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Court Throws Out GOP Effort to Quash Trooper-Gate
The Alaska Supreme Court has rejected the effort by Republican legislators to quash the Trooper-Gate investigation, affirming the decision of a lower court last week.
Details from the ruling to follow...
Update: The court wrote: "The order of the superior court issued on October 2, 2008 granting the Motion to Dismiss is AFFIRMED. An opinion will follow."
The ruling was provided to TPMmuckraker by Peter Maassen, the attorney for the legislators overseeing the investigation, who are named as defendants in the case.
Independent investigator Steve Branchflower is scheduled to release his report -- which centers on the firing by Governor Palin of former public safety commissioner Walt Monegan -- at a legislative hearing tomorrow.
Josh
Zachary
Bwahahahahahaha I hope she goes down in flames
October 9, 2008 4:45 PM | Reply | Permalink
Hah hah, hee hee
October 9, 2008 4:51 PM | Reply | Permalink
Sarah's goose is cooked & so is McCain's. Hurray!!!
October 9, 2008 4:47 PM | Reply | Permalink
her moose is cooked, you mean...
October 9, 2008 4:57 PM | Reply | Permalink
Don't worry, they'll come up with another tactic to obstruct and stonewall. This is what they specialize in, after all.
October 9, 2008 4:58 PM | Reply | Permalink
So we get a verdict on this thing tomorrow, right?
October 9, 2008 4:58 PM | Reply | Permalink
Does this mean we may find out that she might be a terrorist? Certainly her husband is, since he's already admitted that he tried to get the guy fired.
October 9, 2008 5:00 PM | Reply | Permalink
Trying to get someone fired is all it takes to be a terrorist now?
October 9, 2008 5:03 PM | Reply | Permalink
He was referring to Todd Palin's membership in the Alaskan Independence Party.
October 9, 2008 5:32 PM | Reply | Permalink
So what happens now? For all we know the report to be released tomorrow could very well exonerate Governor Palin. Hate to throw cold water on this, but you never know.
October 9, 2008 5:02 PM | Reply | Permalink
Sure, that could happen. Because, you know, the Republicans are probably fighting tooth and nail to suppress this report out of a sense of pure principle that has nothing to do with whether it exonerates her or proves that she's a conniving scumbag. They'd want it suppressed just as much either way. Right?
October 9, 2008 6:33 PM | Reply | Permalink
This isn't going to stop the McCain/Palin Bundt Rallies for the next 4 weeks. Take a look at some of their supporters in videos on youtube.
The country is falling apart at the seams.
October 9, 2008 5:03 PM | Reply | Permalink
Not the country. Just the Republican base. They were always unstable now it's out in the open.
October 9, 2008 5:34 PM | Reply | Permalink
Looks more like the "Two Minutes Hate" in 1984
October 9, 2008 7:43 PM | Reply | Permalink
Is the report being released tomorrow? I am unclear if the investigation ends on the 10th, or the report is released on the 10th.
October 9, 2008 5:03 PM | Reply | Permalink
Maybe they'll use this as an excuse to get rid of her and replace her with someone less ridiculous.
She can say that she has to go back to Alaska to defend herself and it isn't fair to the party that she is so distracted.
October 9, 2008 5:05 PM | Reply | Permalink
She's not going anywhere. I suspect that if they tried they would find that she has more testosterone than all of McCain's advisers combined. Seriously, I don't like her much but even I can see why she usually gets what she wants.
October 9, 2008 5:09 PM | Reply | Permalink
So the Troopergate report is still set to come out Friday?
October 9, 2008 5:07 PM | Reply | Permalink
Well, this should be an interesting Friday.. between the Dow heading for the toilet, and TrooperGate, and McCain's pledge that he's gonna take time this weekend to look extra hard in the back of his sock drawer for his cojones.
October 9, 2008 5:09 PM | Reply | Permalink
Sarah has them too well hidden by now, and he doesn't even know it. Poor Cindy.
October 9, 2008 6:04 PM | Reply | Permalink
So what happens if over the weekend Popeye decides to dump Palin and go with Mitt Romney. Is it conceivable that he uses this as an excuse to suspend his campaign and go in an erratic but new direction, one sure to shake up the race, change the game, blah blah blah?
