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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

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Papers are flying in Troopergate (Updated)

Posted by Alaska_Politics

Posted: September 16, 2008 - 11:31 am

From David Hulen in Anchorage --

Lots of paper is flying connected with Troopergate today. Now:

> Five Republican lawmakers went to court asking a judge to issue an emergency order blocking the legislature's investigation. Here's the suit. (New York Times story here.)

> House Speaker John Harris sent a letter this morning to Sen. Kim Elton, chairman of the Legislative Council, demanding that the body convene within a week "for the purpose of discussing the status of the investigation currently underway by Stephen Branchflower...The political landscape certainly has changed since this investigation was authorized by the Legislative Council on July 28, 2008. What started as a bipartisan and impartial effort is becoming overshadowed by public comments from individuals at boths ends of the political spectrum."

> A group of Fairbanks and North Pole citizens filed a lawsuit against Branchflower today. They claim the investigation is unconstitutional and want a judge to stop the investigation.

This afternoon, Elton issued a response by e-mail:

(JUNEAU) - The Judiciary, the third branch of government, is now part of the drama surrounding the Legislative Council’s investigation into “the circumstances and events surrounding the termination of former Public Safety Commissioner Monegan and potential abuses of power and/or improper actions by members of the executive branch.”

Five legislators now are asking the courts to stop an investigation unanimously endorsed by the Legislative Council several weeks before Gov. Sarah Palin was elevated to the Republican national ticket as a vice presidential nominee.

The suit filed in the Superior Court of the State of Alaska seeks “declaratory and injunctive relief in the investigation,” according to the attorney hired by Reps. Wes Keller, Mike Kelly, and Bob Lynn along with Sens. Tom Wagoner and Fred Dyson. Named in the suit in addition to the Council were: Sens. Kim Elton, chair of the Council; Hollis French, project director for the investigation; and Steven Branchflower, the investigator hired by the Council.

“While the suit is a distraction,” Sen. Elton said today, “I’m comfortable with the notion that the court will review the substance of the suit and find the Council acted properly and that the decisions made during the course of the investigation so far are appropriate and well within the mandate of the Council.” He added the investigation will continue pending a ruling from the court.

“The silver lining in this action initiated by the five lawmakers,” Elton said, “is that some of that debate now has been kicked to the judicial branch which, unlike the legislature and the governor’s office, is more insulated from the red-hot passion of presidential politics.”

Elton noted an attorney will be hired to represent the named parties in the suit though a decision on who that attorney will be has not yet been made.

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55 September 18, 2008 - 11:50am | Eco

LIBERAL PRESS MAKES FUN OF ALASKA VOTERS

Do you want to know what the Liberal Media thinks of Alaska voters. How About:

Palin’s supporters as “white trash,” compared the vice presidential candidate to a “xxx actress” and called her daughter’s boyfriend a “redneck” and “ratboy.”

Mallick also blasted Alaska as Canada’s ugly stepchild.

“We love our own north to the point of covering our eyes and humming as it melts … but Alaska is different from our north,” she wrote. “We share a 1,500-mile border with a frontier state full of drunks and crazy people, of the blight that cheap-built structures bring to a glorious landscape.

“Alaska is our redneck cousin, our Yukon territory forms a blessed buffer zone, and thank God he never visits. Alaska is the end of the line.”

http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/09/18/columnists-labeling-palin-backers-white-trash-spurs-review-at-canadian-tv//

September 18, 2008 - 8:07pm | rfn

How about that!

Liberals who are ever so politically correct trotting out racist remarks like "white trash".

Does that give license to other folks to lash out at Mr. Obama in racist terms....or does that only work one way?

54 September 17, 2008 - 7:36am | jjus

I have 2 serious questions:

(1) How can she credibly claim that Monegan was insubordinate when she previously praised his work and offered him another job on the Alcohol Control Board (ABC)?
See KTVA 8-15-08 article, "Governor and staff's latest explanations leave more questions"
(But weeks ago she praised Monegan for his abilities to solve those same issues when offering him a job as the director of the Alcohol Beverage Control Board. "I recognized Frank Bailey, Boards and Commissions Director that Walt's interests and strengths could be put to good use as he could concentrate exclusively on a couple of issues that were his interest, that be bootlegging and alcohol problems in rural Alaska," said Palin on July 17th.); see also Gov. Palin Press RELEASE No. 08-122 (7/17/08).

