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AK Lawmaker on Trooper-Gate: "I Don't Think This Is Gonna End Quietly."
The no-holds-barred effort by the McCain campaign and its Alaska Republican allies to bury the Trooper-Gate investigation at all costs may be bearing fruit.
Republicans have in recent days been calling on Democratic senator Kim Elton to reconvene the bipartisan legislative council with ultimate responsibility for the probe. And yesterday Elton told the Associated Press that he may do so, allowing for a vote on whether to delay the investigation or replace Democratic senator Hollis French as its manager.
The council, which contains 10 Republicans and four Democrats, had voted unanimously in July to launch the investigation. But many observers believe that, now that the probe could play a role in the presidential race, the committee's GOP members will vote to shut it down if given a chance.
Other recent developments confirm that the GOP is pulling out all the stops.
- Talis Colberg -- the Palin-appointed Attorney General who was directly involved in efforts to pressure the former Public Safety Commissioner Walt Monegan over Trooper Mike Wooten -- said Tuesday that ten state employees would not honor subpoenas to testify in the case. Palin, of course, had originally pledged her office's full cooperation in the probe.
- A group of five GOP legislators filed suit -- with the help of a right-wing Texas-based legal foundation -- to stop the investigation in its tracks.
- The McCain campaign officially took charge of the effort, trotting out a hard-charging former federal prosecutor, Ed O'Callaghan, as its point-man on the issue.
- And the ADN reported today that Palin's lawyer, Thomas Van Flein, is no longer being paid for by the state of Alaska, but could not say whether the McCain camp was helping to pay his bills.
But the GOP's hardball tactics could end up doing more harm than good, by adding to the suspicion that Palin has something to hide.
In an editorial published this morning, the ADN accused Palin and McCain of "trying to ignite a partisan firestorm that wipes out the Troopergate investigation until after the election."
And the liberal journalist David Corn observed last night on MSNBC: "In the last few days the Republicans are treating this like its another Watergate and they better shut it down right way."
So: Where do things go from here?
Van Flein told the ADN that he'd likely decide today whether Todd Palin, who also been subponaed but is not a state employee, will testify, which would occur at a session of the Judiciary Committee tomorrow.
Meanwhile, the band of lawmakers struggling to maintain control of the investigation -- French, Elton, and their supporters in the legislature -- certainly aren't backing down.
Despite saying he might agree to GOP calls to reconvene the legislative council, Elton sent a letter yesterday to Colberg, the Attorney General, accusing him of going back on an agreement to allow the ten state employees testify. "Bluntly, I feel like Charlie Brown after Lucy moved the football," Elton wrote to Colberg.
Sen. Bill Wielechowski, a Democrat and French ally, told TPMmuckraker: "Hollis French has no intention of buckling under," and said that the same holds true of Elton.
The operation, Wielechowski continued, is "clearly politically driven by the McCain campaign."
"I've never seen an effort like this in this state to kill something," he added. "I don't think this is gonna end quietly."
Josh
Zachary
So I guess anyone can avoid a subpoena?
September 18, 2008 12:24 PM | Reply | Permalink
Only if you are a Republican.
Personal responsibility is for Democrats and Liberals.
September 18, 2008 2:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
Let them do it. It only makes Palin and the "first dude" look all the more guilty. I was willing to keep an open mind. However, after these continued stalls, I realize this woman and her husband have lots to hide. As usual, McCain thought he was real smart to choose her but alas, it has blown up in his fCE. I cannot think of one thing McCain has done well enough to get my vote and I am a Republican too. I am sad to say that the thing that worries me the most about McCain is his obvious lack of mental aquity. Can you imagine this guy on the international scene when he cannot even remember where Spain is. His mental capacity is soooooooo diminished.
September 19, 2008 1:10 AM | Reply | Permalink
Welcome Alaska to smash mouth politics...the gop style of tearing down civil liberties and freedom! What are you going to do when everyone begins to make Alaska jokes on your way of doing business and conducting the way of public business.
September 18, 2008 12:33 PM | Reply | Permalink
But why is no one asking them(McCain, Palin, advisors, etc.) directly about this at the speaking engagements, on the news? Could we get a couple people asking questions in front of cameras?
