Palin's husband refuses to testify in probe

Source: Associated Press

ANCHORAGE, Alaska - Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's husband has refused to testify in the investigation of his wife's alleged abuse of power, and a key lawmaker said Thursday that uncooperative witnesses are effectively sidetracking the probe until after Election Day.

Todd Palin, who participates in state business in person or by e-mail, was among 13 people subpoenaed by the Alaska Legislature. McCain-Palin presidential campaign spokesman Ed O'Callaghan announced Thursday that Todd Palin would not appear, because he no longer believes the Legislature's investigation is legitimate.

Sarah Palin initially welcomed the investigation of accusations that she dismissed the state's public safety commissioner because he refused to fire her ex-brother-in-law, a state trooper. "Hold me accountable," she said.

But she has increasingly opposed it since Republican presidential candidate John McCain tapped her as his running mate. The McCain campaign dispatched a legal team to Alaska including O'Callaghan, a former top U.S. terrorism prosecutor from New York to bolster Palin's local lawyer.

Earlier this week, Alaska Attorney General Talis Colberg said the governor, who was not subpoenaed, declined to participate in the investigation and said Palin administration employees who have been subpoenaed would not appear.

Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080919/ap_on_el_pr/palin_troopergate_39

They made a disaster of a move with this one.

You and your Moose Bunny do not get run my country if you do not let me know what you are about! You unethical prick!

I mean LAUGH MY ASS OFF. yOU KNOW CAN'T THEY FORCE Todd TO TESTIFY AGAINST THE MOOSE BUNNY.

This really didn't sound that bad. The individual in question had apparently made death threats. Had she just said "you're damn right I did" I think she could have taken that heat.

The cover up is what is going to make them look really bad.

It was after-the-fact stuff charged during a nasty divorce. A few things he copped to and was suspended by the PD. The other stuff was probably typical bad divorce stuff that comes up waaay later when someone wants custody.

set by Rove, Miers, and Bolton and it can only get worse as there are no consequences. Are you listening Pelosi? The longer the Democrats let them skate on this the more they become the punchline to the joke. On a sidenote, I find it interesting that Miers was considered as a Supreme Court Justice considering her utter contempt for the rule of law.

Lawyer: Todd Palin won't testify in 'Troopergate'
By MATT VOLZ – 21 minutes ago

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — Todd Palin is refusing to testify in an abuse-of-power investigation into his wife, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin.

Palin had been subpoenaed to appear Friday before Alaska lawmakers to testify as to whether Public Safety Commissioner Walt Monegan was fired because he refused to dismiss a state trooper who had gone through a bitter divorce with Sarah Palin's sister.

McCain-Palin spokesman Ed O'Callaghan said Thursday that Todd Palin no longer believes the Legislature's investigation is legitimate.

A key lawmaker says the stonewalling of witnesses is likely to stall the probe until after Election Day.

more:http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jOTk11gvqDAgD0cY3i4WjI_2YOxwD939EM6O0

Jefferson is spinning in his grave.

:)

don't you "lawmakers" understand? Would you like to borrow some of the textbooks that I saved? I have a paralegal degree that I never used, so I am not as smart as all you elected officials who swore to uphold the laws of the U.S., but even I know you are not supposed to be able to ignore a court order.

So much for their belief in their "Bible" too. They swear an oath on it that they have no intention of honoring. So aren't they swearing on it while lying? Its been awhile since Catholic School but isn't that breaking a commandment too? "Thou Shalt Not Lie?"

Oh yeah that too obviously only applies to "we little people."

"Equality and Justice for all" YEAH RIGHT!!!!

McCain-Palin spokesman Ed O'Callaghan said Thursday that Todd Palin no longer believes the Legislature's investigation is legitimate.

A key lawmaker says the stonewalling of witnesses is likely to stall the probe until after Election Day.

Sarah Palin at first welcomed the investigation but opposes it now as the Republican candidate for vice president.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/politics/6010146.html

"This case is totally bogus, man, so like I don't have to go through any trial man."

I'd like to see anyone but a Republican annointed one try this and see what happens.

What happened to trusting the Justice System to sort out what was legitimate and not legitimate?

This cover up alone should automatically end McSame/Caribou's campaign but it won't. It won't.

Most of Amurka is too worried that Obama might raise their taxes. Never mind that the Thugs are taking a dump on the entire Justice system, and the Constitution.

You saved a few dollars more on your taxes each year, and had it taken away with other hidden taxes, but that's okay. Hope your "illusionary tax breaks" were worth our Democracy, you fools.


WAKE UP AMERICA

Let's watch as this is kept alive in the rumor mill until election day - that'll teach her not to cooperate.

I don't think there is one..

I thought that no one could force you to testify against your spouse? Is this not the case?

There are exceptions but none appear to apply here.