(2) How can she claim she fired him because he wasn’t doing enough to combat bootlegging and alcohol abuse problems, yet offer him a new job in precisely that field?
See KTVA 8-15-08 article ("I was concerned also that we were not doing enough on continuing alcohol abuse issues that I wanted to see tackled, including the bootlegging issues in rural Alaska"); See also CNBC interview ('What does a VP do?' video) (“it was the Commissioner that we were seeking more results, more action to fill, uh, vacant trooper positions, to deal with bootlegging and alcohol abuse problems in our rural villages especially. Um, just needed some new direction, a lot of new energy in that position. That is why the replacement took place there of the Commissioner of public safety.”)

There are only 2 options here:

(A) She is lying, and in the process willing to playing politics with state procedure and to smear the reputation of a well-respected police chief (not to mention lying about ever contacting Monegan);

(B) She is not lying, and she is so irrational that she offered a job to a guy to head up the ABC -- a task force she thinks is important (alcohol abuse/bootlegging, etc.) -- even though she claims she fired that same guy for failing to control alcohol abuse/bootlegging AND who she now accuses of insubordination.

Which one is it?

53 September 16, 2008 - 9:31pm | jkilvik

In Alaska, only the little guys have to obey subpoenas??

Where is it written that only the 'little' guys and the unconnected get to ignore subpoenas or get five Republican Legislators working their butts off to quash an official investigation.

52 September 16, 2008 - 9:05pm | hickandrat

Monegan

if he was RAISED in Alaska what schools did he attend? Check the RECORD... Seattle is where you want to look.

September 16, 2008 - 9:25pm | rusticatinginak

What Does That Have To Do With Anything?

I was born and raised here, so am I supposed to Lord It Over everyone who wasn't? I am one month older than Sarah Palin, and OH MY GOD, she was born in Idaho and didn't move here until she was a few months old. I guess that I am more of a Real Alaskan than her, though I've never shot a moose. How dare she run for Governor, she is not a REAL ALASKAN!

Isn't Monegan Native? And Sarah is only married to a 1/8 Native. How dare she send her 1/16 Native children off to those Native ceremonies! Why, don't you need to be 1/4 to be recognized by the corporations and for health benefits at the Native Hospital?

For your information, most adults in Alaska were born somewhere else. There was a large influx of Outsiders when the pipeline was being built.

September 16, 2008 - 9:50pm | hickandrat

It has

plenty to do with everything, he has made claims, that are not TRUE. That is the issue. Check his native claim, you will be supprised. And yes you should LORD it over the others, because they bring their agenda to OUR way of life...making you CHANGE to their way as they precive it.

September 16, 2008 - 10:53pm | wilbers

You are provincial beyond belief

Yes, you will change your perspective about the world whenever you receive new information. That includes from the television, visitors to the state, or newcomers who recently moved to Alaska to live. Don't you understand that new perspectives are good? That is why travel is so important to our world understanding. I have met so many Alaskans who are absurdly proud of the fact that they have not left the state for "x" years. For some, that means 10 or more years! They have no world view, and they are as well rounded as any hillbilly could be. I am sure that you fit right into that category.

September 16, 2008 - 10:20pm | rusticatinginak

I Googled Walt Monegan

and all I could find is that he was born in Nyac ( which I believe is near Bethel) and that he went to Alaska Methodist University and Alaska Pacific University. He was also in the Marines and has had many jobs in Alaska. He also looks like he is at least half Native.

What is OUR way of life? I am 75% German descent, a smidge of Scottish and Norwegian. My parents came from the Midwest in the early 50's. My ancestors were poor farmers who fled Europe in the 17-1800's.

Alaska was a Territory when my parents came here, and became a state a few years later. How are They making me change?

Are you a member of the Alaska Independence Party?

