Palin Aides Hit With Ethics Complaints.
We knew it was coming, but here’s the official word. This just released:
Monday, January 26, 2009, Anchorage , Alaska : Anchorage resident and registered Republican Andrée McLeod has filed two separate ethics complaints this morning with the Attorney General’s Office. McLeod charges that Governor Palin press secretary Bill McAllister and governor’s office director and long-time Palin friend Kris Perry used time and equipment to promote Palin for her personal and political gain.
“It’s common knowledge that Sarah Palin used tax-payer funded personnel and property for political campaign purposes unrelated to her position as mayor of Wasilla. That impropriety went unchallenged,” McLeod said.
“Once again, employees working for Palin conducted partisan political activities while on the state clock and on the public’s dime. These campaign activities have absolutely nothing to do with the public’s business, and everything to do with promoting Palin’s personal endeavors and political aspirations. This continuous breach of the public’s trust must not go unchallenged.”
For those who love original source documents, here are copies of the complaints.
These documents are now in the hands of Attorney General Talis Colberg. An interesting chess game has begun. Will Talis “Legislative Subpoenas Are Optional” Colberg find a way to stonewall, or sweep this under the rug? And if so, what might the powers that be that are over Colberg’s head, and over the Governor’s head have to say about that? Will he get the federal equivalent of “Who died and left you king?” Will there be an official statement from Perry, McAllister or Palin? Or will they be too busy with other pressing state matters, like writing press releases complaining about the media, or negotiating a multi-million dollar book deal? Stay tuned and pass the popcorn.
I need to buy more popcorn. Between Palin and Blago I’m running out.
Goin’ to Costco. Need to stock up. We heard it first here (as usual!).
What happened to the pie? Will Claman be dessert?
Good thing I have plenty of popcorn…headed back to the kitchen…this is one show I don’t want to miss. Any bets on what AG Between-a-Rock-and-a Hard-Place Colberg will do? It might be difficult to take two bullets for Her (not so) Honor.
Speaking of other more important issues…has the governor sent the legislature her revised budget yet or is she still clinging to a theory of using $72/barrel as the benchmark for oil and not bothering to consider fluctuations in the market?
I love Andrée! She is whip smart.
Thanks for all you’re doing, Andrée!
OT, but connected to @TMH:
http://www.adn.com/news/government/story/667578.html
This could be the highest mile high pie (in the sky)- and that’s saying a lot, coming from one in the Mile High State
What greater news could we get than having two narcissistic governors impeached in the same year. Fingers, toes and eyes crossed.
Just once I’d like to see some of this mud stick. Maybe this will be the time.
Go Andrée! And pass that big ol’ tub of buttered goodness… this is going to be QUITE a sow!
CO almost native
Perhaps it is a bit of “pie in the sky” but I give her credit for at least thinking in the right direction. I saw an interesting commentary today on a city being constructed by the oil rich United Arab Emirates. The entire city will be run on solar power and the vast bulk of the construction was done using solar power (the city is in the desert). Automobiles will be banned. They are constructing an intricate people-moving system instead.
I was thinking of oil-rich Alaska when I saw this and pondered alternative energy especially in those outlying regions that are paying exhorbtant prices for their energy. I believe the idea of wind turbines was brought up here earlier. Comparitively speaking, they would be much cheaper than hydro-electric. They would fit neatly into the Obama stimulus package as I heard it described and it would create jobs in an area that desperately needs employment.
@TMH:
I agree about the right direction. Any of these projects look like they could help; it just seems like a lot to propose all at once without specifics. Especially since SP only wants federal stimulus/jobs money in connection with her Trans-Canada pipeline. If she had asked for dollars for the dam, or one of the other ideas-
McLeod’s complaint is on Huffington Post:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/geoffrey-dunn/palin-agonistes-governors_
The thing that bothers me most about these ethics complaints, is that she entered politics by catching another politician doing EXACTLY what she is doing now.
Isn’t this hypocrisy enough for Alaska media to take her down?
She breaks ethics rules, yet her media image is as a transparent ethical reformer.
She is a terrible mother, yet she is sainted for her Family Values.
I think TC will HAVE to do something, this time. Remember last time, he was under the advise/umbrella of the RNC lawyers…. that’s why the subpoenas were ignored and gov. grifter thinks herself “untouchable”…but RNC is gone now….