No spousal privilege. But Palin maybe able to claim executive privilege because of the business relationship. A Volunteer is still an employee. Even a volunteer shadow Governor or cabinet member.

be asked to testify against her if he doesn't even show up? I think you HAVE to show up.

"But she has increasingly opposed it since Republican presidential candidate John McCain tapped her as his running mate."

Sounds like a move from the Rove/Myers playbook. Next time I get subpoenaed, I'm just going to refuse to reply because "I don't want to!". Yeah...that's the ticket.

having to deal with the AK legislature.

Sarah Palin will not survive her adventures through the Looking Glass of GOP politics on a national forum. For the sake of the children, I hope they are all taken into custody and dispersed to foster care that is specialized in healing abused and neglected childrem.

That line sounds so familer.......I know I've heard it before, I just can't remember where.....darn, it'll come to me...........:sarcasm:

He has no basis to refuse to appear. Sarah can try to claim executive privilege, Todd has not a leg to stand on and should be jailed for contempt.

not testify?

I mean, really...

If we fail to show up for jury duty we can go to jail. It must be lovely to be able to decide not to show up when you're subpoenaed. Geez! These people answer to no one. They are above the law. People that have nothing to hide, hide nothing.

There is a difference between what is the right thing to do and political expediencies.
Standing up and telling the truth should not be an unwelcomed burden to those acting in the capacity concerned.

and no one does anything about it.

US terrorism prosecutor, was sent to Alaska to intervene in the Palin investigation. Nothing like political power to corrupt the justice system. It is befitting that Palin is a GOP operative. I hope that much is made of this political move to divert and convolute the legal process.

... up in the wild and hard Alaskan tundra. Turns out they're spineless wimps who can't stand up to the big, bad outsiders coming in and taking over their government. This whole wimp-out makes Alaskan government look pretty damn poor and crooked. I would like to know the true character of the candidates running for the highest offices in our land... with no answer on this trooper deal, how are we supposed to know what Palin would do as VicePrez, or even ( God forbid ) President of the USA? Although I'm getting a pretty good picture of a fundy control freak with no room for any dissent... and a thirst for vengeance.
Nice looking, though.... even if the evangelical fire does show in her eyes.

Obviously, Palin's soul is ugly and twisted, but some pictures of her actually make her look pretty. I've now decided that these must be Photoshopped or retouched somehow because in closeup videos from the campaign trail, she appears very hard-faced and unpleasant. What happened to all the pretty? Give her a few more years and she'll look just like Mean Jean Schmidthead!

that the investigation is not legitimate. :eyes:

I know I was subpoenaed to testify, your honor, but the trial is not legitimate

Hell, that traffic ticket I was given last year..not legitimate -- I ain't paying

That whold drunk driving law thingy -- not legit, not one little bit. I'm ignoring it.

while Todd is another Scooter Libby.

The Palins are cut from the same mold as Bush and Cheney. Only Sarah Palin is as dumb as Bush. There is no denying Cheney is smart. Completely satanic, but smart. Sarah Palin is a pretty, but dumb populist MILF.

snort

Put the "first dudd" in the slammer!

show the world you as a government have balls enough to do the right thing by your own people. Stop looking like a disgrace and do your fucking jobs!

I guess I respect the laws of this country though, something the repukes don't get.

"voluntary". Unless you are a Mere Citizen.:mad:

Blowing off supbeonas and refusing to testify is all the rage nowadays with these creeps and so far we've yet to see one of them held accountable for thumbing their noses at our governmental system. I don't know why this kind of arrogance is tolerated.

The secessionist nutjob behind Alaska's tin-pot despot refuses to testify.

Sweet little touch, John McCain.

Idiot.

with a crooked justice dept.,five criminal court jesters on his side,he should feel safe,plus millions of stupid citizens.

Rethugs have been doing this for years. It's simply become more brazen lately because it appears that there's no one out there with the guts and reverence for the rule of law to actually stop them.

More Stonewalling. More Disrespect for the Law.

More of the Same.

well, you know the rest.

refusing to testify to satisfy Kenneth Starr's penchant for bullshit???

Where is old Kenneth Starr? Is he on Palin's legal team yet? or are they saving him for the election challenge?

Elect one, the whole blame family comes along for the ride (and to cash in)

so he is a champion snowmobile racer...but he can run faster - from the law!

that Republicans are above the law.
We used to be a nation of laws.
Scourging for all Republicans.

Sarahs creds gone down the rabbit hole too....

Obama will gain 12 points in 2 days....

Maybe the MSM is starting to report on stuff that's negative to the repugs? That would be a welcome change.

And these are the people McCain would entrust our country to? What a joke.

The more I find out about Lisa and Todd, and the way politics is handled in Alaska, the less I like them.

I see him (when I can't get to my clicker fast enough) standing on the stage behind that redneck bitch of his, looking like EVIL incarnate. His eyes look like Cindy McCain's -- DEAD.