51 September 16, 2008 - 9:02pm | rusticatinginak

It Wouldn't Be Good For The Ticket If McCann Loses Custody

All of this could have been avoided if Palin had taken Wev Shea's advice. So why didn't she? Could it be that any admission of wrongdoing might be seen by the Divorce Judge as the "mental abuse" of the children that he chastised the family about? He also apparently warned McCann that if she could not control her family, she might lose custody. (Saw this in a CNN article last week).

The Palins have now gone way past the forbidden "disparagement". They've so completely trashed Wooten's reputation (whether deserved or not) that he is now known statewide, nationally, and even internationally as a "Rogue Cop".

Three years after the divorce, Palin should have gotten past the emotion and ugliness of her sister's divorce. But that is the problem with Pit Bulls. They have these locking jaws and sometimes they just won't let go until somebody beats them off with a stick.

The really sad part is that when asked by Charlie Gibson about Troopergate, instead of saying "no comment", she proceeded to trash Wooten again. She sought to gain sympathy for herself with the voters instead of following the Judge's order.

At that point I began to wonder if Sarah Palin was willing to jeopardize having her sister lose custody of the children to Wooten, just to fulfill her political ambitions.

Talk about throwing people under the bus, possibly even her own sister. After that, trashing Monegan is mere child's play. How many careers has Sarah destroyed now? She keeps doing it so guess she doesn't give much thought to the lives she ruins. I used to find her likeable, thought she was a compassionate conservative. Didn't know about all the firings. John Bitney was right, considering this horrific mess, she must be the world's worst breaker upper.

October 15, 2008 - 6:58pm | cautionyou

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September 16, 2008 - 9:19pm | hickandrat

maybe she recognized narcissistic behavior...the childern ARE at risk.

50 September 16, 2008 - 8:21pm | mardok613

Lawsuits

They sure do hate attorneys and frivolous lawsuits. Until they need an attorney or have something to gain.

Do as we say. Not as we do.

49 September 16, 2008 - 7:54pm | soldier19985

Ok it's me again, explain this one for me

Campaigning in Colorado today, Gov. Sarah Palin (R-AK) promised renewed attention to kids with special needs. She declared, “Ever since I took the chief executive’s job up North I pushed for more funding for students with special needs,” and cited her own family’s experience with the issue. Watch it:
http://thinkprogress.org/2008/09/15/palin-cut-funding-for-alaska-special-olympics/

It’s a stretch to say she “pushed” for any policy improvements. Though Palin did sign a law increasing special education funding in Alaska, “she had no role whatsoever” in its development, according to the bill’s author, Rep. Mike Hawker (R).
Parents of Special-Needs Children Divided Over Palin’s Promise to Help
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/07/us/politics/07needs.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1

Moreover, as governor, Palin vetoed $275,000 in Special Olympics Alaska funds (Page 100, SB 221 with vetoes), slashing the organization’s operating budget in half.
http://www.gov.state.ak.us/omb/09_omb/budget/bills/SB221_with_vetoes.pdf

And what's up with all the school cutting?

September 16, 2008 - 9:26pm | akartisan

Whose Responsibility Is Special Olympics?

I personally agree with that veto. Why is State government responsible for subsidizing half of a nonprofit's operating budget. If that organization doesn't have a sustainable base of support, it is their own problem.

48 September 16, 2008 - 7:49pm | kenmattos

Alaska's reputation as reflected by Troopergate

I lived in Seattle for 24 years and had many good friends in Alaska. Some went there to work in fishing crews, some as teachers and researchers in the great wildlife resources. My impression of Alaska has been favorable. Now Troopergate and Sarah Palin and company are bringing a tragic shadow over the civic life & politics of Alaska. It is heartening to hear of the brave folks who are standing up for accountability and real transparency in government where appropriate ... and this is against mounting pressure from surrogates of the McCain-Palin campaign. I wish you strength and will in resisting this and show the rest of us the best of Alaskan civic life.

47 September 16, 2008 - 6:51pm | Stags_Leap

Republican's can always be counted on for a COVERUP

the actions of our "republicans" stinks worse than my grandmother's ass. Sorry to be so crass. But nothing else quite captures the sentiment.

Our governor may have committed crimes. And as voters, we are being denied access to the investigator's report due to the manic attempts by our republican and spineless elected officials who want this all to go away -and not be factored into voters' decision making process.

