Palin to stop 'Troopergate' subpoenas?

Posted: Thursday, September 11, 2008 2:11 PM by Domenico Montanaro
Filed Under: Sarah Palin

From NBC's Domenico Montanaro
Is newly minted McCain VP Sarah Palin, the governor of Alaska, taking steps to quash subpoenas related to the “Troopergate” investigation?

Bloomberg’s Burger and Hopfinger have the scoop:

"The Alaska Attorney General's office told lawmakers probing Governor Sarah Palin's firing of the state's top police official that their authority and motivations are suspect, and state lawyers may 'move to quash subpoenas' that legislators may issue tomorrow.

" 'The eyes of the nation have now turned upon us,' senior Assistant Attorney General Michael Barnhill wrote in place of Attorney General Talis Colberg, a Palin appointee who recused himself in the case. Barnhill complained in a seven-page letter about public comments made by Hollis French, a Democratic senator, that Palin or her aides may have broken the law by allegedly obtaining personnel files of the fired state public safety commissioner, Walt Monegan.

" 'We think there is a legitimate concern that this investigation is no longer being conducted in a fair manner -- and therefore is potentially violative of Alaska's constitutional due process safeguards,' Barnhill wrote.

"The Sept. 9 letter to Alaska State Senator Kim Elton, a Democrat, and other lawmakers signals that the so-called Troopergate investigation may not be completed until well past its Oct. 10 target date and the Nov. 4 election in which U.S. voters will decide whether Palin becomes vice president under John McCain. ...

"Barnhill said the move by legislators to issue subpoenas went against a clause in the state's constitution written to protect people's reputations from being smeared by McCarthy-like hearings. Alaska became a state in 1959, a few years after hearings led by Wisconsin Senator Joseph McCarthy ruined the careers of many government employees who were accused of having ties with the Communist Party."

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Comments

The next time I hear David Gergen mention on CNN that Obama needs to get more specific and crystallize his plans I will reach through the screen and rip Gergen's head off.

Not that I don't disagree with discussing and crystallizing your positions if you are running for President, but not once has Gergen stated that Mccain also needs to get more specific and to crystallize his positions and plans. And Palin up till now has said nothing at all about the issues because she is not talking to anyone.

I hear this from voters and pundits like Gergen when it is Obama who is trying to discuss the issues while McCain is trying to win on emotion and personality (Palin's personality). If detailing your positions on the economy, education, etc. were a requirement to win the election then McCain would lose hands down.

I find it frustrating and disheartening that some people are willing to elect McCain based solely on emotion while rejecting Obama because they say he needs to supply more details on his plans and proposals for this country while being the only candidate that is trying to discuss the issues.

I guess those people who support McCain/Palin just assume that McCain's plans and policies will be identical to those of GWB so they don't feel it is necessary for Mccain to discuss the same, and that they are willing to buy into 4 more years of Bush policies.

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL (Sent Thursday, September 11, 2008 2:20 PM)

Palin showing off those newly learned Bush-Cheney tactics. If they do get her or her staff on the stand, I'm guessing their memories will all of a sudden malfunction. Some Maverick.

Jack T. MD (Sent Thursday, September 11, 2008 2:20 PM)

Does anyone else get the sneaking feeling that were never really going to find out what happened about this before the election happens. It seems to be going that way.

Brian, Spartanburg, SC (Sent Thursday, September 11, 2008 2:21 PM)

Please - members of the media; do not let this story be buried.

Hanna, Dundee, IL (Sent Thursday, September 11, 2008 2:22 PM)

The very fact Palin and all are trying to quash the subpoenas should be raising red flags among the press. That coupled with the failure to release 1500 emails under the guise of 'executive privilege' (never mind that her husband was cc'd on some of these messages) probably means there is a good investigative story out there if anyone in the media is up to the challenge.

Had It With GOP Diversions & Lies, Mesquite, TX (Sent Thursday, September 11, 2008 2:22 PM)

Why am I not surprised? Of course, it wasn't the crime that got Nixon, it was the cover-up...