That’s why I think the leg is crazy/scared or stupid to let troopergate fade away….
And we can’t let it “fade” away either.
I hope they are sending copies to the Feds. I just bet we will see your unobjective AG try to swipe this under the rug. I still am disappointed in your legislature for dropping troopergate. Keep up the fight Andree and find ways some of us could help.?enough is enough with palin.
So McCallister and Perry will get thrown under bus – Palin will wave “bye bye” to them. Why should she care, and how will it hurt her? People are easily discarded and replaced in her world. I appreciate Andree’s efforts A LOT – just having trouble connecting the dots to see how it will impact Palin, who will continue her disgusting self-promotion at the expense of all others.
Could we just turn these ethic complaints into a template? You could leave several names on them (like Anti-law Tolberg, Wink & Lie Palin, McAllie the Pally, Kissie Krissy & Meg Staplemouth. Just put a checkmark next to the name of the offending state official. Then you could have a checklist of ethics breaches, and just check mark those, too for the ones that apply any given week.
Martha Unalaska Yard Sign (13:03:26) :
Could we just turn these ethic complaints into a template? You could leave several names on them (like Anti-law Tolberg, Wink & Lie Palin, McAllie the Pally, Kissie Krissy & Meg Staplemouth. Just put a checkmark next to the name of the offending state official. Then you could have a checklist of ethics breaches, and just check mark those, too for the ones that apply any given week.
____________________________________
Bw hah hah:-) That’s a good one…and a good idea, too (snicker).
I’m interested to know who exactly are the powers over TC and the grifter?
No more popcorn….I’ve spent the last few days trying to fish a bit out that is stuck between my tooth and my gum….and I’m not happy.
Want a toothpick, Irishgirl Rosebud?
The power over TC/Grifter would be the US Attorney for the state of Alaska. I don’t know who that is- and if he/she has resigned, since that person was an appointee under Shrub, and Obama can appoint a new one, usually based on recommendations from the AK Senators (Begich and Lisa M). I don’t know how far along that process is…
Any AK mudpups able to add specifics?
You promised, AKM, and I’ve been waiting all day for this. Popcorn it is!
With the talk of energy projects, mostly in non-native areas, I do hope someone will champion the cause (as someone pointed out here before) of harnessing the wind in western AK, where there’s a lot of wind and not much $$ for energy. This is also mostly native, so probably won’t get much attention from this administration.
all of us know Palin “thinks and believes” she’s infallible……..so my guess is she’ll come up with some bullsh*t story to try and explain it away and make Andree look foolish or hateful.
but at least this puts pressure on the legislature and Talis, saying hey, behave on the up and up because there are people that will hold you accountable.
and why wasn’t Palin charged with ethics violations? she’s their boss, McCallister and Perry were “there” only because Palin instructed them to be there. Why isn’t she held accountable?
I think this will be just a little sweep for colberg, again!!! and it will be behind us, again.. and no one will care, again.. my expectations are very LOW..
I’ve been listening to Blago all day. He’s made a few comments about the way he’s been treated and how that bodes ill for other governors around the country, and one that he names is Palin. You’d think he’d have enough sense not to link his name with hers, but apparently not.
Is there any plan at the moment to impeach Palin, or is it just wishful thinking on our part?
And good for Andree McLeod. It’s nice to see someone with some backbone and the information to back it up go after all of them. I’ll be surprised if TG doesn’t find some way to ignore it all though, even though the RNC is gone. Old habits are hard to break, and ignoring ethics seems to be the way to do business in the governor’s office.
Pat
@ Say No TO Palin In Politics
Blame Game all the way!
http://www.motherjones.com/mojoblog/archives/2008/09/9620_sarah_palin_secret_email.html
“Palin has denounced McLeod’s efforts. After McLeod filed the ethics complaint, Palin told the Anchorage Daily News, “This is the same Andrée McLeod that follows us around at public events and camps herself out in our waiting area and hounds us for a job, asking us if there’s a way she can…not have to go through the system to get a job with this administration.” Palin also called McLeod “the falafel lady,” because McLeod once sold falafel. On his website, Halcro has posted excerpts of emails Palin sent McLeod between 2002 and 2005, in which she praised McLeod. In one of these messages, Palin wrote, “You’re all about accountability.” In another, Palin said, “Thanks for working to instill the public trust.” Palin also wrote her, “I’m proud to know you.” And in one email, Palin hailed McLeod: “Holy Moly you are powerful regarding getting the word out to the press about questionable activity.”