September 18, 2008 12:34 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yeah, why aren't McCain and Palin being asked about this? If they want to obstruct an investigation, force them to own it.
Hopefully both McCain and Palin are asked about it during the debates, if not before.
September 18, 2008 12:46 PM | Reply | Permalink
If all of the alleged activities occured prior to Palin joining the GOP ticket, how in the world could McCain's campaign have any say in what should or should not be pursued? In advising staffers to ignore supoenas?
And if the campaign is paying Palin's attorney now, is that misuse of public campaign funds?
And how can a campaign have any influence in a state's legislative activities? I thought these were "state's rights" advocates.
PEACE
September 18, 2008 12:47 PM | Reply | Permalink
no, no
Only republicans, silly!!
September 18, 2008 12:55 PM | Reply | Permalink
I read in another post that the penalty in AK for failure to comply with a legislative subpoena is a fine and jail time--they should be enforced.
If they're asserting some kind of executive privilege, then there should be a court hearing on that, I would think. Hopefully it could be expedited.
And I highly doubt that a handful of Palin allies will succeed in shutting the investigation down--the Republican controlled legistlature already voted for it, and the committee is majority Republican--and this outside meddling and obstruction is only making them more angry and determined, rightfully so.
Palin's favorability is already in the negative, if she continues on this path, it's going to drop through the floor.
September 18, 2008 1:07 PM | Reply | Permalink
Seems that some of the repugs in the State legislature have been drinking the McCain kool-aid. If they bring everyone together for a big powpow, I'm sure McCaain's people will provide plenty of kool-aid fire water to get them drunk enough to put the investigation in a freezer.
Alaska is backwater enough that a simple bribe of a position in the McCain Administration is more than enough to sway a rinky-dink state senator or representative to put party over state.
September 18, 2008 2:37 PM | Reply | Permalink
Unless of course the AG who is supposed to enforce the subpoena declines not to do his job. The fact that the AG was involved in the activity being investigated would imply to me that there is a conflict of interest. . .
I'm thinking I know who McCain's first Supreme Court nomination would be if we gave him the chance.
September 18, 2008 3:23 PM | Reply | Permalink
It'll keep dropping only as long as it's news. If the Republicans turn this into a partisan thing, which they are trying to do, it could go fade from the mainstream news as soon as everyone assumes the whole deal is skewed.
Hopefully all Republicans in Alaska aren't ready to sign up to the "Crooked-Path Express".
September 18, 2008 4:42 PM | Reply | Permalink
Was going to comment. Thought about it. Not worth it. Too much fevered static.
September 18, 2008 1:08 PM | Reply | Permalink
I had something important to say too, but decided not to post anything at all in this discussion, just because it seems like there is entirely too much to expect that someone with nothing to say should take up valuable web space not saying nothing.
September 18, 2008 1:28 PM | Reply | Permalink
I was going to say something too, but then I realized that it would be a better use of valuable web space to say that I had decided not to say anything.
I was also going to explain why I decided not to say anything. But on second thought, I decided not to say that either.
September 18, 2008 1:50 PM | Reply | Permalink
You can say that again!
Personally, I wasn't gonna say anything -- but then realized that we all have a shared responsibility to help alleviate the worldwide glut of unused electrons, preserve the purity of our precious bodily fluids, and reunite Gondwanaland.
...yes we can!
LK
September 18, 2008 2:03 PM | Reply | Permalink
Don't fill up the tubes! It's all tubes!
Ok, I've now said nothing.
September 18, 2008 4:44 PM | Reply | Permalink
Steven Branchflower should release the results of his investigation on time in early October with whatever has been determined by that time. It should read something like:
'To date our investigation has determined Gov Palin has indeed misused her powers. Initial testimony from witnesses confirmed this conclusion and recent efforts by the Gov and her allies to stonewall the investigation and witness tampering have only bolstered that conclusion. We welcome the testimony of all witnesses who have ignored our subpoenas to further this investigation.'
