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This is the place to talk about Alaska politics -- state, local, national. Public life in the Last Frontier has probably never been more interesting than right now -- the governor as candidate for vice president, the broad and still-evolving corruption investigation, a big election, powerful members of Congress under scrutiny, and the usual hardball Alaska politics. Come here for news, tidbits and information, and join the discussion. Keep your comments civil and on point. Avoid personal attacks. Do not use profanity. Posts that violate the Terms of Use will be deleted. Repeat offenders will be banned.

Contributors

Erika Bolstad

Erika Bolstad covers Alaska issues, including the congressional delegation, from Washington, D.C., for McClatchy Newspapers. Before joining the bureau in 2007, she spent seven years as a reporter at the Miami Herald, where she covered politics, government and the state legislature. E-mail Erika at ebolstad@adn.com.

Sean Cockerham

Sean Cockerham writes about Alaska state politics. He spent three years based in Juneau for the ADN before joining the Tacoma News-Tribune to write about Washington state politics. He went to Iraq twice for the News Tribune, and previously wrote about Alaska government and politics for the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner. E-mail Sean at scockerham@adn.com

Kyle Hopkins

Kyle Hopkins covers politics and other stories for the ADN. He covered the 2006 campaign for governor, has blogged extensively about Alaska politics, covered Anchorage city government and was a reporter based in the Mat-Su. He grew up in Southeast Alaska and previously was a reporter at the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner and Anchorage Press. E-mail Kyle at khopkins@adn.com

Features

2008 Election

At one point the races with Sen. Ted Stevens and Rep. Don Young promised to be the highest-profile campaigns in Alaska history.

SECTION

Palin coverage

The nation was captivated by Sarah Palin's run to the White House, and now Alaska awaits the return of their governor.

Photo galleries

Reader-submitted Palin photos

SECTION

Alaska political corruption

The FBI raided state legislatures offices in Aug. 2006, and the fallout since has been epic in Alaska's political world.

And now this

Posted by Alaska_Politics

Posted: September 16, 2008 - 8:13 am

From an e-mail sent overnight by Anchorage attorney Kevin Clarkson:

Five Alaska Legislators, Rep. Wes Keller, Rep. Mike Kelly, Rep. Bob Lynn, Sen. Fred Dyson, and Sen. Tom Wagoner, will file suit in state superior court in Anchorage tomorrow morning (9/16/08) at 9:00 am (Superior courthouse 4th Avenue) against Sen. French, Sen. Kim Elton, Stephen Branchflower and the Alaska Legislative Council in order to halt the investigation of Governor Sarah Palin and others because the investigators have lost the appearance of impartiality required under the Alaska Constitution. The Legislators will ask for declaratory and injunctive relief in the investigation, stating that it is an attempt to use the Alaska Legislative Council to further partisan politics.

The Legislators cite in their lawsuit that the investigation into the firing of former Commissioner of the Alaska Department of Public safety Walt Monegan, led by Sens. Hollis French and Kim Elton, with Stephen Branchflower and the Alaska Legislative Council, is being driven by partisan politics in an attempt to unlawfully smear Gov. Palin and others.

“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,” said Kevin Clarkson, Esq., of the firm Brena, Bell & Clarkson, P.C., and counsel in the suit.

The investigation, which began after Monegan’s dismissal in July 2008, is being led by outspoken supporters of Barack Obama and members of the Democratic Party. Sen. Elton, the Chair of the Legislative Council donated $2,000 to the Obama campaign but has failed to disclose this to the Legislative Council and he continues to preside over the Council with respect to the investigation, refusing to convene meetings of the Council at the request of a majority of the Council’s membership. Sen. French the investigation “project manager” failed to disclose to the Legislative Council the comments he made on a radio program criticizing the Governor’s conduct regarding the termination of Monegan as “criminal” prior to being appointed as the investigation “project manager” and even prior to a vote to investigate at all. Sen. French also failed to disclose to the Legislative Council that he had a personal bone to pick with the Governor over the Monegan firing because Monegan was a friend and because he had worked closely with Monegan during the 2008 legislative session regarding attempts to include in the state budget items that Governor Palin had vetoed.

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47 September 18, 2008 - 11:05am | gowiththefloe

Waynepet.......rfn

Please stop. I understand your need to introduce yourself, Wayne. Recognize, however, that we Alaskans have been dealing with this issue for some time now. You're a late arriver, and your post contributes nothing except yet another rehash of something that's been regurgitated so many times that it has become unreasonable to expect Alaskans to respond in a civil manner. Believe me, we do know the issues here, and we do not need you to tell us how we should respond. Of course, we are not unaware of efforts by partisan 'plants' to incite flaming comments. We know how that game is played, also.

