Troopergate Report Due Tomorrow

Lest anybody forget, the independent counsel's report on Sarah Palin's possible ethics violations in an abuse of power investigation and ensuing cover up will hit the streets tomorrow. Granted, it will be a much diluted document, since the once cooperative governor grew noticeably less enthusiastic about participating in the affair since becoming VP nominee. Thankfully for our reading edification, we've got the First Dude's written testimony as fodder for speculation. Despite GOP efforts, though, Alaska's Supreme Court decided today that the investigation will continue.

The courtroom today sounded like an Olympic ping pong match between judges and lawyers. From the ADN:

Clarkson, who was up first, didn't speak long before the justices began firing questions at him.

Justice Daniel Winfree asked how Clarkson figured his clients had any standing to sue based on the notion an unconstitutional investigation violates the individual rights of others, chiefly Palin's.

Because this is a case of "public significance," Clarkson replied.

"Is this one of public significance or just one of public interest?" Winfree shot back.

"It's both," Clarkson said.

Later, Justice Robert Eastaugh asked, "What are we to make of the fact" that a bipartisan panel voted unanimously to conduct the investigation?

. . . As with Clarkson, justices soon were questioning Maassen.

"Who's doing this investigation?" Winfree asked. Is it the Legislative Council, which ordered the probe, the Senate Judiciary Committee that issued subpoenas to the governor's husband and aides, or who exactly?

The legislative branch, Maassen replied.

Maassen argued that if the governor's rights or those of other people were somehow violated, it's up to them to go to court for protection, not the Republican legislators acting as citizen taxpayers.

. . . Clarkson acknowledged he's also working with, though not receiving payment from, the McCain-Palin campaign.

"Have I talked to them? Sure. Do they tell me what to do? No," he said, adding: "Sometimes they don't know what they're talking about."

Ah, to have been a fly on the wall. Stay tuned.

TPM Following Troopergate Ruling

This is also worth keeping an eye on today.

Palin Finally Ready to Testify in Troopergate Probe . . .

. . . but not before the special prosecutor appointed by bipartisan committee (4 Democrats and 10 Republicans) back in August. Instead, she's ready to talk to the Alaska State Personnel Board, which is, conveniently, appointed by the governor.

Anchorage Daily News sums it up here:

Less than a week after balking at the Legislature's investigation into her alleged abuse of power, Gov. Sarah Palin on Monday indicated she will cooperate with a separate probe run by people she can fire.

Yup. I guess they don't pull punches up there in AK. Wish we'd take a note down here. The American voter should know that any claim made by the McCain/Palin campaign that the governor has been completely cooperative and forthcoming is total garbage. The American voter should know that, but CNN makes it hard to see through the smoke when they help promote the smoke screen.

One other detail the ADN article catches but CNN skips? At least one of the Personnel Board members, Alfred Tamagni, Sr., donated to Palin's gubernatorial campaign back in 2006.

Oktoberfest, Ground Games, and a Little Issue Called Troopergate That Won't Go Away

Funniest grab of the day:

One of the nice things about being a Democrat with a stock portfolio is that your risks are fairly well hedged. If the market goes up, then you make money, and if the market goes down, then you're more likely to see a Democrat elected President.

In other news, we were dramatically disappointed at Oktoberfest. First of all, no Sea of Accordions. Nobody seems to know what time the marchers take to the streets, but it wasn't today. Next, ignore the guys from Wyndham Hotels pretending to give out free money in exchange for a few moments of your time. I know, I know. But it seemed like they really wanted me to have that $25.

Despite the disappointments, Oktoberfest did live up on two fronts: beer and voter registration opportunities. If you like to drink and vote (or at least register to vote, update your registration, or apply for a mail-in ballot), Larimer Street this weekend is the place for you. One of our party mentioned that he hadn't seen a single McCain canvasser. Anywhere. Come to think of it, we haven't really either. Predictably, the boys at FiveThirtyEight have already posted about this very phenomenon in another western state, so I'll let them fill you in. Highly worth the read.

Oh, and in case you haven't heard, Sarah Palin may not be telling the whole truth about this Troopergate thing.

Little-known McCarthy Protection Clause in AK Constitution?

Let me see if I understand. To protect Alaska state employees from "McCarthy-like smear tactics," Alaska assistant AG Michael Barnhill will seek to halt subpoenas in an ethics investigation that was already underway before Palin became candidate for vice president? Are you kidding me? Can he get away with that?

Palin Refuses to Testify in Troopergate Investigation

From the White House to the Alaska State House, dirty politics and bad faith dealings signal corruption, obstruction, and obfuscation. Palin can't stall indefinitely, but the McCain camp is probably betting she can stall until after November 4.

How will the voting public respond to a VP candidate who refuses to testify? Stay tuned.