September 18, 2008 1:23 PM | Reply | Permalink
Can you just not f'ing answer a subpoena? Really? I know the Bush people do it all the time, but now just any snow-hobo can do it?
September 18, 2008 1:54 PM | Reply | Permalink
I actually know everything about this, from my deep, deep, deep, deep, deep.....deep, deep, deep....deep....sources. However, I can't violate any trusts, so I really can't say anything, so I thought I would let you know that I know what I know, but I can't tell you what I know, even though we both know, I know it.
That being said, I just can't say anything, but wanted to let you know, that I too, would not saying anything about this. Even under Subpoena....which I would just ignore.
September 18, 2008 2:03 PM | Reply | Permalink
The recent FEC decision on Vitter using campaign funds to quash his subpoena in the DC madam case, decided that that case was not related to his officeholder activity. But he could have used the donations had the law suit been related to official duty. In this case, I guess they would decide that Palin's legal problems are of an official nature. Just guessing, though.
September 18, 2008 2:05 PM | Reply | Permalink
There's no doubt that the alleged malfeasance is official. And I'm confused about why there aren't two privileges at issue in Todd's case. The first is "executive", which is a laugher. The second is spousal--you're not required to disclose what was told to you during the course of a marriage. So in most states, and under federal law, he could refuse to answer all questions about what he told his wife unless a third person was present.
September 18, 2008 3:01 PM | Reply | Permalink
Anyone see an opportunity to totally discredit McPalin's campaign based entirely on open government and the war against corruption... while pressuring for the prevention of an investigation and/or prosecution of corruption?
September 18, 2008 2:18 PM | Reply | Permalink
True, it just reinforces the fact that both McCain and Palin are liars, hypocrites and frauds.
"Open and transparent" government has a very different meaning in their very strange world.
September 18, 2008 3:59 PM | Reply | Permalink
Ok. I'm gonna say it: Alaska is the first casualty of mcPhailin! It needs to be declared a disaster. Typhoon Phailin is up there destroying civil discourse, all reason, and any evidence.
I truly feel for the poor innocent folks in that state. They are going to need disaster assistance. PTSD will be rampant!
September 18, 2008 2:42 PM | Reply | Permalink
We're already undergoing PTSD up here in Alaska: Post TED Stress Disorder
September 18, 2008 5:33 PM | Reply | Permalink
The Last Days of The Republic.
September 18, 2008 2:59 PM | Reply | Permalink
This is probably not the issue which would deliver more voters to Obama. Mere lawlessness? If a voter is still undecided after eight years of Republican lawlessness, Palin's obstruction of justice won't make any difference.
The squandering of the trillion dollar surplus which Bill Clinton handed over into Bush's custody in 2000; the wholsale destruction of our economy; the highest levels of unemployment in years: these are issues we should be hammering on.
Don't just sit there -- get angry!
September 18, 2008 3:04 PM | Reply | Permalink
The questionable firing, and involvement of the AK Attorney General has strong echos of the US attorney firings and Alberto Gonzolas' laughable attempts to cover it up. The "Bush's Third Term" angle is almost too obvious.
New Obama ad: "Republicans used to wait 'till after an election to start covering their tracks, obstructing justice, and ignoring subpoenas. McCain and Palin are off to an early start of the same old tricks we've been watching for the last 8 years. Vote for an administration where the Attorney General represents the people, not one where he abuses his office to conceal the misdeeds of his boss. Vote for Barrack Obama for change."
September 18, 2008 3:09 PM | Reply | Permalink
From:
Head of State
http://headofstate.blogspot.com/2008/09/watching-palin.html
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Watching Palin
I'm watching Palin speak right now in Vienna, Ohio.
She looks as if she is about to burst into tears.
The outcome of this election will be frightening if she and McCain are victorious.
She was placed in a position where she was unready for the tasks she was to engage in. This would be true regardless of gender.
Now, she is being buffeted by questions that she is unable to respond to, and she is wholly unready for this and cannot deal with the outcome or ramifications.
She is like a hurt young girl rather than a Vice Presidential candidate.
She looks as if her head will burst with anger and hate and hurt.