Hideous comments come from both sides of the political aisle. It is ludicrous to point fingers in either direction; so, save yours-elf/elves some wasted time and effort, and refrain from online chastisement of such posters. People will say what they will, regardless.
hmmm, that would apply to you, as well; now, wouldn't it. Shucks, there goes another few minutes of my time - wasted.

The bottom line is this: The greatness of America includes the right to freedom of expression. People are allowed to express their feelings, good or bad. Also, whether bumbling or eloquent, this country alllows us all to speak what is on our minds and bear the consequence of public reaction going forward. And whether that speech occurs while a candidate is running for office or afterwards, what they say will determine how we, the citizens, will respond.

Alaskans have responded. We are fed up with smokescreens; with obfuscation; with stonewalling; and we are particularly annoyed by the interference of legal beagles from a national political party whose aim is to thwart Alaskan justice and cover up ethical warts on an otherwise pretty face.

Please, we are already choking from the smoke. Stop it.

September 18, 2008 - 9:17pm | rfn

You seem confused.

I am just me.

Nobody else.

Unlike so many of our brethren and cistern (intentional), just one username. Never changed; never required to. I cannot speak for others.....

~rfn

46 September 16, 2008 - 3:11pm | waynepet

Where's the civility?

This is the first time I have been on this blog.

I am surprised and disappointed by the level of invective and personal attacks against Governor Palin. It's very unprofessional, ugly, and even juvenile.

I have never seen such vile contempt and hate-filled remarks against another human being, let alone a Governor of a great state who has worked with both Democrats and Republicans, and holds an 80% approval rating.

Individuals who lack class in this way should not go out on blogs and 'vent their spleen.' Stop! If you disagree, fine, then at least have the courage to lay out your reasoned arguments. And don't attack character.

Margaret Thatcher said that "they only attack you personally when they haven't got a legitimate argument left."

That appears to be the case here. No citing of real facts, no real discussion, no step-by-step, reasoned arguments, just "you lying corrupt politician" and variations of "you're ugly, and your mother dresses you funny."

The rules of this blog are that there is to be not personal attacks, and that the discussion be civil. And no profanity. Yet several individuals are violating these protocols regularly.

It is my view that the reason such vitriol is being spilled against Governor Palin is because she represents such a great threat to the left:

A personable, intelligent female conservative with a great story - a proven leader who can win public support through a servant's approach to governing. A return to the citizen politician. She very much reminds us of Ronald Reagan. But she's unique in her own way and may have an even greater impact in the future.

She also attracts women, Independents and Democrats to vote for her, which enrages the left.

So in the 'new school' of politics (which is actually quite old in fact) the idea is to tarnish her, smear her, villify her, and draw an ugly caricature of her so as to discretit her. But it's not working. She already has a 58% national approval rating and the public has just gotten to know her.

You can't fake goodness, and she's got that. It comes through in her governing, and in her personality both in person and on television.

It's sad that there is a very vocal element in our society that hates anything or anyone that is good. I believe we will raise up good leaders and we so very much need them. I'm convinced Sarah Palin is one of them, and I am one of that vast army that is going to defend her.

The more you slander her, the more she rises rather than falls.

September 18, 2008 - 5:30am | PalinLied

The more you slander her, the more she rises rather than falls.

Okay everybody, don't talk, don't think, just let Palin get away with her dastardly deeds.

September 16, 2008 - 9:45pm | Logician

Where's the honor?

Sarah promised to cooperate in the legislative investigation. The minute McCain picked her as his running mate, she reneged on her promise. She has also been lying about her record as governor and as mayor.

Maybe these things are good enough for a corrupt, one-party backwater state like Alaska that really ought to be a territory, but now the whole country is watching.

As this happens, Mrs. Palin's popularity is sinking like a rock, along with Alaska's reputation.

September 17, 2008 - 9:01am | rfn

Where's the honour?

The legislature proposed a fair and unbiased investigation.

Then appointed a Democrat gubernatorial wannabe who, in turn, appointed an investigator whose family had a working relationship with Monegan.

Then said Democrat gubernatorial wannabe launched a series of statements strongly implying that there was a script and a pre-determined outcome.

So, I ask again, "Where IS the honour?"

As this happens, Mr. French's chances of becoming governor are sinking like a rock, along with the Alaska legislature's reputation.

September 16, 2008 - 5:44pm | Lanternshine

Waynepet, try to catch up.

You admit that this is your first time here. Please be so kind as to tell us how much you have read about the situation — not just the comments and public back-and-forth generated here, but the transcripts of the interviews, the public quotes, etc. That is the information that most of us here have been immersed in for more than two months.

You appear to have been drawn in by her public persona. Many here were once where you are. They believed she was a good person, they believed in her honesty, they believed in her integrity.

