McCain's VP Choice Under Investigation
Posted on: Friday, 29 August 2008, 15:00 CDT
The office of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin is the target of an investigation involving the firing of the state's top public safety official, authorities said.
Sen. John McCain, poised to be named the Republican presidential nominee, tapped Palin to be his running mate Friday.
The investigation arises from Palin's firing in July of Public Safety Commissioner Walt Monegan, who has said he felt the governor's office pressured him to fire Palin's ex-brother-in-law, Mike Wooten, a state trooper who engaged in a child-custody battle with Palin's sister, the Anchorage (Alaska) Daily News reported.
Palin said her decision to release Monegan in July had nothing to do with his refusal to fire Wooten. In an interview with CNBC Aug. 1, Palen said, "It is a governor's prerogative, a right, to fill that Cabinet with members whom she or he believes will do best for the people whom we are serving. So I look forward to any kind of investigation or questions being asked because I've got nothing to hide."
Earlier this month, Palin revealed Boards and Commissions Director Frank Bailey made a call in February to a state trooper lieutenant, during which Bailey outlined complaints against Wooten, indicating the governor and her husband wondered why he was still on the force, the Daily News reported.
The governor said the call could be perceived as her office pressuring the Public Safety Department but added that exerting influence wasn't the case, the Daily News reported.
Palin's office last week announced Bailey was relieved of his duties, pending a legislative investigation. Before the legislative probe, however, the governor directed the Department of Law to conduct its own inquiry.
"Obviously the governor is not happy with that phone call but we don't know what the investigation is going to show in total," said Palin spokesman Bill McAllister.
Palin has said she was shocked to learn of the call, adding it was "absolutely inappropriate that he appeared to be representing me."
Source: United Press International
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