"Troopergate" affair
The report into abuse of power allegations against Republican vice-presidential nominee Sarah Palin is poised to be released Friday after Alaska lawmakers review findings of the probe.
Alaska's Supreme Court on Thursday rejected an attempt by state Republicans who had been seeking to halt the investigation into the "Troopergate" affair, claiming it had become politically motivated.
Members of Alaska's Legislative Council began a closed-doors meeting in Anchorage shortly after 9:00 am local time (1700 GMT) where they were to be briefed by the inquiry's lead investigator, Steve Branchflower.
The 14 council members will then vote on whether to publish the lengthy report online, possibly later Friday, officials told AFP.
The inquiry has been probing allegations that Palin abused her office as Alaska Governor by sacking a public safety commissioner, Walt Monegan, for his failure to dismiss a state trooper who was her former brother-in-law.
The results of the inquiry will come under scrutiny for the impact they may have on the presidential race, with November 4 vote just weeks away, particularly since Palin has sought to cast herself as a corruption fighter.
Alaska's bipartisan Legislative Council voted unanimously to investigate Palin on July 28. Palin, who insisted Monegan was dismissed for strategic reasons, had initially promised to cooperate with the probe.
However after being named as John McCain's presidential running mate in late August, Palin has huddled with legal advisors and chosen not to testify.
A spokesman last month said Palin would not give testimony to investigators, saying the probe was "tainted" and being run by "partisan individuals that have a pre-determined conclusion."
After the Alaska Supreme Court rejected the bid to halt the probe Thursday, a Palin spokeswoman launched a pre-emptive strike, suggesting lawmakers may tamper with the findings of the inquiry at Friday's closed door hearing.
"This approach raises concerns that all the facts will not be revealed," Meghan Stapleton said.
"If the Legislative Council chooses to selectively release information, that raises the concern that members will have the opportunity to insert politics into the findings of the report."
Alaska's Supreme Court on Thursday rejected an attempt by state Republicans who had been seeking to halt the investigation into the "Troopergate" affair, claiming it had become politically motivated.
Members of Alaska's Legislative Council began a closed-doors meeting in Anchorage shortly after 9:00 am local time (1700 GMT) where they were to be briefed by the inquiry's lead investigator, Steve Branchflower.
The 14 council members will then vote on whether to publish the lengthy report online, possibly later Friday, officials told AFP.
The inquiry has been probing allegations that Palin abused her office as Alaska Governor by sacking a public safety commissioner, Walt Monegan, for his failure to dismiss a state trooper who was her former brother-in-law.
The results of the inquiry will come under scrutiny for the impact they may have on the presidential race, with November 4 vote just weeks away, particularly since Palin has sought to cast herself as a corruption fighter.
Alaska's bipartisan Legislative Council voted unanimously to investigate Palin on July 28. Palin, who insisted Monegan was dismissed for strategic reasons, had initially promised to cooperate with the probe.
However after being named as John McCain's presidential running mate in late August, Palin has huddled with legal advisors and chosen not to testify.
A spokesman last month said Palin would not give testimony to investigators, saying the probe was "tainted" and being run by "partisan individuals that have a pre-determined conclusion."
After the Alaska Supreme Court rejected the bid to halt the probe Thursday, a Palin spokeswoman launched a pre-emptive strike, suggesting lawmakers may tamper with the findings of the inquiry at Friday's closed door hearing.
"This approach raises concerns that all the facts will not be revealed," Meghan Stapleton said.
"If the Legislative Council chooses to selectively release information, that raises the concern that members will have the opportunity to insert politics into the findings of the report."
posted by Kangaroo Brisbane Australia at 11:10 PM
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