Well, Waynepet, that was then, and this is now. And, now, many of us feel betrayed by her. Neither she nor her administration have lived up to their promises of openness, transparency, and honesty.

So, if it appears that some of us are "attack[ing] her character," the reason behind that is that, by dint of her very own words and actions, her character has become an issue.

Sarah let us down, and now we're no longer going to prop her up.

So, catch up on your reading, Waynepet, and, certainly, feel free to support her. But we've been there, done that, and it didn't work out too well for us.

September 16, 2008 - 5:44pm | Lanternshine

Waynepet, try to catch up.

You appear to have been drawn in by her public persona. Many here were once where you are. They believed she was a good person, they believed in her honesty, they believed in her integrity.

Well, Waynepet, that was then, and this is now. And, now, many of us feel betrayed by her. Neither she nor her administration have lived up to their promises of openness, transparency, and honesty.

So, if it appears that some of us are "attack[ing] her character," the reason behind that is that, by dint of her very own words and actions, her character has become an issue.

Sarah let us down, and now we're no longer going to prop her up.

So, catch up on your reading, Waynepet, and, certainly, feel free to support her. But we've been there, done that, and it didn't work out too well for us.

September 16, 2008 - 3:36pm |

Removed

This post was deleted for being off topic or violating the ADN user agreement. We encourage readers to "flag" offensive or off-topic comments for review by ADN staff.

September 16, 2008 - 3:56pm | waynepet

Exhibit C

Please refer to my ealier post; your two regrettable paragraphs are an illustration of my point.

September 16, 2008 - 3:14pm | katie_doe

You defend liars?

She promised to be open and transparent. She promised to cooperate with this investigation.

Sarah is a liar.

September 16, 2008 - 3:24pm | waynepet

You Just Gave Us Exhibit A

You see, you can't do it, can you? There's no referenceable, proven set of facts you bring up, just a label, a smear that anyone could say. And just inferences to go with it.

September 16, 2008 - 3:27pm | katie_doe

Why isn't she cooperating, Wayne?

What is she trying so hard to hide?

September 16, 2008 - 9:35pm | akartisan

Simple

Don't testify if you can't get a fair trial.

September 16, 2008 - 9:57pm | katie_doe

Not buying it.

Just because you say it isn't "fair" doesn't make it so. Sarah needs to follow through with her promise to Alaskans.

“We would never prohibit, or be less than enthusiastic about any kind of investigation. Let’s deal in the facts, and you do that via investigation,” Palin said.

September 16, 2008 - 3:46pm | waynepet

Real Facts

She's already answered that, and publicly. She said that she wanted an open investigation, but that was before it became apparent that the leaders of this inquiry are being driven by politics, as evidenced by their public statements - that it would be an October surprise, that it would damage the Governor, etc, before they had even gathered the facts from all of the principals. And then they bring in an attorney to run the show who is a friend of Mr. Monagan who was dismissed as a state employee. It was revealed on Friday that the Democratic lawmaker who instigated the probe was calling the shots concerning the subpoenas, not the attorney assigned to the probe. There's additional evidence that this is being driven by politics, not a search for truth.

She doesn't appear to have anything to hide - that's why she's been so confident and didn't fear an investigation. And now she's released e-mails that demonstrate that the reason for the firing was insubordination.

I have been through several firings of employees and it is very common for untrue charges to be leveled against an employer after discharge. It goes with the territory.

But you cannot reaonsably draw these conclusions without stating the facts. Real facts.

September 16, 2008 - 3:16pm | rfn

As though more proof were needed,

it droppeth as the gentle rain......

"This" is not the investigation proposed. THAT was to have been a fair and unbiased one.

September 16, 2008 - 3:28pm | waynepet

I'm not sure if you are

I'm not sure if you are agreeing with me or not. It appears from the news reports, blogs, and documents submitted publicly at least (and I'm willing to spell it out) that the investigation has been politicized and is not fair or unbiased, and is not primarily in the public interest, but is merely focused on doing damage to the Governor and her family.

September 16, 2008 - 3:37pm | rfn

Agreeing wholeheartedly.

The particular bit of shrapnel I addressed merely proved even more effectively that civility perished long, long ago. What's amusing, in a perverted sort of way, is that what began as a neighborhood cat-fight has turned into national headlines. There is no logic in most of this; merely a continuation of the rancor occasioned when a ball game was lost or a heart broken....or something equally petty.

I believe the investigation (and I had advocated a complete, fair and unbiased investigation) began innocently enough and had good intentions. At that point it seemed everybody involved was willing to cooperate. It took only days for the path to be lost with the appointment of an investigator with ties that might be quite innocuous but open the question of whether past connections to one party might justify disqualification. Once the appearance of taint is out there it cannot be neglected whether there actually is or is not a problem. Add to it the repeated statements by the legislative leader that strongly suggest the script was written before a single question was asked and it's a recipe for disaster. If disaster was intended, it's what has resulted.