This is closer to the Palin we have heard of in Wasilla and as Governor.
Hutchinson and other candidates would not have responded in this way.
She is clearly not ready for the Presidential status she aspires to and cannot be let to have this position for the sake of the nation. This is not only valid and obviously true, but must be understood by anyone who cares about the future of this nation.
McCain is 72 and has had 4 treatments for cancer. Palin is not only unprepared, but likely to be overwhelmed by the provocations that regularly come to the President and cannot plausibly respond to issues in economic or any other area of substantive policy.
If we blindly stagger into this through the usual gathering at the trough of excitement, we will not only have a potential tragedy in the making, but a final aspect of America consuming itself through its fascination with novelty and short-term thinking in the face of an utterly unprepared holder of the nation's highest office.
Cite:
Head of State
http://headofstate.blogspot.com/2008/09/watching-palin.html
September 18, 2008 3:09 PM | Reply | Permalink
I was just going to say any damn thing for the hell of it.
September 18, 2008 3:22 PM | Reply | Permalink
Then there is clearly a place for you in the "Palin and McCain administration".
September 18, 2008 4:13 PM | Reply | Permalink
How the hell can 5 or 6 people just say: I won't accept a subpoena?
You don't get that option - you can run from a subpoena - leave the state. But you cannot just say: I don't want to.
This is the kind of corrupt reformer CinderSarah is. Jesus.
September 18, 2008 3:34 PM | Reply | Permalink
Shoot, that's been standard operating procedure for the GOP for the last few years.
Subpoenas? Screw them, we don't need to talk to YOU about anything we don't want to and what are you going to do about it?
I mean, who is really afraid of a sternly worded letter, oohhhhh I am shaking in my boots.
September 18, 2008 3:47 PM | Reply | Permalink
McCain = Bush
It's a fact. Look at the way they stonewall, lie and deceive.
Honor comes with honesty - something sorely lacking with McCain and Palin.
September 18, 2008 4:03 PM | Reply | Permalink
Seriously, haven't we seen this before quite recently in the White House. Yay accountability!
Somebody better slap a contempt charge down and fast.
September 18, 2008 4:47 PM | Reply | Permalink
Is it just me, or does O'Callaghan look like the lead singer for Sha-Na-Na?
September 18, 2008 4:15 PM | Reply | Permalink
McCain, in making Palin his VP pick is really no worse than Caligula who made his horse a Senator.
Actually, the horse probably knew more about foreign policy, having traveled abroad.
Since this worked out so well for Rome, and Caligula, I don't see a problem.
Did I mention that Caligula was assassinated?
September 18, 2008 4:22 PM | Reply | Permalink
Perhaps Senator Leahy should subpoena Mr. Colberg and ask him if he knows what "obstruction of justice" is.
September 18, 2008 4:46 PM | Reply | Permalink
Word.
September 18, 2008 10:52 PM | Reply | Permalink
Palin, the Alaska reformer!
Meet the new boss
Same as the old boss
For someone so innocent of wrongdoing, she sure is pulling out all the stops in trying to cover it up.
September 18, 2008 5:11 PM | Reply | Permalink
At least when the McSame camp says that "this election is not gonna be about issues..." they're right, "it's gonna be about McShame and Palin personalities", in fact people are gonna sanction their personalities, period !!
So she has something to hide, otherwise why are all these Gops trying to kill the investigation ? If it's not that Palin is guilty of something there...
it's gonna kill the McShame campaign...
They're gonna collapse very soon like a castle built on a "bridge to nowhere", trust me my friends...
September 18, 2008 5:20 PM | Reply | Permalink
It seems this obstruction is much worse than one inappropriate firing over a personal dispute. I doubt troopergate will get anywhere near resolved before the election, but this heavy attempt to stop the investigation can be a great campaign issue itself, if Democrats can make it so. The press won't do this itself, because it takes too much explaining.
September 18, 2008 5:37 PM | Reply | Permalink
From:
Head of State
http://headofstate.blogspot.com/2008/09/palin-announces-palinmccain-ticket.html
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Palin Announces Palin/McCain Ticket: Ambition, Inexperience First
From ABC News:
Hilarious if it wasn't so frightening. The kind of slip made by a very young person whose ambitious fantasies all-too-easily break through her manifest inability to think before talking.