October 9, 2008 5:15 PM | Reply | Permalink
We can only hope. I prefer Huckabee as a pander to the loco wing of the base.
October 9, 2008 5:17 PM | Reply | Permalink
Sarah would hurt poor ol' John, and I mean hurt him really bad. Look at her, Listen to her, she hasn't had this much fun since her last moose kill. Gosh darn it dude, she has one more than Hillary!
By the way - I can't stand her and can't wait until she gets packed back up to Alaska.
October 9, 2008 6:07 PM | Reply | Permalink
I'm with you, but after November I'm afraid ol' Sarah will have a prominent place on Fox. They let her out... she's not gonna go back to obscurity in Wasilla, unfortunately.
October 9, 2008 6:15 PM | Reply | Permalink
Probably can't do it legally. Or so I've been told.
October 9, 2008 5:17 PM | Reply | Permalink
Sarah Palin has not been questioned herself. Until she is deposed or is questioned directly, and under oath, what role she played will not be known. Todd Palin was not questioned directly, but rather he was allowed to prepare written responses to questions. These answers were then released by the McCain campaign, obviously to put a spin on the investigation findings.
Todd Palin is trying to take the heat off of her by saying it was all his doing, and that she was not aware of his actions. We know he was copied on official emails and even held meetings in the governor's office (including one with Monegan in the Troopergate matter). So, was he running Alaska? Is it desirable for the spouse of an elected official to be directly involved in official business and decisionmaking? Her appointees are supposed to be subject to confirmation by the legislature.
I certainly doubt Sarah Palin was unaware of his actions in Troopergate. The more important issue becomes: What else has Todd Palin been doing in the background? Is this how she would perform her duties as VP or President?
October 9, 2008 5:18 PM | Reply | Permalink
I'm so glad the Alaska Supreme Court wasn't intimidated by the McCain Camp. While awaiting
this decision, I had such dread. I was afraid that
John McCain's lawyers would somehow get their way, but thankfully the judicial system up there is could not be swayed. Good for them for holding their ground, and GREAT for US because we'll soon hear the truth that Palin has been trying to avoid revealing.
Whether she's guilty or innocent isn't the point for me, although if she is guilty, it will make her candidacy a sham. It's the fact that she has repeatedly refused to answer any questions about her past since becoming the GOP VP candidate and
I've found that very peculiar. Actually, not only peculiar, but also downright Un-American. She expects us to entrust her with the second highest office in the land when we know very little about her? (where have we heard THAT before?)
Well finally, with this upcoming decision, at least we'll get an answer to one of the many questions we have about her. Now, let's try to get a few more answers before November 4th so we don't make a horrible mistake and buy a pig in a poke!
October 9, 2008 5:19 PM | Reply | Permalink
Amazing the Alaskan Supreme Court has more morals than the U.S. Supreme Court.
October 9, 2008 5:36 PM | Reply | Permalink
I was counting on the eyes of the nation watching them to encourage the Alaskan Supreme Court to do the right thing and serve justice.
Justice is coming....
October 9, 2008 6:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
Well, as an attorney, I don't read a motion to dismiss being affirmed as being a good thing in this case. Only if the investigator's side filed a motion to dismiss whatever the GOP did to squelch the investigation. I hope further pleadings clarify that.
"We're not rifle shots!!! We're Americans!!!
(John McCain, second debate)
October 9, 2008 5:24 PM | Reply | Permalink
The motion was to dismiss GOP interference.
October 9, 2008 5:30 PM | Reply | Permalink
As a fellow attorney, I'll confirm that the motion was to dismiss the Repubs' attempt to stop the investigation:
October 9, 2008 5:35 PM | Reply | Permalink
Whoops. Forgot to close the blockquote.
October 9, 2008 5:36 PM | Reply | Permalink
Nobillary, you can't say things like "pig in a poke" or "lipstick on a pig" around Sarah. John will get offended.
October 9, 2008 5:25 PM | Reply | Permalink
I thought the ruling on Oct 2 was that the motion to dismiss was not granted. And today that ruling was upheld. Am I wrong ?