I believe you have the focus properly nailed down!

September 16, 2008 - 3:20pm | katie_doe

Sarah Palin is a liar.

September 16, 2008 - 3:30pm | waynepet

Exhibit B

September 16, 2008 - 3:25pm | rfn

And Michelle Obama

wants to be co-President.

Not that there's anything wrong with that.

45 September 16, 2008 - 2:32pm | goldengate

More Of the Same Alaska Political Corruption

This nothing but more of the same Alaska Republican Corruption where several high Ranking GOP politicians and other big wigs have been convicted, plead guilty and the the old dude uncle Steven's is awaiting trial after a federal indictment. Madam Governor fancy pants, pentecostal evangelical, hypocrite, star and stripes bikini clad brandishing a scope mounted rifle, with a forked tongue malignant narcissists, chronic scape goater, uncorrectable grab bagger who is sacrificing others with coercion, reckless abandon and impunity to promote her own outward/ hypocrite self image of good, is the evil and people of the lie.

She is just like McCain, with his preferential treatment all his life, lies, cover up, fake war hero, being tortured for five years. The man as son and grand son of admirals, who could not cut the muster and stand on his two feet, with his elite heritage and Washington DC connections is a pour simple coward, a boozer, womanizer, who with his hideous code of conduct, being a gentleman and a officer for money divorced his first crippled wife. In favor a rich AZ hussy rodeo queen 17 years his Jr. The calculating SOB with the aid abetting of another Navy hack boozer, Senator John Tower first had the Navy sanitize most of his low down third rate record of the destruction of five naval aircraft, the hideous incidence on board the Carrier USS Forrestal. Where the hot shot arrogant McCain disobeyed direct orders to remove the 1000 Lb oversize and over weight bombs, for which his jet fighter was not outfitted. Then the SOB wet fired up his engines to harass and intimidate the pilot behind him. The over abundance of heat from his exhaust caused the so called stray rocket from the plane lose. Nevertheless McCain reckless behavior and attitude that he displayed in the earlier events during joy ridding while drunk and hot dogging, was responsible this very serious incidence, where 139 naval personnel died, 179 others were maimed, crippled, severely burned, 20 jet fighters were destroyed and tens of billions in damages to the flight deck of the carrier. McCain, the son of the admiral suffered a few minor injuries and was the first one air lifted to safety and medical attention, while others with third degree burns had to wait. This SOB has never any acceptance of personal sense of responsibility.
After his surrender as a result of being shot down, and 5 years as a POW his version differs radically from other higher ranking military Officers who were POWs much longer.
www.usvetdsp.com/jan08/mccain_military_record.htm
www.military.com/opinion/0,15202.164859_1,00,html
www.vietnamveteransaganistjohnmaccain.com/cin_declassified.htm
www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1024927/The-wife-McCain-callously-left behind.html

The recently discovered video of McCain's release in Vietnam, his physical, mental condition, stolid out look appearance and that of the others, is far cry from what McCain has been harping about all these years. Accepts for his noticeable limp of on account of the broken leg, that he suffered when he bailed out, there is no evidence of any impairment of his not being able to raise his hands of arms over the shoulder level.

He is shown disembarking unaided ( not crutches) from a bus. He twice salutes two unidentified high ranking military officers. Shakes hand with them and proceeds to board the awaiting US Air Force transporter. This comparison of his stolid appearance is a far different then when he is ushered before Nixon in a uniform 3 sizes larger, with two crutches, a long skinny frame of an emancipated man. The earlier video has none of the so called effects of starvation or torture.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/7610891/stm

After the son of the admiral in his 3 sizes too large Uniform was ushered before Nixon. The US Navy on account of his injuries received when he bailed out, declared him 100% disabled, for which McCain has been drawing a full disability pension. He as per Navy and DOD should have been discharged as were all others. But the son of the admiral was promoted to a full commander and decked out with 28 medals for flying 25 hours of bombing missions over Hanoi and N. Vietnam cherry picking civilian targets, killing thousands of poor civilian women and children as per our LBJ fraud so called mission of all out indiscriminate bombing of N. Vietnam. All based of the Gulf of Tonkin cooked up incidence of Vietcong attack on a US destroyer in international waters. The facts are this incidence never took place. Just as the falsified and fabricated evidence was used for the fraud war on Iraq, our Government through people like John McCain used this falsified non existent excuse to bomb the hell out of N. Vietnam. McCain and others were a part of this scheme. That is why all the Vietnam records including McCain's have never been released.