“I’ve known Sarah for years, ” says McLeod, who moved to Alaska from New York in 1978. “When the finger is pointed at somebody else, she’s all for accountability. When it’s pointing at her, it’s different. Sarah Palin was elected on the basis of providing open and honest government. She has failed miserably.”
Every day it’s something else with SP. Something has to stick and I hope this it.
If not, maybe when she leaves for her February vacation in the Lower 48, or wherever she’s booked, change the locks while she’s away !!
Our US Attorney is Nelson Cohen, appointed in 2006
http://dwb.adn.com/news/alaska/story/8116780p-8009218c.html
http://dwb.adn.com/news/alaska/story/8816351p-8717151c.html
It does not appear that our Senators were very happy with a non-Alaskan pick, but as of now he remains in office.
Peeling away the layers one at a time and exposing the fraud of Sarah Palin…it WILL happen.
A big thanks to Andree for having the stuff it takes to go after ‘em…
This is getting interesting!
yep :Martha Unalaska Yard Sign”………Palin has the BS spew game down pat……she’s pitiful and SO shallow.
ya hear me Sarah? you are pitiful, shallow, a liar and NOT to be trusted, period. blechhhhhhh and gagging
“emails Palin sent McLeod between 2002 and 2005, in which she praised McLeod. In one of these messages, Palin wrote, “You’re all about accountability.” In another, Palin said, “Thanks for working to instill the public trust.” Palin also wrote her, “I’m proud to know you.” And in one email, Palin hailed McLeod: “Holy Moly you are powerful regarding getting the word out to the press about questionable activity.”
Thanks for the info on your US attorney.
CO, I have a toothpick. It’s not working.
BlueMoon, I agree with you. While it would be great to see Sarah and her people held accountable for SOMETHING, Colberg obviously isn’t going to do it, and the Legislature doesn’t seem to have the stomach for it. I think we’re going to be stuck with her until 2010, and maybe even beyond unless people wake up.
just how much longer is she sticking around?
Republican politics as usual.
unethical behavior-reported in the press/subpoenas-deny any accountability in same press/whine/poor pitiful me-no consequence for crime/behavior=
Repeat, do again=vP candidate.
THE BEST POST I FOUND WHILE readin’ Huffington Post:
“These are obviously false charges. None of them actually have any ethics to violate.”
wow
I think Lilybart hit the nail on the head, especially the horrible mother who is all about family values!
Palin is all about the bait and switch but she forgets that everyone can see what she’s doing. She was elected because she promised to clean up after Mr. Murkowski, now she’s making him look good.
Oh dear – better not to be praised by Blamey Whinehouse – She is on record for praising Walt Monegan.
On the other hand – that makes the betrayel all the more bitter for them. They will not forget. Good luck to them.
She has a vacation coming this week, I believe. She’s hooking up with McCain remember. I think McCain really wants to jump her bones. And SP complains about Andree following them around? The first jerk follows Wooten like a puppy dog in heat. What the hells the difference.
She’s going on Vacation ?
What about the kids ? No School?
This woman needs to get her priorities in line – seriously
Maybe while Sarah is on vacation, someone can break in and do a welfare check on Bristol. Has Bristol been seen in the last 3 months or so?
tick tock. SP’s 15 first minutes is just about up. Her next 15 minutes should be in Federal court. For MANY things. E-mail gate and Housegate are 2 of my faves…I gotta say, I’m drooling and cant wait for her next f- up. well, not actually drooling, more like drinking a Porter and blogging in my basement and PJ’s…Well I dont really have a basement or any PJ’s, but I do have screened lanai and its like 70 degrees…tee shirt and shorts in winter weather so please dont hate me AKM’ers!
It’s hard to actually root for her to fail- as it is so BAD for Alaska to have such a soulless governor- (we’re not Rush, after all) but it it wrong to wish that she makes just ONE mistake too many, and that she be held accountable?
I think not.
@Martha Unalaska Yard Sign (13:54:24) :
And I think I read somewhere that Obama is just going to keep the U.S. Attys for now, so Cohen may be around for a while!
So when is Palins’ high school drop out daughter getting married to the drug dealers, high school drop out son?
What every grandparent wants for their grandchild, uneducated parents, one drug dealing grandmother and one “unethical” grandmother (power hungry succubus) .
