Legal Commentary

Alasks Daily News Editorial: Palin Should Stop Stonewalling on TrooperGate

By Jeralyn

The Alaska Daily News takes Gov. Sarah Palin to task for stonewalling the TrooperGate investigation.

The paper outlines details of the investigation into allegations of Palin's, her family and staff's misuse of office and says:

She should be practicing the open and transparent, ethical and accountable government she promised when running for governor and boasts about now that she's on the national stage.

The paper reminds her that she once said she welcomed an investigation and said "Hold me accountable" but instead of complying with the independent investigation launched by the legislature, is trying to move it to an agency within the executive branch which she controls.

[More...]

This is not an open and transparent attempt to establish Gov. Palin's accountability. It is an attempt to drag out the investigation until after voters decide the fate of her vice-presidential bid.

.... As a result, the Troopergate allegations hang over Palin's future and cloud her candidacy for vice president.

My view: Palin should do whatever she can to assist the legislature in concluding its investigation before the election. If she's cleared, she can trumpet it. If she isn't, the voters need to factor that into their decision as to whom to vote for in November.

We'd all rather be talking about her position on issues and her preparedness to lead the country should the need arise. High ethics should be a given in any candidate who suddenly appears on the national stage running for the second highest office in the land. She owes it to the voters to comply with the Legislature's investigation and assist in bringing it to a speedy resolution. Then, assuming she's cleared as she is confident she will be, we can move on to a discussion of what she brings and doesn't bring to the Vice-Presidency.

Full post as published by TalkLeft on September 06, 2008 (boomark / email).