These conservative republican war mongers like McCain and Palin with their perverse ideology of inequality, rights only of their kind, warping themselves in the flag and farting patriotism is the reason we got involved in that Crazy Asian war some 15000 miles away in Nam and and the fraud war in Iraq and BS untenable war in Afghanistan costing this country close to $20 billion a month. While we are paying over $4.25 a gallon for gas prices in the lower 48 and close to $10 per gallon in rural Alaska. People are losing their home by the millions. McCain/Bush/Cheney flawed fiscal, foreign policies and priorities have saddled this country with over $4 trillion federal deficit, over $14 trillion national debt to the Chinese, Arabs, Japanese and others. The Palin's and the McCain's double and triple dipping and living high on the hog.

After McCain's promotion to a full commander, the son of the admiral through his elite Washington political connections the son of the CINPAC with aid and abetting of people like John Tower, the Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, was admitted to the War College. A place reserved for high ranking military officers with merits and distinction. McCain's being #496 in his class at the academy, unprecedented destroyer of five aircraft and 5 years as a POW.
After 9 months of R and R at the war college the son of the admiral lacking nay merits was again promoted to the rank of Captain and assigned as a Naval Liaison to the US Senate, a job for which McCain neither had any experience or training. He was merely a hand picked special aid to Senator John Tower the like minded boozer and womanizer, for who McCain was very instrumental in providing booze and women in places like Saudi Arabia.

McCain and Palin are alike in their hypocrite conservative republican modus operandi. Except that the madam governor is a lying, nasty control freak pentecostal evangelical , rotten to the core corrupt, and McCain the same old Washington DC womanizer and boozer that calls his trophy drug addict wife a CU**.

These people of the LIE and Pure Simple Evil

As for the trooper-gate, the only solution is for the federal prosecutor handling the republican corruption in Alaska to immediately seat a federal grand jury and Subpoena the madam governor, her dude Todd and all others that are linked to this abuse of power, all the lying, making false statements, violating the civil rights of Mr. Monegan and other corruption Ms. Palin and her cohorts are implicated and involved in.

www.thecarpetbaggerrepot.com/archives/13582.html is a solid example of what the likes of McCain think about Women.

September 16, 2008 - 9:38pm | akartisan

The Carpet Bagger Report is Right

The polish of your prose is so precise, it panders.

Leave us alone. There is NO federal prosecutor, so forget it. You have no idea what is going on. Stop trying.

44 September 16, 2008 - 1:56pm | Sharonk

New - legislaors file claim

Now claim filed. Sad is how Republican legislators are blaming Democrats. But that is politics. All have connections. People have to review real facts. Just remember words are cheap. Check comments for validity. I do know McCain and Palin are now in hot water for proven lying so much. I am Republican female so am so disappointed. Below I am just stating observations, some legal facts, and what proof is available.

With holding information under "executive privilege" does cause "concern." Sarah Palin and her administration using private emails for government business to avoid "Public Records Act" should be red alert to all for "concern." As a medical professional I would be fired if all my calls, patients visits, any patient contact were not documented on my employer's computer system to be included in patient record automatically. Alaskans must be aware Sarah Palin and her administration are working in secrecy. This is not ethical. This is not being honest to all Alaskans - plain and simple. These emails are not in public records and no one can make sure she is doing all with honesty. This is absolutely avoidance of Public Records Act which protect Alaskans from abuse of power.

Facts-
(1)Legialative Investigation - all legislators voted to conduct an investigation - Republicans and Democrats. Legislators voted upon who was to be on committee. Judiciary Committee involved. There was significant evidence presented to pursue investigation. And was bipartisan. Committee selected had more Republicans than Democrats. Claims by McCain spokesman todayinvestigation was partisan are not true and I have verified by the fact checks. News media have verified as well. Investigation is bipartisan. McCain wants Ethics Board to handle. This is problem and "bias" for Palin could exist. These are her appointed staff. It makes no difference if some were appointees by prior governor. Their jobs depend on favoring Palin. McCain lawyers are in Alaska and stalling investigation plain and simple.

Today claims by McCain Campaign hold no sound basis. McCain spokesman claims this is partisan investigation and caused by Democrats and particularly Obama Campaign. Fact Check is no evidence exists to back this claim. News media support as well. Only evidence is Democrat gave to Obama Campaign - period. Lots of evidence does exist McCain and Palin have lied and continue to lie. Fact check, analysts, news media, other fact check type groups/agency all substantiate McCain and Palin are LYING. THESE GROUPS ARE VERY UPSET AT ALL THE LIES. WHEN CONFRONTING MCCAIN HE CLAIMS HE IS TELLING TRUTH. BUT HE HAS BEEN FOUND HE ISN'T. SAD. AS A REPUBLICAN THIS ALARMS ME. If no evidence Palin can not be found guilty. McCain spokesman today is avoiding all of the investigation. McCain wants all go to "biased" appointed Ethics Board and have total control of all information!! How can the defense control all the information?? How can truth come out?? It can't when defense is holding the information. If no legal evidence is given even Legislative Investigation can not convict Palin. I don't care if they are enemy or not - only legally sound evidence can convict.

