agreement Language signed by Jim Duncan, Ray Matiashowski, and others.

34.03 Secret Files.
No secret files shall be kept on any bargaining unit member.
34.04 Confidential Information.
A. The union agrees that all nonpublic personnel information (per AS 39.25.080) provided to them by
the employer shall be used only for purposes related to the execution of the agreement; and that the
union shall be responsible for the protection and security of information provided.
B. The employer may conduct confidential investigations into alleged misconduct by bargaining unit
members.
34.05 Subpoenaed Records.
If a court of competent jurisdiction subpoenas a bargaining unit member’s official personnel record in
conjunction with a lawsuit in which the employer believes the bargaining unit member’s conduct was within
the scope of his or her authority and did not constitute willful misconduct or gross negligence as outlined in
Article 36, the employer agrees to make a good faith effort to notify the bargaining unit member, unless
prohibited by law.

July 24, 2008 - 9:04am | akallegro

lets trade

you take Wooten in Kenai and we'll take Kopp for DPS

July 24, 2008 - 10:35am | black33

Don't you read Halcro

Since you write about him, you should know your e-mail records etc. have been requested, with more requests coming. Posting at 9:04 AM should be a no-no for a member of the governor's staff.

Also, at least Wooten was honest. When asked during the AST investigation about the moose and the taser incidents, he admitted very clearly what he had done.

On the other hand, Coppafeel used every phrase out of the Clinton/Palin handbook for parsing, using weasel words, and otherwise avoiding the truth.

Coppafeel gotta go. There's no way he survives confirmation.

Meanwhile, members of the Todd Palin regime are busy trying to cover up their activities.

Oh, by the way, the "open and transparent" government died with the disclosure that e-mails are being kept secret rather than being included as part of a Public Records act request. The list of the e-mails apparently is 78 pages!!

July 24, 2008 - 11:53am | tlamb775

I read Halcro

why did he leave out the 7 other actions that required a form of "punishment."

Some that that amounted to a "time out."

"Mr. Wooten has his own set of immaturities, impulsivities and vulnerabilities that come from just how he acts and how he responds and how he deals with conflicts," Judge John Suddock said.

Now how did Suddock come to the conclusion? And how did he come up with the idea that someone was out to get Wooten's golden egg?

Fine example of an attempt at family mediation? It's like saying "Hey you guys look you are shooting yourself in the foot, he gets fired, you get no money."

Hell, it seems the Judge was on to something when he cited his to his "immaturities" and "vulnerablities" when it comes to conflcts.

Trooper material. Don't think so when you get to look at his whole file. As to opposed to what Halcro did and wrote about.

29 July 23, 2008 - 9:29pm | black33

Speaking of another round of falsehoods

KTUU reported on the McCann-Wooten divorce trial, playing audio tapes. here are some excerpts.

"Before there was a Public Safety Commissioner Walt Monegan and before there was a Gov. Palin -- even before she was a candidate for the office -- a dispute existed between Palin and Wooten. And it was talked about in an Anchorage court......

"It appears for the world that Ms. McCann and her family have decided to take off for the guy's livelihood -- that the bitterness of whatever who did what to whom has overridden good judgment," he (the judge) said. "Aesop told us not to slay the goose who lays the golden egg. For whatever reason people are trying to slay the goose here and it tends to diminish his earning capacity."

In other words, a judge noted the Palins were after Wooten to get him fired even before she was Governor, and before Monegan was commissioner.

July 24, 2008 - 12:21am | tlamb775

Bingo:

"Mr. Wooten has his own set of immaturities, impulsivities and vulnerabilities that come from just how he acts and how he responds and how he deals with conflicts," Judge John Suddock said.

And we are seeing why Judges get cases reassigned.

Because they don't ask enough questions and evidence was either ignored, discounted or was not there at the time.

Black33, there is a Magistrate in Anchorage that reviews cases that federal agencies have an interest in.

He in effect is the Liason between the State of Alaska and the federal government. The other is a Judge at the Superior Court.

Who has the case now?

"...Even Judge Suddock questioned why the family would file the complaints.

"It appears for the world that Ms. McCann and her family have decided to take off for the guy's livelihood -- that the bitterness of whatever who did what to whom has overridden good judgment," he said. "Aesop told us not to slay the goose who lays the golden egg. For whatever reason people are trying to slay the goose here and it tends to diminish his earning capacity." "

I believe KTVA reported this comment coming from Judge Spaan. I would be very surprised if he did say something like that.

Like I said Black33, the case was pulled from Suddock for reasons.

Fagan you paying attention yet? Governor Palin remember the Writ to the USSC? Your sister's case is proof.

July 24, 2008 - 1:49am | Sheridan_Sheraton

Black33, there is a Magistrate in Anchorage that reviews cases t

there is a Magistrate in Anchorage that reviews cases that federal agencies have an interest in.