October 9, 2008 5:32 PM | Reply | Permalink
You SURELY don't think the BUSHies will let the truth come out, do you???????????????
Just like that arrogant SOB Stevens. . . . always another trick in the bag.
KEEP DANCING AMERICA, . . . .THE PIPER CAN WAIT!
October 9, 2008 5:33 PM | Reply | Permalink
Let the Moose chips fall where they may.
October 9, 2008 5:38 PM | Reply | Permalink
I keep wondering if McSame will just throw in the towel before Nov 4. I'm sure the Dow would go up if that were to happen.
But then of course, that is not possible given his psychological make up (ie see Axis II of the DSM IV), so we will just have to suffer all the garbage spewing out from this hateful, rabbid, but beaten bunch.
Hasta la vista McSame and Caribou Barbie!
October 9, 2008 5:45 PM | Reply | Permalink
And certainly not in response to something like this. Just heed the words of Stevens for an insight to how all Republicans think. You can commit what's technically a crime, but that doesn't mean you've done anything 'wrong'.
October 9, 2008 5:52 PM | Reply | Permalink
WTF? "...motion to dismiss is AFFIRMED" This suggests the opposite of what is reported!!!!?????
October 9, 2008 5:56 PM | Reply | Permalink
It's not that hard, folks.
1) Legislature starts investigation.
2) Individual Republican legislators file suit to stop investigation.
3) Legislature files motion to dismiss that suit (the one in point #2).
4) Superior Court grants motion to dismiss, which dismisses the suit that attempted to stop the investigation. In other words, the lower court said "We GRANT THE MOTION TO DISMISS THE SUIT TRYING TO STOP THE INVESTIGATION".
5) Individual legislators appeal.
6) Supreme Court AFFIRMS lower court decision.
The bad guys filed the suit. The good guys filed the motion to dismiss the suit. The lower court granted the motion (bad guys lose). The Supreme Court upheld that opinion (bad guys lose again).
October 9, 2008 6:05 PM | Reply | Permalink
Can't disagree, but I still can't think figure out how people can live with that much cognitive dissonance. McSame is at least showing the signs of strain you might expect. But Caribou Barbie seems utterly oblivious, or blissful, I guess (goes with being ignorant, or so they say).
October 9, 2008 5:59 PM | Reply | Permalink
The only way he replaces her now is to concede 08 to Obama and claim since he was hobbled in 08 by mean Democrats and activist Judges that cost him his Governor Avon Lady, so he and the right can whine all the way to the next convention where they actualy nominate anyone but him, since they can barely stand him as it is .
Replacing the VP now is just suicide , the rocking Obama Campaign keeps right on rocking , whipping buy even faster while McCain laguishes on the side of the road like he's changing a tire . The VP is the other 1/2 of the ticket and makes the package people vote for . They don't even stay for his speeches , they come to see the firebreathing psyco and then drive home quitely hopeing that McCain wins and suffers an embolism the 2nd day in office and they get the moron VP to slide into office . Without Palin McCain looses all his steam , 1/2 his ticket and most of his public draw. Add to that the hobbling of being 1/2 a show and trying to manage to depict the replacement candidate into the Other New Regan, there just isn't time .
Thus , He's stuck with her and she's stuck with this all over her heels. They're doomed.
UNless the report shows all's well , Monegan was a peeping tom who asked for it and Palin really can walk on water , which I just don't see...
And even if that's what the report says ,it only means we can then get back to asking her relevant questions she won't and still can't answer, since she's obviously stupid
October 9, 2008 6:02 PM | Reply | Permalink
Is it me or does it seem like everything McLame does back fires? I can’t wait to see that report tomorrow!
October 9, 2008 6:13 PM | Reply | Permalink
It's like he has a political death wish. A desire to be exposed as the pathetic, dishonorable creature he really is.
October 9, 2008 6:30 PM | Reply | Permalink
I believe the report is released on the 10th. Should be interesting.
October 9, 2008 6:16 PM | Reply | Permalink
Read the release...the Alaska Supreme Court affirmed the lower court ruling to dismiss the challenge by the GOP of the legislature's investigation. Superior Court ruling stands.