Palin is Hillary Clinton without any brains.
Oh yes, Palin THINKS she has a shot at 2012! ROFLMAO!
What high falutin’ republican family values. What standard bearers the Palins are.
Just wait until the content of those e-mails come out! Palin has plenty of time to make fodder before 2012.
What is this about her “writing” a book? What language will it be in?
Listening to her speak is bad enough, read any transcript of what she says …I dare you…..I double dare you.
If anyone out there can make sense of any transcribed utterences of Palins’, for the love of Mike please fill the rest of us in.
Oh! Popcorns ready…gotta go.
New thread alert.
Yeah, I think her book would have to come with a built-in translator or built-in translating software (though that might overheat and burn out…
)
Gov Winky Snowflake better circle the musk ox to save her future, yup yup! Go Andree!! All of us under the good North Star are rootin’ for ya, you betcha!
Ethics charges for the Palin administration? Color me surprised.
New Palin motto? “Since when is being stupid a crime?”
One can dream, anyway.
“Just like our musk ox, they circle up to protect their future when they are challenged. We’ve got to do the same.” – S. Palin, State of the State address.
Does anyone else find this analogy kind of …..disturbing? (Yep, she wrote the speech herself, by golly.)
Lori in Los Angeles (12:58:59) :
Bill M would throw himself under the bus for Palin. He continually acts like a love-sick puppy around her. I feel sorry for his wife.
Kris Perry is a LONG time friend. She’s not going anywhere.
Who’s on First (16:46:34) :
During the gubernatorial race in ’06 (which I followed closely) Palin repeatedly used the glittering generalities of “we need to wrap our arms around our state constitution” and “we need to defend our constitution” (both paraphrased).
This was her way of saying “I don’t know what the hell I’m doing but it sure sounds good! Wink!
I never understood those phrases since it didn’t appear as though we were at war with our state constitution?? I knew she was a disaster long before she was elected.
Now we just need to go and be good little musk ox and circle her and her administration because WE’VE been challenged!!
I think its pretty great Blago mentioning her (takes fairy wand with star and touches Barbies head! ) along with HIM! Double impeachment!!!!
OMG!
Now why would he mention her in the same sentence as himself????
…..atwofer of twits…….
oooh oooh oooh!! Blago on Rachel tomorrow! I swear she giggled with excitement.
Soon Palin will run out of close friends to throw under the bus to cover her ethics challenged approach to governing. At that time someone not so close to her will go down and all hell will break loose.
If I worked closely with her or for her I would save every shred of evidence to her criminal acts. At a certain point when you work for a “user” it becomes CYA. When you get thrown out with the garbage because you believed in the law, you believed in doing what was right, that evidence comes in mighty handy.
If you think about it, it’s only been a few months that Palin has been under the microscope of the nation (and a more attentive Alaska) and how many people have left her circle or been thrown out with the bath water? She’s running out of human shields and soon she’ll only be left with her kids to hide behind.
Can you say “dumb as dirt”? McAllister is commenting to both the ADN and AP, disparaging Andrée McLeod!
———
ADN: “McAllister said it’s just part of an ongoing vendetta being waged by McLeod.
“This is a person who I think was disgruntled because she wasn’t considered for a job, has some time on her hands, apparently, and wants to wreak havoc with people’s lives and reputations,” McAllister said.”"
———
AP (in the Juneau Empire and others): “McAllister says McLeod has cost the state $100,000 in public records requests that have uncovered no wrongdoing. He says “at this point all we have is another complaint by a person with an obvious vendetta.””
———
Now might be a good time to say “no comment” rather than going on the record as a complete asshat and ruining any shred of credibility you might have left!
Also, too, wanted to share an old but serviceable link: http://www.thenational.ae/article/20081003/REVIEW/565545479/0/opinion
Scroll down for the interviews with disillusioned SP supporters, including our Rupubican of the moment.
Does anyone have even the faintest idea that Talis Colberg is actually going to do anything other than put these complaints in a drawer somewhere? Has anyone heard a peep from him since his midnight ride to Kansas to duck the ethics investigation? He’s smart enough to know that he’s been a disaster as AG, that his credibility as a law enforcement officer is less than zero. Colberg was obviously unprepared for office and thought of himself as Palin’s personal attorney until he was blinded by the light of public expectations that he’d actually act like an Attorney General for the State of Alaska. I’m guessing he’s hiding in his office, playing Freecell on the computer, counting the days until he can slip back to his solo practice in Palmer.