(1)Three plus years ago Palin family claims Wooten is a danger and had made threats. Protection order was given by judge- but was not continued by judge. No sound legal proof provided/submitted by family as legal evidence to continue protection order. If he were a danger as claimed by Palin family - where is the evidence that could have been gotten if true?? But I saw no no audio tapes, no video tapes, no witnesses outside of Palin Family were ever presented for actual proof Wooten was a danger. Wooten could have easily been caught with good planning and defense strategies implemented by Palin family. Remember divorce judge warned Palin in transcripts - family to stop vendetta against Wooten.

(2)If Trooper Wooten was dangerous - any further pursuit beyond divorce trial against Wooten as a danger needed to be done legally through court system. Wooten needed to be been kept out of state government system until he was proven by courts to be a danger. No new separate court claim filled. This is the law. This continued pursuit of Wooten past divorce trial is/was a Palin family personal issue. Bringing a personal issue into her position as governor is a legal issue. Palin continued to use Wooten's name in derogatory manner as an example in government documents. Wooten's name was used in derogatory manner multiple times over the two years she has been governor. Mentioning Wooten in derogatory manner is a huge legal issue. Naming Wooten again and again is defaming another state employee. FACT -Palin has never legally proven in court he is a danger. This is what is a fact. Appears Palin and family and her state government administration are legally defaming an employee's character as dangerous to his superiors without court supported proof danger exists. Why is this happening three years after the divorce in 2005?? Private employees would be fired immediately if they brought personal issues to their work to pursue personal efforts against another employee to cause them to be fired, because of a personal issue. Defaming a person to their employer is grounds for a civil suit with possible damages. I find Palin, her administration, and Palin family approach disturbing.

(3)I did find it alarming Palin administration is using this below as her basis for firing Monegan. Reason for firing will be filed in new court case. Palin and her administration did not approve of Monegan possibly taking trip to check if federal funds might be there to help fight violence against women, and rape??? How can this be?? How can anyone be against this pursuit?? This would be free money??? Does this indicate Palin did not support help for women??? I find some implications there. Crime rate in Alaska against women is at all time high. One of highest in Nation. He should be congratulated on checking if federal funds available. This is to protect women against violence and rape?? Administration is claiming and submitting evidence they disapprove of his efforts to help all women??? Implies Palin was against women's protection or women's rights?? They claim he is a rogue cop?? How can he be rogue when he is just attempting to help/protect women?? I am a Republican woman and I am alarmed. I don't understand??? This stance and submission to court as proof why Monegan fired is definitely alarming for all woman and their rights.

(4)Republicans today state state investigation was not serious earlier. It was nothing at all. Not true - attorney had written and forewarned Palin condition was grave July, 2008. Advised to apologize to Wooten and fire any in her administration who pursued Wooten to Monegan. Legislative Investigation was voted for by all legislators and begun by legislators before she was chosen.

(5)Republicans today are not wanting bipartisan participation in investigation. Republicans do not want any Democrats involved in investigation?? This makes no sense. This is dishonest. McCain spokesman just interviewed by CNN and that was stance given. Investigative reporter of CNN revealed investigation has been totally bipartisan and stated claims by McCain Campaign found to be not true.
Alaskans keep your eyes on this investigation. I do have some medical legal experience in court of law and see political "cover-up" and delay being launched!!!

This is sad as I am a white woman registered Republican. All comes down to simple fact - if no damaging evidence - Sarah Palin innocent. Forget the Witch Hunters if they even exist - can not prove guilt with out legal sound evidence. Avoiding implies guilt!! I am shocked. Alaskans I feel so sorry for all of you. Sarah Palin did not have to let this happen.

September 16, 2008 - 3:17pm | goldengate

Sara Palin did not need to let this happen

White conservative woman. Your Sara Palin herself is a control freak, vindictive, power hungry, self interest, self righteous, red neck pentecostal evangelical, Sunday Christan, hypocrite typical with perverse ideology of inequality and rights only of her kind, evil and People of THE LIE person. She is a malignant narcissist, chronic scape goater, uncorrectable grab bagger, who considers herself beyond reproach yet sacrifice others with coercion, lies, reckless abandon and impunity to promote her own outward/ hypocrite self image of good.

There is more then sufficient evidence out there plus a ton of other baggage, sinister secrets and other heinous/hideous material facts about this stars and stripes bikini clad brandishing scope mounted rifle bigot. If there is a GOP Mata Hari, the PAIN Sara without the conservative republican L is the one.