This is a crime against all citizens and infringes upon our right to vote. What good is that right if we allow these scumbags to derail justice and truth?

Shame on Palin and shame on the Republicans in this state, who don't blink an eye about bending over to take one for Palin -in order to enjoy her support on their future political ambitions.

September 16, 2008 - 11:03pm | wilbers

This investigation is not about politics

It is about a possible breach of ethics. When you throw party politics into the discussion, you detract from the issue. You refuse to look at the issue squarely and recognize that a bipartisan group of legislators started the investigation. The investigation would have already been finished, if Hollis French had not ruined it by making unwise predictions about the conclusion of the investigation and assuming the investigator's duties by responding for him in letters to Van Flein.

At that point, the investigation was ruined. Don't you see? This is not about party politics, it is about Hollis French's mismanagement of his duties as "project manager." Now, the investigation must start over with a new "project manager" and a new "investigator."

I want to know where this leads, too, and I only want to see a fair outcome for the investigation. Hopefully, it will be concluded in a timely fashion.

Keep the politics out of it.

September 16, 2008 - 8:34pm | rfn

Indeed there may have been crimes.

An honest investigation might find some or it might find none. Similarly, an investigation of the alleged investigation...not the one that was begun, the one that has evolved, might make similar discoveries.

Perhaps the court cases will help bring some of that into focus.

Meanwhile, sad to hear of the apparently hereditary condition; perhaps Dr. Dog can find a balm as it appears to be within his area of expertise. We all, I am (reasonably) certain, wish the entire family well.

September 16, 2008 - 7:12pm | JoePatriot

Slow down

You got pretty excited because the Governor MAY HAVE commited crimes,
Obviously you feel she is guilty but the Governor, MAY NOT HAVE commited crimes.
Either way it does not take away your right to vote the way you choose.
Grandma probably changed your diaper when you were a little babe. Shouldn't you leave her out of it or at least show her some respect.
The whole thing may be a witch hunt, after all Governor Palin basically told these legislators they needed adult supervision. Don't you think that they want their pound of flesh.

September 16, 2008 - 7:21pm | Stags_Leap

redirect

the investigation was approved by a bi-partisan panel, and prior to the VP announcement. It has only recently become a political issue -because Palin doesn't want the truth to come out.

September 16, 2008 - 9:27pm | akartisan

It got twisted up when Hollis French added a poison pill. This bag of worms rests squarely on the shoulders of a few Democrats interested in spending State treasure for a political campaign.

September 16, 2008 - 8:03pm | JoePatriot

I agree

I agree to the first part. Not arguing that point.
Have you thought perhaps the majority of that panel (repubs) wanted to make certain that no one could say they were covering for the Gov, if they refused to hear the matter. Those same Repubs may have wished harm on the Gov as she let them know -she's the new sheriff in town.
While it may have started without bias, comments made during the investigation sounds like due process was being short circuited.
Wouldn't have been just as easy to say, I can't comment on the issue, it is under investgation.

Hollis should have known better or at least chose better non biased words when commenting.
Grant you, since being selected for VP,the stakes have changed for the democrats and the republicans as they both have a dog in the fight , for lack of better words.

We have people from out of town on our blogs fueling the fire. If you believe that McCain has people working on the matter, the Obama camp does also.

There is much at stake. It must be dealt with properly, Alaskan's deserve nothing less.

Don't take stories printed by ADN as unbiased

September 16, 2008 - 8:24pm | JoePatriot

Coverup revisited

As Alaskan's we need to find out why the behavior of Trooper Wooten was covered up, swept under the rug. Yes I know the matters were investigated and trooper Wooten was reoprimanded.

You would have been in the gray bar hotel. Shouldn't the troopers demand better of their own? Shouldn't we demand better after all they are an extended arm of the court.
The majority of troopers are very respectful and professional but some believe they are above the law. When that happens, they must be removed.

How will you feel if you are being pulled over by a trooper now? Are you gonna get tasered, perhaps shot in the head? Chances are that is very far from happening but if it is Wooten your safety and longevity may be at serious risk.

