Palin implicated in ethics probe

[Leo The Cleo]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090721/ap_on_re_us/us_palin_ethics_complaint

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – An independent investigator has found evidence that Gov. Sarah Palin may have violated ethics laws by accepting private donations to pay her legal debts, in the latest legal distraction for the former vice presidential candidate as she prepares to leave office this week. The report obtained by The Associated Press says Palin is securing unwarranted benefits and receiving improper gifts through the Alaska Fund Trust, set up by supporters.

An investigator for the state Personnel Board says in his July 14 report that there is probable cause to believe Palin used or attempted to use her official position for personal gain because she authorized the creation of the trust as the "official" legal defense fund. The practical effect of the ruling on Palin will be more financial than anything else. The report recommends that Palin refuse to accept payment from the defense fund, and that the complaint be resolved without a formal hearing before the Alaska Personnel Board.

The fund aims to help Palin pay off debts stemming from multiple ethics complaints against her, most of which have been dismissed. Palin says she owes more than $500,000 in legal fees, and she cited the mounting toll of the ethics probes as one of the reasons she is leaving office. A call seeking comment from her lawyer and an e-mail to her spokeswoman were not immediately returned.

Palin's friends and supporters created the Alaska Fund Trust in April, limiting donations to $150 per person. Organizers declined to say how much it has raised, and had hoped to raise about $500,000. A Webathon last month brought in about $130,000 in pledges.

[FrenchieCat]

1. I think most of us made mention of this at the time of her announcement.....

because she was quitting in such a hurry.

Guess we were speculating correctly.

[DesertRat]

2. So there it is

The real reason for her resignation.

[DrToast]

7. I seriously doubt it

This seems pretty minor. Certainly no worse than what she's been investigated for already.

[Raine1967]

3. In the mean time... from her OFFICIAL (as in AK Gov) twitter feed:

My hardcore Alaska Grown girl hiking late last night; beautiful Knik Glacier in background @ http://tinyurl.com/ln3gl5

Is that her kid? I thought kids were off limits ...

So why is she posting this on her *verified* governor of Alaska feed? Anyone?

[Proud Liberal Dem]

4. I thought that one of her complaints was about using state taxpayer money

to defend her from her multiple ethics charges?

[ErinBerin84]

5. eh

The media won't care. They never mention the Brandflower report, just the other report conducted by appointees that declared her innocent.

[HopeOverFear]

6. WAtch how LITTLE attention the MSM will pay to this

[pleah]

8. Would they please take her out of the picture on some of these charges?

I am so sick of this ignorant woman.

[zulchzulu]

9. Between this and signing a separationist bill, we see why she quit and is headed to obscurity

Her political career is pretty much going with the current, like a dead fish would.