A report on the so-called "Troopergate" investigation of Alaska Governor Sarah Palin that was released on November 3, 2008, cleared Governor Palin on the charges that she abused her power as governor of Alaska. She was charged with pressuring a public safety commissioner, Walt Monegan, to fire her ex-brother-in-law, state trooper Mike Wooten. Palin was also accused of firing Monegan when he refused to comply with her request.San Francisco Chronicle: Alaska investigator to release Troopergate report (November 3, 2008)
Governor Palin's husband Todd had submitted a written statement rather than appearing in person to address his alleged involvement in the situation. As a result, the Alaska state Senate found him and nine of Governor Palin's aides in contempt of court on February 7, 2009. No penalty or punishment was expected to be taken against Todd Palin.The Raw Story: Todd Palin held in contempt of Alaska state Senate (February 6, 2009)
Family Dispute
Molly McCann is the sister of vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin and the ex-wife of trooper Mike Wooten. Palin allegedly pressured Commissioner Walt Monegan to fire Wooten after overhearing him threaten to kill her father during McCann and Wooten's custody battle.Telegraph UK: Sarah Palin Poses Troopergate Risk
Ethics Report
After initially refusing to cooperate, Todd Palin submitted a 25-page affidavit to the investigation ordered by Alaska Legislature on October 8, 2008, regarding his role in the Troopergate scandal. The report was leaked to the press. In it, Todd Palin admits that he lobbied hard to have Mike Wooten removed as a state trooper, although he denied speaking to officials about Walt Monegan.Globe and Mail: Todd Palin: Humble 'first dude' or Alaska's 'shadow governor'? (October 10, 2008) On February 9, 2009, Palin was found guilty of contempt due to this action. However, no further action was expected to be taken against him.
An earlier report had found Governor Palin guilty of having abused her power as governor. However, a subsequent report, released the day before Election Day, 2008, cleared Governor Palin from any ethics violations.Juneau Empire: Report: Palin abused power (October 12, 2008) San Francisco Chronicle: Alaska investigator to release Troopergate report (November 3, 2008)
References
Fast Facts
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Palin claims Walt Monegan was fired over failure to fill vacanciesTelegraph UK: Sarah Palin Poses Troopergate Risk
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"Troopergate" has drawn national attention since John McCain named Palin as his running mateTelegraph UK: Sarah Palin Poses Troopergate Risk
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Palin asked the Alaska Personnel Board to conduct an investigation into the matter
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A report clearing Governor Palin of any wrongdoing was released on November 3, 2008, one day before the 2008 electionSan Francisco Chronicle: Alaska investigator to release Troopergate report (November 3, 2008)
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An October, 2008 investigation ordered by the Alaska Legislature had originally found Palin guilty of having abused her powerJuneau Empire: Report: Palin abused power (October 12, 2008)
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Todd Palin and nine aides of Governor Palin were found in contempt of court because they did not address charges in person per court requestCNN: Sarah Palin's husband, aides found in contempt (February 6, 2009)