Ah, but if Colberg does nothing, then Andree can get the courts to act! Madamus and ceertiori are powerful tools. And Colberg is a very, very weak tool…
sorry, “certiori” for the googlers!
@ the problem child
Thanks for the link. I did notice something about Palin that Ms. Chase said, “She’s nothing like us!” she stammered, “she doesn’t know what it’s like to not be able to pay the bills, to not be able to get credit cards or health insurance for the kids. Not everyone has what they have; that image is a lie. …”
Yet, during the VP debate with Biden, SP said:
“But it wasn’t just that experience tapped into, it was my connection to the heartland of America. Being a mom, one very concerned about a son in the war, about a special needs child, about kids heading off to college, how are we going to pay those tuition bills? About times and Todd and our marriage in our past where we didn’t have health insurance and we know what other Americans are going through as they sit around the kitchen table and try to figure out how are they going to pay out-of-pocket for health care? We’ve been there also so that connection was important.”
Well, wonder who’s telling the truth????
@Anon Blogger –
It is common knowledge that Alaskan natives in the state of Alaska have health coverage. As long as you have proof that you have native blood (doesn’t matter how much/little) you can get care/treatment at the native hospital. That being the case, the children have all also been covered since birth. Free of charge. Taxpayer dime.
Palin, McAllister and Perry are going to do all they can to discredit Andree Macleod. It is up to the ADN to remind Alaska of the comments Sarah once had to say about Andree. We can do it until we are blue in the face, but until the MSM publishes those old emails, no one will know that Andree used to be a trusted advisor to Sarah.
Wouldn’t be the first time we got something on the msm! Lets start plugging away at it.
I havn’t seen anywhere that she (Sarah) was going on vacation. If she is, I wonder where she is going? If my memory serves me right, I thought I read something in the ADN about a convention while the legislation was open, and ppl complaining about her going there istead of doing her job in Juneau. Guess I’ll have to go back to Dec. or Nov. to see what I read. If she is going on vacation, do you think she could possibly going there? (What ever convention).
Yeah, the article is called, “Palin Invited to Speak at Conservitive Gathering”. Is supposed to be around the first week in February. you can google ADN and click under Sarah Palin and read the article.
“Being a mom, one very concerned about a son in the war, about a special needs child, about kids heading off to college, how are we going to pay those tuition bills?”
College tuition? Heck, she’s 0 for 2 so far on getting her kids out of high school. Don’t worry your pretty head about college tuition, Sarah.
Was that dragging the kids into the spotlight? My bad.
Uh, is it just me, or did the font change?
smr: & anon: ….some (mostly caucasian) people, who have only a small %age Alaska native blood, might opt not to use the coverage offered, and also too if SP is not native, she is not covered, though the kids and dud probably ARE opting for the free care.
How long does Talis Colberg legally have to address Andree’s complaints?
Does he deal with them himself or is he required by law to strike a committee?
What is the procedure for disciplining/retiring Colberg as AG regarding the subpoenas for Troopergate and/or his (potential lack of) response to Andree’s complaints?
Other than Governor Grifter, who does Colberg answer to? What’s the name of his “boss” in D.C.?
Does Andree have a blog or web page (yet)?
Does anyone know when the content of those emails copied to Todd is supposed to be made public?
Grifter Hillbilly Sarah’s not going anywhere but down, but that might take a while.
In the meantime, I’ll stock up on popcorn. If you like a spicier snack, add a couple drops of Tobasco with the butter/oil and salt.
The convention is called “CPAC”. Conservative Political Action Committee. Palin has been invited to be keynote speaker but as yet not confirmed. Runs Feb 26-28, here are rules about any speaker reimbursement. The CPAC doesn’t pay speakers, De Pasquale said.
She said the group also doesn’t pay for speakers’ travel or lodging.
So who would pay those costs? Alaska baby, and she’s got that irondog thing. Thats good for another 4-5 days, and of course family expenses.
According to an email I received tonight from Human Events (uber conservative newsletter) she is listed as “invited and confirmed.” She’ll be right there with Ann Coulter, Newt Gingrich, Mitt Romeny and more! AKM
Those documents were enlightening. And all this time I thought Kris Perry was just there to help Auntie Piper with taking care of Baby Trig. Go figure.
