Mike Wooten

Mike Wooten is an Alaskan state trooper and the ex-husband of the sister of Sarah Palin, John McCain's vice presidential running mate. Wooten and Palin's sister have reportedly been engaged in a fight for child custody since their divorce.

In July 2008, Palin fired Walt Monegan, her commissioner of public safety. Monegan claims that he was fired because he refused to fire Wooten. Since the announcement of Palin's nomination, the statewide scandal has become a matter of national interest. Several blogs and commentators question whether Palin was attempting to use her gubernatorial powers to settle a personal family matter.¹

Fast Facts

Molly McCann is Palin's younger sister and Wooten's ex-wife
Wooten is an Alaskan state trooper
Palin admits that someone in her administration pressured Monegan to fire Wooten, but denies that this is why he was fired

Wooten's Alleged Abuses

Palin alleged in 2005 that Wooten had threatened her sister and their father with violence. She also accused him of using a Taser on his 10-year-old stepson. Wooten denies threatening Palin's family, but admits using the stun-gun on his stepson at the child's request.²