Jordan, Wichita, KS (Sent Thursday, September 11, 2008 2:23 PM)

So this is change? McFaust & Company will give us 4 more years of Bush politics. Their a veritable "best of the bush" years. Matt Damon is right, Palin as a VP is a horrible Disney movie come to life.

tgriff, seattle (Sent Thursday, September 11, 2008 2:24 PM)

ENOUGH! If Ms. mClean has nothing to hide then why all of the Bush league stalling tactics. Goebbels is smiling up at McCain/Palin from one of his palatial estates in hell.

bob, portland,or (Sent Thursday, September 11, 2008 2:24 PM)

Oh Boy, squash those subpoenas and Palin's new found popularity will be squashed along with them.

For those of you supporting McCain and Palin, see what many of us mean by 4 more years of attempting to hide the truth. These people are clones of Bush and his attitude that he is above the law.

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL (Sent Thursday, September 11, 2008 2:24 PM)

Since palin first opened her mouth on the national stage she has been lying. What does she think Americans are blind and stupid? I am deeply offended by her lack of integrity and good judgement.

Lia, San Diego (Sent Thursday, September 11, 2008 2:25 PM)

If there's nothing to hide, why all the stonewalling? If she overstepped her authority she could attribute it to her concern for her family and gain sympathy for her actions and respect for attempting to protect her family. By shutting the investigation down she's making herself look deceitful. I thought she wanted to be held accountable?

Lisa, Maryland (Sent Thursday, September 11, 2008 2:25 PM)

Thanks Sarah for showing us that you can continue the G Bush policies of cover up and avoidance. Thanks, also to you McCain for letting this happen.

If she has done nothing wrong or minor, let our "nation of laws" proces continue. If it is more, then we deserve to know before the election.

Straight talk, my a..

RD Portland, OR (Sent Thursday, September 11, 2008 2:25 PM)

If she has nothing to hide, why does she continue to fight tooth and nail to stonewall the investigation? So much for transparency. She is just another lying politician who got their hand caught in the cookie jar.
McLame and his deceptive ads:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IH0xzsogzAk
These Neocon lying criminals like Bush/Cheney/McSame need to be thrown out of office. McLame and Caribou Barbie are unfit for office.
ENOUGH!

Walt, Ohio (Sent Thursday, September 11, 2008 2:26 PM)

I thought the good Governor was in favor of "transparency" in government?

Yet another lie from the lie-a-day Republicans.

Dean, Pittsburgh (Sent Thursday, September 11, 2008 2:26 PM)

So, will this be "breaking news"? Will we see this on your broadcast outside of the opinion shows? All day, the place for politics has been showing polls and talking horse race. No issues, no truth telling..

Sean, Dallas, TX (Sent Thursday, September 11, 2008 2:26 PM)

Come on you media guys why are you letting her get away with no interview or questions? If she was a white male she wouldn't be getting preferencial treatment!!!!!!!!!!!
McCain is so boring and has no new ideas so he has to campaign with her to draw a decent crowd

Maureen Kokomo, IN (Sent Thursday, September 11, 2008 2:26 PM)

How interesting, all facts will be checked at a later date. Way to ocver up. There is not need for this woman to be even close to the White House because she is so crooked and back handed and not even speaking for herself. How does a proclaimed strong woman let a party silence her to all this slander. Because she knows all the lies about her are true.
She is now different than all the other politicians.
CMA - Change MY A#$

Cindy from NC (Sent Thursday, September 11, 2008 2:26 PM)

WHat? THe Democrats smearing a person's reputation for political gain? How shocking!

Fred D. Horse (Sent Thursday, September 11, 2008 2:27 PM)

This is more than just a pig with lipstick - this is VP Cheney with lipstick. And it smells like an old fish wrapped in newspaper.

I wonder whether this will end the press honeymoon with Palin, or whether we will have more years like the last eight.

David, Baltimore, MD (Sent Thursday, September 11, 2008 2:27 PM)

Surprise, surprise, surprise. Of course they don't want this investigation completed beforehand. Even if nothing illegal occured, it will remind people of the firing of the Federal Prosecutors. Actually, it reminds me of the good old days of the Saturday Night Massacre of the Nixon era.

I don't understand the free passes Palin is getting. When are people going to look at her views on issues? Once that happens, I think the bounce will retreat.

