The official "Troopergate" report is in, and ET has your summary of the papers! In investigative findings bound to be a hot talking point on the news and political shows this weekend, the report finds that John McCain's VP choice Sarah Palin "abused her power," to an extent, as Alaska governor.
The report contends that Palin fired public safety commissioner, Walt Monegan, who had refused to fire Palin's ex brother-in-law Michael Wooten, a state trooper. Palin was determined to be abusing her power by breaking a statute that forbids the governor from "benefiting" a personal interest "through official action."
The papers specify that "although [Commissioner] Walt Monegan's refusal to fire Trooper Michael Wooten was not the sole reason he was fired by Sarah Palin, it was likely a contributing factor."
That said, the report notes that Palin's action was a "proper and lawful exercise" of her executive branch powers to hire and fire state personnel.
The McCain/Palin campaign's spokesperson Meg Stapleton responded with the following statement: "Today's report shows that the Governor acted within her proper and lawful authority in the reassignment of Walt Monegan. The report also illustrates what we've known all along: this was a partisan led inquiry run by [Democratic presidential nominee Barack] Obama supporters and the Palins were completely justified in their concern regarding Trooper Wooten given his violent and rogue behavior. Lacking evidence to support the original Monegan allegation, the Legislative Council seriously overreached, making a tortured argument to find fault without basis in law or fact. The Governor is looking forward to cooperating with the Personnel Board and continuing her conversation with the American people regarding the important issues facing the country."
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