This man should not be protected. He should be fired.
We must demand more accountability.

Wooten remaining in the troopers is the real cover up

September 16, 2008 - 10:20pm | Emperor

It's not about Wooten.

The Wooten case was investigated and adjudicated with appropriate punishment before Palin even took office.

Palin, her staff, her family all tried to re-open the case and have him dismissed without any further information or cause. That is abuse of the office.

Would an ordinatry citizen be able to demand that a closed case be reopened against a state employee simply because they didn't like the results? Not a chance. Neither should the governor, her husband or her staff.

Somebody needs to tell the good Queen she isn't REALLY royalty.

September 16, 2008 - 11:53pm | Cartman3_15

Again

It's possible that this can be about abuse of office AND institutional dysfunction at DPS. It is no more proper to dismiss one than it is to dismiss the other.

46 September 16, 2008 - 6:37pm | gooot

more news just crossed the

more news just crossed the ap. now no one will cooperate with the investigation.

September 16, 2008 - 6:48pm | katie_doe

AP reporting

Alaska AG: Troopergate witnesses won't testify

Sep 16, 10:41 PM EDT
JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) -- Alaska's attorney general says state employees subpoenaed in the investigation of Gov. Sarah Palin will not testify.

45 September 16, 2008 - 6:38pm | gooot

44 September 16, 2008 - 6:29pm | katie_doe

GET INVOLVED, ALASKANS!

Join the Alaska Women's Lobby!

September 16, 2008 - 6:40pm | maddy

What's thier phone number?

What's thier phone number? HaHa
Come on cough it up!

September 16, 2008 - 6:45pm | katie_doe

Are you Internet challenged?

Alaska Women's Lobby - contact us page

43 September 16, 2008 - 6:00pm | JoePatriot

Increase Dosage

Hey PalinLied you need to increase the dose of meds that you are on. What psycho ward did you escape from?

Good thing you are not walking around Alaska's streets, stay in Chicago in your organized community.

September 16, 2008 - 6:04pm | PalinLied

LoL, I am an Alaskan.

Seems the only way you can get through the day is believe poor little miss palin is being ganged up on by a big bad black guy.

September 16, 2008 - 6:24pm | JoePatriot

Shame on you

I never mentioned anything about race.
You sound like a true democrat . Bush lied, Bush lied,Bush lied.

How long did it take you to learn a new name?

Obama and you have something in common, make lots of noise and have no substance.

42 September 16, 2008 - 5:03pm | katie_doe

Commissioner speaks out

Sept. 15: Rachel Maddow talks with Commissioner Walt Monegan to get his side of the story

September 16, 2008 - 8:50pm | MeganLarson

Yes, let's see what Monegan said

How about this quote from the adn.com story found under the "Troopergate from the beginning" link, the first story:

The news came "out of the blue," said Monegan, a former Anchorage police chief.

"If the governor was upset with me for one thing or another, it had never been communicated to me," he said in an interview Saturday evening.
--------------------
This is not the first time Monegan has lost his job. In 2006, Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich asked him to leave his post as Anchorage police chief early, although Monegan was willing to stay on another year. At the time, Begich had just won re-election and was restructuring department leadership.

Monegan joked that he's "getting a complex," but said the kinds of jobs he's had lately are ones where you serve at the pleasure of your boss.

"They can call me in and say, you know, 'I don't like your hair; you're fired,' " Monegan said.

-July 13th 2008, http://www.adn.com/politics/story/463340.html

September 16, 2008 - 9:00pm | TheSdog

Still getting the talking

points Meg, eh?

If consistency in positions is an issue then explain the following:

Why did Palin not mention insubordination when she fired him? And if that was the reason why did she offer him a different position?

Why did she say no one in her administration ever talked to Monegan or anybody else at DPS about Wooten?

Why did she welcome an investigation initially only to circle the wagons now?

If you go after Monegan for changes in his statements you must also admit Palin is at least if not more guilty of the same thing.

That would of course involve not being a talking points partisan hack which is all that you have become at this point.

September 16, 2008 - 9:15pm | MeganLarson

Answers

Q:Why did Palin not mention insubordination when she fired him? And if that was the reason why did she offer him a different position?