Allan, NJ (Sent Thursday, September 11, 2008 2:27 PM)

By Anne Sexton (1975)

Mark Thieme (Sent Thursday, September 11, 2008 2:27 PM)

Wow, can you say Cheney II? This is ridiculous. We have a right to know whether she broke state law or not. I hope the media blasts this out front and center and shames these people into doing the right thing.

Mark Ramsey, Portland, Oregon (Sent Thursday, September 11, 2008 2:27 PM)

Open & Transparent Government my a**!

Hypocrites R Us (Sent Thursday, September 11, 2008 2:28 PM)

Oh these McCain folks are the VILLIAGE IDIOTS of politics! Let the investigation go forward and THEN start yelling about partisan politics in the process-you idiots! This looks like (and probably in fact is) an effort to keep some nasty negative truth from coming out about Palin. It would have made more sense to play the "poor widdle Sarawha being picked on by the big bad democrats" than to look like they are hiding something. They like to play the sex card-where NO SEXISM exists-and they are fiddling away a perfectly good opportunity to do so.

Stupid Republicans. They used to be good at campaigning but HORRIBLE at governing. Now they are just HORRIBLE at both!

Suz in KS (Sent Thursday, September 11, 2008 2:28 PM)

Spare me!

If Sarah Palin can not in good faith carry out the duties and responsibilities of being Governor of Alaska how can she be expected to in good faith carry out the duties and responsibilities of being VPOTUS?

I would expect an administration so high on reform would understand transparency and accountability in government.

My bad!

Pete - Albany, NY (Sent Thursday, September 11, 2008 2:29 PM)

I have no idea whether troopergate will disclose any actual improprieties, but we clearly need to get the facts of the situation, and we can't do that if they're being supressed. If Sarah Palin did nothing wrong, then let it be determined BEFORE the election, not afterwards. Is Alaska's Attny Gen'l as bad as the current (and previous) US Attny Gen'l? Please tell me it isn't so.

Indie Woman in Denver (Sent Thursday, September 11, 2008 2:29 PM)

Give me a break! These flag waving, tounge talking, gun toting, gay bashing, Repubucs are at it again. Sounds like Dick the lizard tricks to me.

Dand1212, Vancouver, Wa. (Sent Thursday, September 11, 2008 2:29 PM)

Excuse me, this lady may obtain one of the highest offices in our country and this is all they offer?

Whatever, one thing about an investigation, no matter how it comes out...people have already formed their opinions of her.

The judge warned her and she didn't listen to him of not persecuting or hacking hher brother in law too soon, she didn't care when she went forth with her scheme to saboatge him, so now the state of Alaska is protecting their own? Must be really nice, which means she has no reason not to trample on the Constitution.

I say fine by me Alaska; protect her, but keep her in Alaska!

She is dangerous and wreckless and has no business even on the White House lawn.

Where is her sister? Has she not a voice in this case? I am guessing even she wants no part of her sister's drama.

Michelle Zee (Sent Thursday, September 11, 2008 2:29 PM)

Right....me thinks I smell some rats! No further proof will be necessary that McCain=Bush/Palin=Cheney.

Sue, Bloomington, IN (Sent Thursday, September 11, 2008 2:30 PM)

Pitbulls belong in a dog house not the Whitehouse!!

The truth 08
Vote Obama

Loni (Sent Thursday, September 11, 2008 2:30 PM)

What on earth?!! How is this allowed?! If we all try hard enough, we can all find loop holes in all rules -- that doesn't mean people should be able to get away with it!! This is completely outrageous! If people are being asked questions in an official investigation they should be made to answer them. Government officials work for the people and if the people are are asking questions they should be answered -- not hide behind a flimsy excuses!! I hope the media covers this properly instead of bending to the wishes of "conservative watchdogs" and going overboard in being conciliatory to the McCain campaign!!

What the...? (Sent Thursday, September 11, 2008 2:30 PM)

I want Pali to start answering questions. Not questions about her kids or her first dude, but real questions about her spending record, firings of state works like the librarian etc! Tell us about the bridge to nowhere and where you stand with the AIP! This is not a partisan request for information! This is an American request! We need and deserve to know who the heck is potentially going to be running our country and effecting our everyday lives!

Truth Now (Sent Thursday, September 11, 2008 2:30 PM)

Hmmm. Republicans trying to ignore subpoenas?? Where have I heard that before?