That picture of her in stars and stripes bikini that she told the British Daily as being a fake is very authentic. The man in the back ground with a smoke and two bear cans is well known to her. The small child with a 22 Rifle which the Palin's use to train their brood is her youngest daughter.

Since you claim to be a medical professional. Perhaps, you can answer why :

1. Ms. Palin with four healthy children at age 44 and a very busy and demanding elective job of the Gov. had a complying reason for a 5th child.

2. Why did this lair had to keep her pregnancy secret for five 7 months.

3. When she was in Houston at the GOP Governor's conference, she went into labor and was leaking her water. But instead of seeking immediate medical attention or consulting a doctor in the worlds best medical facilities, with her fisherman husband and oil filed worker, she hightailed back to her little town of Wasilla in the sticks of Alaska. What was so compelling that did not consult with doctors in either Houston or even Anchorage. Why all these secrets.

4. She subjected the unborn in the stress of birth for almost 10 hours high altitude flight in a pressurized diminished capacity oxygen aircraft cabin. Why ?

5. Then it turns out that she has a 17 year old pregnant daughter, who the Palin's kept out of school for 8 months with the excuse of mono. Why.

6. Now the poor new born is said to retarded and afflicted with downs syndrome. The worst is that while the madam governor is hoping around campaigning for VP with the most blatant lies, the poor downs syndrome child is the ward of his 17 year old pregnant sister. Let their evangelicalism, what kind of self righteous people are these.

September 16, 2008 - 3:19pm | rfn

Some things

should not be amended or allowed to be withdrawn.

43 September 16, 2008 - 1:51pm | yours_truly

The big COVER UP machine

Has started it's engines. I wonder what dyson, Keller, Kelly, and wagoner have to hide.

This really reeks.

September 17, 2008 - 9:44am | bmcdaniel9

Keller is her appointee from Wasilla

Keller, Dyson, and Lynn are the most likely leg's to do her radical right bidding. When the gov, our "Defender of Patriarchy," wants to shove it down women's and girl's throats, they are her most reliable "make-it-so" goons.

September 17, 2008 - 10:03am | Cartman3_15

I do not expect

objectivity from you.

So it is no surprise that you willfully ignore the FACT that Keller was actually advanced as a candidate for Vic's seat by the District 14 Republicans before Palin selected him from a short list submitted by the party.

42 September 16, 2008 - 1:34pm | black33

French and Elton must be flippin' brilliant

1. I knew they were smart; but to get all the republicans as well as democrats on the legislative council to vote for an investigation because they knew that over a month later McCain would pick Palin as his running mate is proof of genius.
2. Will the 5 republican legislators disclose who is paying for their lawsuit, and any contacts they have had with the McCain campaign and or Palin officials?

So much for the republican party having been reformed. They should remember- the coverup is worse than the crime.

September 16, 2008 - 9:39pm | akartisan

Brilliantly Tainted

These two have poisoned the investigation.

41 September 16, 2008 - 12:04pm | PalinLied

Palin says she is in INVOLVED parent

Palin says she can run her office and still take care of her family. Palin is a LIAR. Why is Piper the ONLY one with the baby.
http://www.mccainblogette.com/postings/083008_0928/62.jpg

http://www.mccainblogette.com/postings/083008_0928/63.jpg

http://www.mccainblogette.com/postings/083008_0928/60.jpg

http://www.mccainblogette.com/postings/083008_0928/61.jpg

September 16, 2008 - 2:35pm | wilbers

So glad you are back

I thought you had gone on permanent vacation from your job in Detroit, but you're back! Now, Stalin_Palin will not be so lonely in the blogger sweatshop. I know, it takes effort to embellish your url's, but please try to add more commentary so we know what you are referring to.

40 September 16, 2008 - 11:53am | racecars

LOFL

LMAO AT THE PUPPET SHOW GETTING SUPPORT FROM THESE CLOWNS...JUST GOES TO SHOW THERE IS NO CHANGE WITH THE MCCAIN -PALIN ADMINISTRATION.LOFL...MORE LIES FROM PALIN JUST SHOWS THE PUPPET IS RUNNING SCARED FROM ALL THIS 'BRING IT ON ATTITUDE' WHAT A JOKE THE GOVERNOR IS ,AND WILL ALWAYS BE!!!

September 16, 2008 - 12:05pm | mcgowana

I AGREE

IT'S MORE OF THE SAME FROM REPUBLICANS..."The world loves their own". Liars supports liars.

39 September 16, 2008 - 11:49am | PalinLied

Palin has already LIED about,

Palin has LIED about her staff making over 20 contacts about Wooten to Monegan and others.

Palin has LIED about sending personal Emails to Monegan.

Palin has LIED about Todd contacting Monegan and hiring a private investigator.