A: I have a theory that she didn't want to embarrass him. She wanted to let the man save face and didn't feel the need to get into details with the press and drag him through the dirt. That would also be the reason for offering the other position. I don't have confirmation on that, though. She was being cordial.

Q: Why did she say no one in her administration ever talked to Monegan or anybody else at DPS about Wooten?

A: I don't know...I'd have to find that statement in the articles. I'm thinking, if I remember correctly, that the quote was that no one in her admin asked Monegan to fire Wooten, which he also confirmed. Using that language it would be factually correct. The issue now is about "pressure."

Q: Why did she welcome an investigation initially only to circle the wagons now?

A: Because at first the investigation was fair and unbiased. It has quickly become the opposite, and frankly I'm surprised that you don't see it. I think it was headed in that direction even before the VP nod...I'd have to look through those adn.com articles to be sure, though.

Name-calling does not become you. The above are my own opinions, nothing more.

September 16, 2008 - 9:23pm | TheSdog

Ridiculous answers

of a partisan clone.

A1. You have a theory? Palin trashes people at will. That is what "pitbulls" do and there is nothing in her history to suggest she ever holds back such things. In fact she often acts rashly and without though from laughing at "b*tch" to accusing the oil companies of being "insane." Your theory is about as believable as creation.

A2. We do not know if anyone asked for Wooten to be fired or not. Bailey's phone call definitely skirted the issue and we do have e-mails where Palin herself skirted the issue. Bottom line is you are basically accepting that she lied.

A3. Classic talking point. If you have something to hide or are guilty than attack the process. Pathetic.

It is not name calling. You have become a partisan hack and are parroting the talking points.

September 16, 2008 - 10:13pm | seewhy

hee!

Your theory is about as believable as creation.
that one was funny!

September 16, 2008 - 8:57pm | katie_doe

Right.

But she can't fire him because he wouldn't do her dirty work. That would be abuse of power.

September 16, 2008 - 9:31pm | akartisan

Wrong

She can fire him for any reason or none. Even with impunity.

September 16, 2008 - 9:52pm | katie_doe

12-0

Apparently you are not on the bipartisan Legislative Council.

September 17, 2008 - 5:10am | akartisan

You are Wrong

They were charged with investigating the circumstances. Not with determining if there was any criminal behavior. This committee and this investigator, according to their own testimony, do NOT have the authority under statute to investigate criminal behavior.

This is part of the abuse by Hollis French. His comments have turned this investigation from its original purpose into basically an inquisition style special prosecution. There is no basis under statute for a special prosecution.

Further, French is managing to turn what was a nonpartisan investigation into an illegal $100,000 State contribution on behalf of the effort to elect Obama. Obama should repudiate his own party's efforts in this.

It will come back to haunt him later.

September 16, 2008 - 9:18pm | MeganLarson

I agree

It's about "pressure."

I am looking forward to a fair and unbiased investigation to prove what really happened here.

September 16, 2008 - 10:45pm | rusticatinginak

But you've got to admit

it's kind of strange offering a guy with a "rogue mentality" who is guilty of" egregious insubordination" a job as head of the ABC Board. Who knows what he might have done there if he'd taken the job. Started denying permits to all those Republican Bar Owners and creating all kinds of Liquor Licensing Havoc.

September 16, 2008 - 5:12pm | gooot

let give you some advice. if

let give you some advice. if your going to post something. it shouldn't come from newsweek or msnbc anyone with a brain will tell you there in the tank for obama. both of them can't be trusted.

September 16, 2008 - 5:42pm | chlobbber

Sarah! Sarah!

You sound like another Sarah Palin? I know it's hard for you to trust anyone, but I could say the same thing about Faux news...Fox News, so stop.

I just want to tell you McCain has summoned an ex-justice department prosecutor in to quelch the investigation....... Wonder why they would do that? Walt Monagan isn't the only victim of Sarah and Todd Palin and you know that. In fact everyone knows that. If this is McCains tactics, he is not a man of honor...he is exactly what he was yrs ago.

September 16, 2008 - 5:48pm | airborne

Sarah! Sarah!

Typical

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Papers are flying in Troopergate (Updated)