Troopergate Findings: Gov. Sarah Palin Abused Her Power
In a previous post, Alaskan State Senator Hollis French stated:
“Now she could face impeachment, in a worst-case scenario.”
Be prepared for the GOP spin machine stating, this is a democratic smear. Well don’t buy that lie, the legislative council is bi-partisan, with the majority being republican. Palin was cooperating with the investigation prior to being tapped by McCain.
A legislative investigation has concluded that “Gov. Sarah Palin abused her power” in pushing for the firing of an Alaska state trooper who was once married to her sister.
The release of Branchflower’s 263-page report came after a unanimous vote of the 12-member Legislative Council, which authorized the inquiry last summer. The vote followed an all-day, closed-door meeting with Branchflower. Three members participated by telephone.
Branchflower Finding One:
For the reasons explained in section IV of this report, I find that Governor Sarah Palin abused her power by violating Alaska Statute 39.52.110(a) of the Alaska Executive Branch Ethics Act. Alaska Statute 39.52.110(a) provides
“The legislature reaffirms that each public officer holds office as a public trust, and any effort to benefit a personal or financial interest through official action is a violation of that trust.”
Branchflower Finding Two:
I find that, although Walt Monegan’s refusal to fire Trooper Michael Wooten was not the sole reason he was fired by Governor Sarah Palin, it was likely a contributing factor to his termination as Commissioner of Public Safety. In spite of that, Governor Palin’s firing of Commissioner Monegan was a proper and lawful exercise of her constitutional and statutory authority to hire and fire executive branch department heads.
Branchflower Finding Three:
Harbor Adjustment Service of Anchorage, and its owner Ms. Murleen Wilkes, handled Trooper Michael Wooten’s workers’ compensation claim properly and in the normal course of business like any other claim processed by Harbor Adjustment Service and Ms. Wilkes. Further, Trooper Wooten received all the workers’ compensation benefits to which he was entitled.
Branchflower Finding Four:
The Attorney General’s office has failed to substantially comply with my August 6, 2008 written request to Governor Sarah Palin for information about the case in the form of emails.
Stephen Branchflower Report to Legislative Council; October 10, 2008
Chapter 52. Alaska Executive Branch Ethics Act
AS 39.52.110. Scope of Code
AS 39.52.120. Misuse of Official Position
AS 39.52.410. Violations; Penalties For Misconduct
October 11th, 2008 at 5:24 pm
This is not totally pertaining to troopergate, but a question I have is why is it that when Obama has issues, he must let the people know where he stands for example the Ayers and Wright issues. Oh but with McCain and Palin its always politics when there is a question about the involvement they have with contriversial issues.I was taught what’s good for the goose is good for the gander. She should have been mopping her floors before attempting to talk about someone’s dirt in their house.
October 11th, 2008 at 6:26 pm
Rodney:
Well I believe it’s called the GOP playbook as written by Karl Rove. McCain has many Rove proteges on his team so you can bet nothing will get answered by Palin or McCain. Only Democrats will be help to that standard.