AND Palin still will NOT explain why she did not bring charges against her brother in law IMMEDIATELY when she says physical abuse started against her sister or why her sister and Bristol did not intervene as they were present when the 11 year old autistic boy was tasered.

Palin also has NOT explained why she recommended Wooten, as mayor of Wasilla, for appointment in law enforcement in the first place.

On the last two items she is guilty of turning a blind eye.

Should it come to light she did not protect her minor newphew to save face in the press for having a redneck brother in law, she should be RECALLED ON THE SPOT.

38 September 16, 2008 - 11:44am | mcgowana

Palin Supporters

As I read your comments and outpour of support, it is evident that you have ears but you have failed to hear. Do you understand that you have possibly been betrayed by whom you have trusted and you are not remotely angered? As a supporter, shouldn't you require more for your vote and shouldn't you be angry? It is this type of blindness that "cults" are made of; whether right or wrong they follow a "person" and deny truth. Remember, "there is no honor among theives". If Gov. Palin has in fact abused her power (and we all know she has), it's only a matter of time before it trickles down to the supporters. THINK, FOR ONCE IN YOUR LIFE AND STOP BEING A CULT FOLLOWER and instead open your eye and ear gate and vote according to what is revealed.

September 16, 2008 - 11:48am | nella

Should I consider

your rant? ......Naw.

September 16, 2008 - 1:38pm | sacha1520

no thinking

Yeah, your brain might hurt too much from thinking.

September 16, 2008 - 11:49am | rfn

So, it's "cultish"

to demand fairness and no bias in an investigation?

Read the "support" carefully. The mob is running a witch hunt with an apparently pre-scripted outcome. That comment: (and we all know she has) is supposed to represent, what, an open mind when an alleged investigation is still underway. Sort of like "awwwww Mom....everybody knows it's OK to snort coke!"?

Of course if that's the new American way in the coming days of obamanation, then why buck the trend, eh? Is this the Cult of Obama? Or of something a little more local?

September 16, 2008 - 12:02pm | mcgowana

IF THERE IS NOTHING TO HIDE....

Why hide? The current adminstration leading this investigation will produce not only the facts but witnesses; as a supporter wouldn't you, more than "anyone" want the truth as it relates to the charater of someone you voted for? If not, it only shows that birds of a feather, DO stick together...until they're exposed. If I am innocent, I wouldn't care who lead the investigation; facts are facts, proof is proof and lying witnesses will be exposed and unsubtantiated. It's a simple as that.

September 16, 2008 - 12:28pm | nella

It is not as simple

as that unfortunately. When politics enters, the innocent can suffer great harm and the truth is a difficult goal to achieve.

September 16, 2008 - 12:33pm | TheSdog

No sale

The Palin made it very clear when she was running for governor that it is that simple.

She continues to run as VP on the idea that it is that simple.

Classic Palin Posse, "Do as I say, not as I do."

Politics has nothing to do with it if you are supposedly "open and transparent."

September 16, 2008 - 3:02pm | rfn

Compare:

"open and transparent"

"fair and unbiased"

What sort of logic leads one to believe that either should exist without the other?

The unfortunate part of a McCain/Palin victory is mandatory Universal Health Care will take a little longer to achieve. Still, the entertainment value is such that the wait might be worth it.

September 16, 2008 - 2:57pm | akartisan

You Are Right

Remove French and Elton, and move the investigation to November and I am sure she will comply fully.

37 September 16, 2008 - 11:43am | Palingenesia

Sen. French question.

Is this the same Sen. French who is a proven military poser. I seem to recall seeing that in the ADN sometime back. That he claimed to be a Marine Corp Veteran, but he never even completed basic training in the Marine Corp. if one does not complete basic training, one is never allowed to call themselves a Marine, let alone a vet. If this is the same French, did he not have to take down his poser lie from his official website when he was exposed as the poser he is.

September 16, 2008 - 11:52am | PalinLied

Unlike Palin who CLAIMED to have visited wounded troops in Iraq

Palin is as dishonest as the winter is long.

36 September 16, 2008 - 11:40am | jerryg

About Time!

It's about time that these legislative folks stood up for our governor and an objective investigation of what has happened. How can anyone agree that the investigation has been fair and impartial up to this point, with Hollis French already having determined the outcome, as well as appointing his buddy Branchflower as the investigator?
The hateful and spiteful comments of those in this blog who are expressing their uninformed viewpoints so adamantly are nothing but the sounds of the wind going out of their anti-Sarah sails. Wake up, get real, and face the facts, folks: you're on the losing side of this one!

September 16, 2008 - 11:50am | azbirds

Palin investigation

She was for it before she was against it. We do not need more Bush/Cheney cover-ups and distorting the truth. McCain/Rove has twisted the truth so much, that they do not want you to know what is up/down--or black/white.

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