"John McCain calls himself a maverick, but he votes with George Bush 95% of the time. That's not a maverick. That's a sidekick" -- Senator Bob Casey

KP, California (Sent Thursday, September 11, 2008 2:30 PM)

Well, if the legislative branch can't monitor the activities of the executive branch (the governor), then who does????

Palin sounds like she can fill Cheney's shoes quite well. And that's not a good thing.

jmp, northern MN (Sent Thursday, September 11, 2008 2:30 PM)

Yet another distraction. Who really cares. Yeah, she clearly abused her power, sounds like George W. However, this election should be strictly based on the policies of Obama and McCain.

McCain is 4 more years of Bush, period. What more do we need to know?

Barb, LA (Sent Thursday, September 11, 2008 2:30 PM)

Oh who cares. It's not like we haven't seen this sort of thing before. Nobody in public office is ever held accountable for anything anymore. Why should Miss Alaska be any different. I mean, you can take a country to war on false pretenses, watch a city drown and do nothing about it, and even disclose the name of a CIA agent and NOBODY CARES. If they did this race for president wouldn't even be close.

LA in Denver (Sent Thursday, September 11, 2008 2:30 PM)

COME ON MEDIA!! DO YOUR JOB, PUT COUNTRY FIRST INSTEAD OF LETTING MCBUSH/PALINBUSH OF THE HOOK, WE THE PEOPLE DESERVE BETTER.

javier san antonio (Sent Thursday, September 11, 2008 2:31 PM)

WOW!!! We will not be learning of any dirt surrounding her, but that alone should scare folks. Karl Rove must be laughing his a.... off!!!!

Cindi in Louisiana (Sent Thursday, September 11, 2008 2:31 PM)

Corruption and secrecy...is it still Bush, or is it Palin? What's the difference?? Nothing...they are one and the same. She is just the female version of "my way or the highway" mentality. Wake up America! Do you really want MORE of the last 8 years??!!?

Judy Harrison, Kailua-Kona, HI (Sent Thursday, September 11, 2008 2:31 PM)

I applaud what appears to be "reason and wisdom" in handling of the "Troppergate" investigation that has been issued by senior Assistant Attorney General Michael Barnhill of Alaska.

Ron Lincoln - Tulsa, OK (Sent Thursday, September 11, 2008 2:31 PM)

Palin said she welcomed the investigation because she had nothing to hide. Since she has been the vp nominee, she has been trying to stop the process. I wonder why.

voter (Sent Thursday, September 11, 2008 2:31 PM)

For all of the kowtowing to McCain's "service to our country" it is disgusting that his reprehensible behavior is being so obligingly tolerated. He's an insult to true heroes. His conduct is totally unbecoming an officer and a gentleman. Heroes don't whine and play the victim. That's not how McCain won his status as an untouchable American. He's manipulated the media and population to accept and justify anything he says or does. It is disgraceful! I'm ashamed of him and I'm ashamed of the media and voters for letting him get away with such slimy behavior.

Steve, Towson, MD (Sent Thursday, September 11, 2008 2:31 PM)

You. Have. Got. To. Be. Kidding. Me.

Have these people no shame - burying a story like this on 9/11?

Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. Fool me three times.....seriously? Are you all that dumb?

Chris, NY (Sent Thursday, September 11, 2008 2:32 PM)

So now the Alaskian state government with an assist from the republican party think that they can hi-jack this election also by covering up the Bush-like governing tactics of Palin.

The republicans are making our democracy one long joke. The Framers are more than likely rolling over in their graves with our behavior.

What a embarrasment (Sent Thursday, September 11, 2008 2:32 PM)

I don't understand it. If Sarah Palin has nothing to hide, why squash anything? Why not just get it over with as soon as possible? Delaying it only causes suspicion. Pushing to get it done now, while declaring your innocence, would seem to show America the maverick tendencies that Sarah Palin claims to have.

Unless there is something to hide -- that would be the only reason to stop the subpoenas.

Fix the Broken (Sent Thursday, September 11, 2008 2:33 PM)

Politics as usual.

Oscar, Rio Vista CA (Sent Thursday, September 11, 2008 2:33 PM)

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