The ruling is a good one for Truth and Justice.
October 9, 2008 6:17 PM | Reply | Permalink
It was the worse VP pick in u.s history. And by the time this election comes around, that sentiment will become all to clear.
October 9, 2008 6:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
I applaud Branchflower and the Alaska investigation team for continuing to do their duty while being harassed by the Texas legal arm of Dr. Dobson (Focus on the Family) and the McCain/Palin campaign and those pro-Palin Republican lawmakers.
Looking forward to the report. Todd Palin related a complaint against Monegan as part of what may have lead to his firing. Monegan as Alaska Public Safety Commissioner sent an email advising her that he had received info that she was not using an infant safety seat for her baby Trig.
October 9, 2008 6:29 PM | Reply | Permalink
Why would mcShame and the Dame agree with Reality? I predict they will state that they do not agree with the decision. After all, they're dismissing polls as not believable. So why would they in any way believe this?
Just watch. They'll say they don't believe in this. Denial. They'll go with denial.
October 9, 2008 6:29 PM | Reply | Permalink
Next up for Palin:
There is now video proving Sarah Palin's membership in the AIP. So why is no one reporting it?
The leader of the AIP discusses Sarah Palin's membership in the party, and talks about how she became a republican in order to "go along to get along." The AIP famously encourages their members to join mainstream political parties to get to higher office. The video can be found at the link below, courtesy of Mudflats.
http://mudflats.wordpress.com/2008/09/08/palin-republican-party-infiltrator-damning-video/
October 9, 2008 6:48 PM | Reply | Permalink
Sister Sarah's 15 minutes of fame are about to end and a lifetime of infamy is about to begin. How is the McCain campaign going to prevent Sarah Palin from going in front of the press after tomorrow's release of the Troopergate investigation? And just to make sure that everyone is aware of the facts, the judiciary investigation committee consists of 11 Republicans and 4 Democrats. If she is found to have abused her power as governor, how can McCain refuse to let her answer all the legitimate questions the press will have. How will McCain's campaign deal with the Sarah Palin scandal?
October 9, 2008 7:15 PM | Reply | Permalink
I agree 100% with you, Agathena.
Sarah Palin is Bush in a skirt!
I really hope that after January, she will get recalled as Governor.
Alaskans don't deserve an official like that!
October 9, 2008 7:31 PM | Reply | Permalink
Cindy McCain calls Obama's the "dirtiest campain in history".
Obama may have bought a $3 million projector.
But McCain is married to a $100 million projector.
Now...
Let us reflect on the gift that Sarah Palin has given us all:
http://thetruthburns.wordpress.com/2008/10/09/maybe-i-aint-no-genius-but-is-sure-is-smartern-her/
October 9, 2008 7:47 PM | Reply | Permalink
Todd Palin will be the fall guy, unless there's evidence-implicating Sarah.
I had a similar situation years ago. I was invited on a fishing derby; four of us went camping, and noticed a family with kids and a dog.
We decided to take the boat out for about a 1/2-hour. Upon our return, the family was gone, the fire still burning, baby diapers strewn about.
There was only two ways out; we hurried to the Ranger station, which in turn notified the sheriff’s office. 45 minutes later a radio broadcast, stated they had identified the vehicle driving on the highway. Stopping them, seeing the German Shepard, and the large blue cooler.
The driver admitted fault. That he fed 4 days provisions (Steaks) to the dog. Drank our beers, and took all beverages, this being a desert area made this act more heinous.
The culprit had 3 other adults with him, they all contributed in his quick getaway.
Yet the prosecutor charged only one of them. I felt all had contributed to the unlawful act.
So if Todd say’s he did it and Sarah had no knowledge?
October 9, 2008 8:29 PM | Reply | Permalink
Well, we can at least get her for strewing the baby diapers all about.........
October 9, 2008 10:04 PM | Reply | Permalink
if she somehow comes clean it will b another lift to their ticket, if only fleeting, but its just about running the clock. Here hoping they tell us what we all suspect and expect
October 10, 2008 2:48 AM | Reply | Permalink