@mwThatone –
There’s a difference between not having coverage and opting not to make use of the coverage that you have available to you. In the debate she was, per usual, attempting to align herself w/struggling families, those without healthcare, and being completely disingenuous. She & Todd would never have had to “sit around the table talking about not having healthcare” — it is a non-issue for native Alaskans. If Sarah were concerned about herself not having health care, well, then, time to find a job that offers it! And since when have they both been unemployed? I have always heard that the first dud began working for BP right out of high school. If that was the case, then they have always had stellar healthcare coverage (since I’m a former BP employee I do know that!). If she’s talking, she’s lying. I don’t believe anything that she says, it’s that simple for me. If she said it was raining I’d have to stick my head out the door and check. She is a pathological liar.
I was just clearing up the AK native healthcare issue. My sis is a doc at a native hospital, so I asked for clarification on that issue months ago…
It always amazes me that Palin will whine her a………. off about the bloggers and the media being so unfair about her, but she never seems fazed about these bigger issues of ethics violations that would knock the b’Jesus out of the rest of us. She just ignores them, no comment, or makes some lame statement like she is glad that she is not guilty. This woman is in la…la land!
That is great! I hope that Palin will finally be held accountable.
Who’s on First (19:04:27) :
Does anyone have even the faintest idea that Talis Colberg is actually going to do anything other than put these complaints in a drawer somewhere?
_________________________________________________________________
I suspect that he will have to do something about them and if he “denies” them (I’m not an attorney so I don’t know the correct lingo) Andree then can go to court to appeal- probably a better place to be. She has to follow the correct steps so the AG office is first.
Let’s all try to be as supportive of Andree as we can by writing positive comments over at the ADN.
SMR (22:35:32)
It’s highly doubtful Palin would ever step foot into a Native clinic/hospital. They do qualify. Todd’s Native heritage is just another “prop” she uses when it’s convenient for her, otherwise you would never know.
I have been trying to post my comments. I am not a troll. I don’t use bad language or insult other writers.
I had posted a comment about Talis Colberg, asking who he answers to in Washington – who is his boss? Besides Grifter Hillbilly Sarah.
What I am wondering about is: what would it take to get the Grifter’s “Yes Man” AKA Talis Colberg booted out of office for conflict of interest, negliglence, TREASON (just sayin’)? Who is Colberg’s boss?
@ SMR(19:41:14) :
@Anon Blogger –
It is common knowledge that Alaskan natives in the state of Alaska have health coverage. As long as you have proof that you have native blood (doesn’t matter how much/little) you can get care/treatment at the native hospital. That being the case, the children have all also been covered since birth. Free of charge. Taxpayer dime.
–
I detect a snarky tone in the “taxpayer dime” comment. Like no one except middle-class white people pay taxes, right?
To paraphrase a friend of Inupiat, Yup’ik and Welsh ancestry who has served as a commissioner under several governors, Native Americans get free health care because illegal European immigrants became the dominant culture when they took the land, cultures & traditions from Indians, Aleuts and Eskimos by force and by guile.
My opinion here: we took their land, traditions & cultures and didn’t offer them anything of value to replace what they lost. That’s why there are so many social problems, besides the obvious and appalling poverty, in Native communities, not just in Alaska, but all across America.
Full disclosure: I’m friends with the family of Leonard Peltier, the Lakota Sioux political prisoner from Wounded Knee, 1973. I have strong opinions on how First Nations people are treated in this country. When I thought it couldn’t get any worse, I moved to Alaska and saw the third world conditions in the villages up here. We should be ashamed.
Damn! All the best stuff posts when I have a migraine!
I am about to d/l the pdf’s… hope it makes for good reading as the ice is falling and I can’t get down the mountain even with snow treads on the 4-wheel.
I’m glad someone caught that college comment cuz she ain’t paying for Bristol and Track will have his covered by the GI Bill. Funny how she never complains about having to pay a mortgage… that 3500 square foot home must have a loan on it somewhere.
Hmmm… well, that didn’t take long.
Playing devil’s advocate here, but many governors across this country (including PA guv Ed Rendell) routinely attend political events outside of their respective states without any breach of ethics rules. Quite simply, a governor’s job is 24/7 and it’s expected that there will be down time and personal time within that framework. So, too, with close advisors.