"Todd Palin, who participates in state business in person or by e-mail" - what appointment does he hold, or what position was he elected to? On what legal basis does Mr. Palin function as an Alaska government official?

Fundamentalists believe that wives must be submissive to their husbands. In a political context, that means Sarah Palin does not weigh in or wield power without the advance approval of Todd. His influence as Alaska's "shadow governor" is well established. Would this role cease to exist if Sarah Palin was elected Vice President, or if she ascended to the office of President if McCain died in office? The answer is "absolutely not". Todd would still function as the superior alter-ego, regardless of the office that his wife held.

but don't forget that if Hillary had been the nominee, the 'pukdes would have been all over the fact that Bill would have been back in the WH "running things behind the scenes" :silly:


Guess it's OK if the couple are religious nutjob 'pukes.:eyes:

She has a mind of her own. With Hillary as President, Bill would have been there as an adviser, but there's no way that he would wield veto power over any decisions. Hillary submissive? No way!
Ironic that the same fundies who would have voiced no objections to Todd Palin running the show from behind the scenes would have been all over Bill for (allegedly) doing the same.

Covering up?
Hiding something?
Contempt for the legal system?
Stonewalling?
Evasive?
Corrupt?
Above the law?
Political damage control?
All of the above perhaps? Yes. Let them "proceed" as planned, at their own peril.

Couldn't this then apply to us as well? We'll all just not show up and then point to good 'ol Karl and Todd.

He is legally well within his rights to refuse to testify, and, unlike repugs, I don't support stripping people of their legal rights (no matter how much i dislike the involved parties). His testimony is not truly needed, and there are others who are *not* protected by spousal privilege whom Alaska CAN go after legally for their refusal to adequately respond to their subpoena's.

Alaska Rules of Evidence
http://www.state.ak.us/courts/ev.htm

Spousal immunity does not mean you can ignore a subpoena. It only means you cannot be forced to testify against your spouse. A subpoena is a court order to show up for a court proceeding. Once there, if he is asked about his wife, then he can claim the privilege. You can only be excused from a subpoena by the attorney who is issuing the it or the court. What if the investigator would like to know something about Mr. Palin? or e-mails he has received? There are many questions to ask that would not violate any privileges.

Lastly, the Alaska Rules of Evidence might nor apply in this case:

"General Applicability. These rules apply in all proceedings in the courts of the State of Alaska except as otherwise required by the Constitution of the United States or this state or as otherwise provided for by enactment of the Alaska Legislature, by the provisions of this rule, or by other rules promulgated by the Alaska Supreme Court. The word "judge" in these rules includes magistrates and masters."

It can be argued that this is not a court proceeding by a senate investigation.

He's not a reliable tree to bark up. I want the asshole real state employees to face up to this.

This isn't a family issue

Todd Palin will not appear before Troopergate committee

MEETS TODAY: Failure to obey subpoena could bring charges.

By WESLEY LOY
wloy@adn.com

Published: September 19th, 2008 04:10 AM
Last Modified: September 19th, 2008 05:01 AM

At a packed press conference at the Republican campaign office on Northern Lights Boulevard, O'Callaghan said Todd Palin submitted "objections" to the subpoena to Steve Branchflower

The Senate Judiciary Committee, which issued subpoenas for Todd Palin and a dozen other people, most of them state employees, is scheduled to meet at 10 a.m. today at the legislative office building downtown to take their testimony.

But few if any of these people are expected to appear and, in fact, some of them never were actually served with the subpoenas after the governor's appointed attorney general, Talis Colberg, declared Palin administration workers would not testify.

State law says if a witness refuses to obey a subpoena, the full state Senate or House may "commit the witness for contempt" and take "such action as may be considered necessary." That could lead to physically hauling the witness in, or imposing fines and jail time. But the Legislature won't be in session again until January.

http://www.adn.com/troopergate/story/530885.html

He's doing all the damage he feared an investigation would bring. Sail on, McBub.

Fri Sep 19, 2008 8:58am EDT
By Yereth Rosen

... "The objections boil down to the fact that the legislative council investigation is no longer a legitimate investigation because it has been subjected to complete partisanship," campaign spokesman Ed O'Callaghan said.

Todd Palin could be found in contempt of the legislature for failing to comply, but the whole body would have to be in session to do so, and it is not scheduled to reconvene until January ...

"Nobody is above the law," said State Sen. Bill Wielechowski, an Anchorage Democrat. "Just because you're the husband of someone who is running for vice president doesn't mean you can flout the law."

The inquiry was authorized by a unanimous vote of Alaska's bipartisan Legislative Council. At the time, the governor pledged full cooperation with the probe ...

http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSN1834757920080919

He is a civilian and can not REFUSE to testify. Its a court order, either you do it or you can go straight to jail.

Did McInsane abuse his power again to keep Todd from doing so?