Incidentally, this has been her MO all along. From the New Yorker:
Impulsivity, an utter lack of reflectiveness and lack of basic knowledge combines with driving and unconsidered ambition to create a youthful, thoughtless grandiosity in reaction to the overwhelming whirl.
A dangerous combination at a time when wisdom, knowledge and reflectiveness are truly a necessity for our nation and our future.
Cite:
Head of State
http://headofstate.blogspot.com/2008/09/palin-announces-palinmccain-ticket.html
September 18, 2008 5:46 PM | Reply | Permalink
Alaska -
September 18, 2008 5:48 PM | Reply | Permalink
Donald Trump just stuck his foot in his mouth during a live interview with Wolf Blitzer.
September 18, 2008 5:59 PM | Reply | Permalink
it might just turn Alaska BLUE
we could get the house seat, the Senate seat, AND the three electoral votes
Alaskans don't like being pushed around
September 18, 2008 6:04 PM | Reply | Permalink
But according to polls, Alaskans still love them some moose-dressin' Sarah Palin, and would vote for her at the drop of a hat.
September 18, 2008 6:22 PM | Reply | Permalink
So much for the long-touted rule of law. Gutless. Absolutely gutless. Where is the mainstream media? Where is the Obama campaign? Is truth irrelevant to everyone but the voter?
September 18, 2008 6:57 PM | Reply | Permalink
I love Palin's Attorney General's reason for saying the subpoena's would be ignored:
"This is an untenable position for our client because the governor has so strongly stated that the subpoenas issued by your committee are of questionable validity"
Hmmm... The person being investigated has decided that the subpoena's being issued in the investigation are invalid, so they should be ignored. The Attorney General making the statement is one of the people who the Palin's had trying to get her brother in law fired. Holy crap, I can't even believe they'd have the audacity to say that!
http://palincounter.blogspot.com/
September 18, 2008 7:58 PM | Reply | Permalink
Did the McCain campaing just execute a Coup d'etat of Alaska??
Ok, now what about the Hatch Act and O'Callahan? Or, even, what about the FEC and election fraud? intimidation, etc??
September 18, 2008 8:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
Re: Subpeonas- I'm not a lawyer but I was subpeonead once. I guess the AG "vouches" for you or has jurisdiction over a person in their capacity as an employee of the State of Alaska?
Seems kinda fishy to me. I would assume that a subpeona is for a *person*, regardless of their position...
When I was in a similar situation, I was a municipal employee, I guess the City Attorney could have intervened on my behalf had I wanted to not comply????
September 18, 2008 10:50 PM | Reply | Permalink
That is exactly the reason that this needs to be done RIGHT now. If there is a chance that this woman used her position to carry out personal vendettas, Americans deserve to know.
September 18, 2008 11:21 PM | Reply | Permalink
lISTEN to Thom Hartman from today - two alaskan journalist and they got something to say.
One is a radio person and she said you can stream her show live on the internet to get the lastest up to date info about the subpression going on with the media.
I would think that the Obama camp - might want to just say something about the probe and to the effort.....
Doesn't this all sound familiar - Cheney - Libey - Rove - do not honor the law....
September 18, 2008 11:52 PM | Reply | Permalink
What's really pathetic is that if Palin hadn't been picked as veep this whole investigation would have gone forward, Palin may or may not have been found to do have done anything wrong (my guess is an aide would fall on the knife), but either way it would have been forgiven and forgotten. She would have continued to fight for the new bridge to nowhere and her AGIA deal would have been a major accomplishment despite it's MANY flaws. Now that she's under the spotlight a whole lot of the nasty things she's done have come to light. I'll admit I didn't know what I know now. I didn't agree with her on most things but I didn't have any negative impression of her character. Now I do and I know a lot of other people do too. This state, although being very red, always acted in a pretty bipartisan manner. I think it's going to be awhile until that happens again. Sad.
September 19, 2008 12:40 AM | Reply | Permalink