A longtime friend of Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin, John Bitney acted as legislative liaison for Governor Palin. He was responsible for giving priorities to the governor's legislative agenda, beginning at the time of her inaugural. He left the governor's office abruptly on July 9, 2007, citing "personal reasons." He was quickly hired by the Alaska Speaker of the House, John Harris (R-Valdez), to conduct research on legislative and budget issues.
Bitney has said that he was fired because he was dating Deborah Marie Richter, the soon-to-be ex-wife of Scott Alan Richter, a close friend of Sarah Palin's husband Todd.Politico.com: Palin's cold shoulder (September 5, 2008)
Quotes
"(Todd and Sarah Palin) were upset with me about my divorce and who I was dating and they didn't want that in the governor's office. I wanted to stay with the governor and support the governor — we're talking about someone who's been a friend for 30 years — but I understood it and I have no ax to grind over the whole thing." — John Bitney, speaking to Politico.comPolitico.com: Palin's cold shoulder (September 5, 2008)
References
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