The Alaska State Senate in a 16-1 vote found in contempt seven individuals who refused to appear before the Legislature after having been subpoenaed to testify.
This, after AG Talis Colberg appeared last week and attempted to convince legislators that the subpeona process was flawed. He told legislators that he advised the Governor and others subpoenaed to ignore the Legislator's subpoenas.
Troopergate involves a dispute between Alaska State Trooper Mike Wooten and the Palin family revolving around incidents alleged to have occurred. Wooten and Molly McCann, Sarah's sister, are divorced.
The entire issue became public domain when one of the Governor's appointees, the Director for Boards and Commissions, Frank Bailey spoke to Lt. Rodney Dial of the AST and attempted to convey concerns. Unfortunately for Bailey, the AST records incoming calles, especially incoming calls from the Governor's office.
The affair soon went public, Bailey was suspended, but was returned to his position after a finding that he had not acted improperly.
A side issue that became the focal point was the firing of Public Safety Commissiner Walt Moneghan. Moneghan was the former Police Chief of the Municipality of Anchorage. Allegedly, Sarah fired Moneghan over policy and spending issues. Moneghan and others alleged that Governor Palin fired him because he refused to fire Trooper Mike Wooten.
What action or penalties will result from the Alaska Senate's vote finding those who refused to obey the Legislature's subpoenas remains to be seen.
A Troopergate primer from Time
Comments
Update on the above: The State Senate imposed no penalty.
Gotta wonder why they wasted their time.
Partisan politics is alive and well in Juneau.
Undoubtedly Senator Holis French (D) was a major part of this malarkey.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!