Supreme Court of ANCH Superior? Gotta name?

July 24, 2008 - 11:39am | tlamb775

The case isn't on

the Master's docket. It is in the Superior Court.

July 24, 2008 - 11:36pm | Sheridan_Sheraton

The Standing Master is an

The Standing Master is an interesting position. I think they are likely to trade favors with the AG office on occaision. I bet there are some that might know more than others. Mooster is not the only one talking about more indictments. I hope his target Beguich comes in the scope, if there was something improper enough.

But I think what is comming is a 'consent decree.' Maybe the master, he should 'bone up' on 'consent decree.'

Has s/he got a name? There are other things federal at this now long time that are pending before the SC and finally aren't going towards a individual Judges discretion.

28 July 23, 2008 - 5:08pm | JakeW

Will Commissioner Kopp's first task be arresting Molly McCann?

The definition of a hypocrite is someone who pretends to have virtues or principles that he or she does not actually possess, a person whose actions belie stated beliefs.

Since it is very clear that the Governor thinks it is very important that a moose was shot without proper licensing, it's curious that the fact that her sister was an accessory to the moose shooting crime and chose not to consider it a crime and report it until she was in a messy divorce with Trooper Wooten two years later is not mentioned by the Governor here. The fact that she has not turned in her sister, who is an accessory to both this crime and the tasing incident, again shows the selective interest she has in these crimes. When such selective interest is shown to who justice is applied to, it speaks volumes about the motives of the involved person. Sarah Palin is not interested in justice; she is pursuing a very clear Palin/Heath family vendetta.

Sarah Palin, you are a hypocrite. The repeated insistence that Trooper Wooten be brought to justice while you remain silent about your sister's role in all of this, all in an effort to obfuscate the real reason you fired a well-respected commissioner, is just another example of you abusing the power of the government to pursue your own personal aims.

July 23, 2008 - 5:16pm | choomama

your reasoning

Your reasoning also applies to Walt Monegan. Why didn't he report these alleged charges as soon as they happened instead of after he was fired? It would lead one to believe that he is either lying, or he was willing to overlook illegal activity if it was advantageous to him. ie keeping his job, blackmail, revenge etc. Makes his account highly suspect and also points out that he wasn't the right man for the top cop job.

There is no reasonable excuse for him witholding this until he was fired.

July 23, 2008 - 5:58pm | JakeW

I don't agree...

As far as I know, Monegan hasn't made any charges toward anyone and has consistently said that he doesn't know why he was fired. All he's said is that he felt pressured to fire Wooten.

It has been others who have pointed out the more serious crime here that the situation has suggested, that of the Governor using government resources to pursue a personal vendetta. It is others who should investigate, by proper procedures and under oath, whether a crime has been committed.

July 23, 2008 - 11:14pm | choomama

correct

He hasn't brought charges but he has made inuendo which is almost as bad. The others you mention are using his inuendo to call for an investigation so it's the same as accusing her and her family.

My question is, why didn't he bring it up as soon as it happened? Either he is lying, or he was willing to overlook it for his own personal reasons. Again, not things you want in a top cop.

July 24, 2008 - 11:27pm | Sheridan_Sheraton

Nice thing about the Grand

Nice thing about the Grand Jury is there are no defense lawyers to add confusion.

I agree that this guy might be getting the shaft, but something happened earlier and was documented by Admin.

Grand Jury, just questions, just testimony, no lawyers, all secret (we hope) and some hope by the defendants match up with each others, first.

Unlike when the stories all mach up and just don't fit the physical facts like who was where when, the appearingly corrupt STATE COURT will make a finding called voir dire or ""to see [them] say" that the fictional event ocurred on a date within the realm of possibility. They are the Jury which I hope in AK would be ready to call out the PERJURERS.

But for anyone who thinks that's cryptic look up the Judicial candidates in ths Fairbanks court who have stepped down or retired recently.

CODE WORD: dv/STALIKNG

27 July 23, 2008 - 12:38pm | AKpam_1

On Track

Is it true that Palin's son, Track, was one of the kids involved in destoying a bunch of school busses a few years back? Anybody else know anything about this, or is it a rumor?

July 23, 2008 - 8:54pm | rfn

this is true it invites action from the court system for violation of orders concerning the identity of minors.

If this if untrue, it might be what lawyers term "actionable".

July 23, 2008 - 2:30pm | Cartman3_15

No. Not true.

Bet it won't keep the haters from repeating it, though.

July 23, 2008 - 1:33pm | black33

Good question: It needs investigation

Maybe that's why during the campaign he was sent out of state to a "hockey" school or "hockey" camp? Where did he really go, as aren't there hockey programs in Alaska?

Contact the ADN editorial page people. If Wooten's alleged use many years ago of "profanity" against a niece is deserving of investigation, surely the ADN will support finding an answer to your question and where- and why- Track really went.

And why they are at it, perhaps they can find out why Sarah Heath and Todd Palin eloped. Was it really because she wanted to spare her parents the expense of a wedding- which they could afford as easily as most Alaskans? After all, it could have just been a small family affair.

Or was that so much fiction to hide the real reason?

July 23, 2008 - 1:28pm | akwillis

Whatever....

Is this the same Track Palin who is protecting your gossip mongering butt by serving in the Army? If I was you I would run, not walk, run to Andrew Halcro with this incredibly relevant bit of information.

July 23, 2008 - 1:26pm | aktraveller

I think I heard Chuck Heath was the second shooter

On that grassy knoll in Dallas. C'mon people, how much crap can we throw out there that is unsubstantiated. Gee, I saw Max Gruenberg drop a candy wrapper on the ground. Let's fine him for littering.

July 23, 2008 - 9:31pm | black33

At least as much as the Palin/Heath clan threw out ....

...that was unsubstantiated.

Most of their com plaints were, and those that were valid were made years after the conduct had occurred, ie they covered it up until the divorce.

26 July 23, 2008 - 11:33am | spiabaihh

PREDICTION.....

Last night, Palin was saying that she was "told" that there were no infractions in Kopp's history. This will be her legitimate excuse to ask Kopp to step down from his new position. She will be the innocent "victim", as usual---she was dupped into hiring him????? He is excess baggage to her kingdom now. She will be all about "damage control". Prediction...within a week he will either step down or be dismissed.

25 July 23, 2008 - 11:13am | Trapper101

The Governor chooses her People

Its obvious that you would not keep anyone around who does not support you. NOW everyone should know why Walt is gone. And why a replacement was needed. Even Senator Greens Daughter (Kristie Green/Babcock) called Dan Fagan and said how good a policeman Walt's replacement was ( Mr. KOPP). And how well he was liked. I think Mr. Halcro needs to come out and Apologize for his lies.

24 July 23, 2008 - 5:42am | Stags_Leap

The World According to Garp

I wanted to point out something about Palin's TC proposal from today's ADN article:

"The license is not a contract for actual construction. Rather, it grants cash and favored status to TransCanada to try to assemble the package of customers, financing and permits necessary to start digging and welding."

I hope everyone understands this. NOT A CONTRACT FOR ACTUAL CONSTRUCTION.

July 23, 2008 - 8:23am | I_am_Spartacus

Ummm

What's that got to do with the price of tea in China? This article is about the hillbilly soap opera that has taken over the Governor's office.

You made a good comment, just on a topic that has absolutely nothing to do with the post you commented upon. Obsess much?

23 July 22, 2008 - 11:10pm | Darkstar

This article is misleading, full of holes and poorly written

It says "for more than a week, Monegan has also falsely accused the Governor of having only four in-person meetings with him over the last 17 months." Monegan hasn't been making this claim for over a week. His first interview, which caused quite a stir, was yesterday with CC of KUDO and the Daily News reported what was discussed this morning, specifically Monegan's assertion that the Governor was inaccessible. Your timeline is waaay off.

The sentence continues "a quick review of state records proves more than two-dozen meetings, including one-on-one meetings and calls, Cabinet meetings and visits to the Governor’s home. This does not include meetings with the Chief of Staff and Special Assistants, community events and staff functions." This is very misleading. Monegan said he had only four in-person meetings with the Governor in the last 17 month. The reporter seems confused as to what in-person, one-on-one means. Phone calls are not in-person; cabinet meetings, visits to the Governor's home, and meetings with the Governor's staff do not equate to one-on-one meetings with the Governor. A one-on-one, face-to-face meeting is what Todd Palin and Monegan had in the Governor's office to discuss Wooten.

The article also doesn't claify when the Monegan and the Governor made "several trips to remote areas of the state in an effort to address public safety issues in rural Alaska." It certainly wasn't anytime with-in the last year, especially considering the Governor's pregnancy, AGIA legislation etc. I suspect the field trips occured at the beginning of Palin's administration rather than the last 17 months, but the article implies otherwise. So when did the trips occur? Why isn't that information provided?

Was this article cut-and-pasted from a press release distributed by the Governor's office? It certainly seems so. Why don't you try analyzing the information you're being spoon rather than being the echo chamber?

July 23, 2008 - 11:21am | akwillis

What if an investigation substantiates the Governor's statement?

For starters, Andrew Halcro might want to ponder the political fate of those before him who took a swipe at the sovereign and missed.

July 23, 2008 - 11:29am | akresource

Ponder?

sovereign? More like inept, lower life form

October 12, 2008 - 10:47pm | megal_11

yep, you hit that one right.

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