That being stated, I believe I’ve written previously that the McCain campaign should have picked up on the costs of having Kris Perry along for the out-of-state trips. And Palin should have relinquished the gavel to her lt. guv while she was out-of-state for extended periods of time. But what does the AK Constitution say about that? Or even state laws and regulations? Is the sitting governor required to relinquish power during out-of-state trips?
If yes, then there’s a cogent and pressing point. But if not. …
Implication is one thing, but explicit wording is quite another. It’s my thought that both ethics filings will depend greatly on that point.
Forgot to include that Andree McLeod ought to amend her ethics complaints to include a request in each that the state taxpayers be reimbursed for the costs associated with Perry and McAllister accompanying Sarah Palin during the campaign, and for other similarly attended trips out-of-state.
@grewingk –
Your assumption on the taxpayer dime, not my intention. Let’s see, I’ve been posting on this blog for several months now, living in AK for approx 40 years (that would be before oil, PFD and no income tax), and have supported all natives, Alaskan and others, in my posts, so although I understand that you may be sensitive regarding the issue, the best way to address it would have been to ask a question rather than make an accusation.
The point of my taxpayer dime comment is that it is not specific to Alaskan funds, all citizens pay for native care, whether natives in Alaska or other states. Therefore, everyone is paying for that healthcare that SP claims she and her first dud fret over, although perhaps they choose not to use it. Because I have siblings that are docs w/the public health service, and have been friends over the years with many other docs & nurses & therapists in the system, I would say that all whom I know are top-notch, graduating from some lofty schools, and certainly the Native Medical Center here is state of the art. I have heard that SP’s children do indeed make use of the services there. However, it will be a better day for our country when all citizens do not have to worry about healthcare (the fake-worrying story from SP makes me gag just to think about it), as well as humane living conditions, whether they are Native Americans or not.
I’ve stated my position on the Native Village Crisis threads re: finding a way to meet the needs of Native Alaskans (vs. native Alaskans, people like me who were born here, lived most of their life here, but w/no blood ties to the land) while still allowing them to live a life that honors their heritage, beliefs and way of life, so I’m not going to defend myself.
LilybartNo Gravatar (12:56:24) :
The thing that bothers me most about these ethics complaints, is that she entered politics by catching another politician doing EXACTLY what she is doing now.
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If I’ve followed the time line correctly, Palin was doing it before the other guy was doing it.
“Now we just need to go and be good little musk ox and circle her and her administration because WE’VE been challenged!!”
I think you need to circle the whole lot of them heads inward and charge.
oh my… late to the party here today but this is simply too good to not comment on. My microwave is readying itself for massive amounts of popcorn!
@grewink & SMR,
Just thought I would weigh in on the Indian Health Care issue. For myself, I never associate race with the rights of Alaska Natives and American Indians, and neither does the Federal Government. The relationship is strictly a legal relationship (albeit, the Feds have been forced to read their own laws). The Commerce Clause of the US Constitution created an agreement with Indians by name, that they would be forever taken care of “in trust”. That means health care, education and other considerations. Lots of argument can be made how well or poorly we have upheld the law, but it’s there.
It is not because the Feds just want to do what is good and fair, it is because the Constitution says so. That is also why tribes do better with the Feds than with the individual States, by and large.
This is not altruism, this is simply the law. Want to change it, you must change the U.S. Constitution.
Hmmm… Sarah is definitely looking towards 2012… Wonder how this will impact her Alaska governing (or ‘NON-governing’…)
http://www.sarahpac.com/
It’s really a shame that someone who was apparently well-thought of (Bill M) turned into a Palin parasite, and has now jettisoned every bit of ethics & standards. Must be from feeding off her, something catching.
One would think that he would get tired of trotting out the same old statement over & over — “We haven’t done anything wrong. Those people are just bitter & jealous & hateful.” Bill is turning into the parasite who cried wolf, and nobody is going to believe him when the day comes that he actually speaks the truth.
Bill’s had no credibility since he became a Mc/Pa campaign tool, trashing legislators and Walt Monegan in an attempt to derail the Branchflower report. Here’s a newsflash for you, Bill M (you remember what those are, right?): If you lie down with pigs, you get sh!t on ya! And you smeeeellllll.
Bill M is a parasite feeding off of SP, and she is a parasite feeding off of Alaska. They need to go away. Now.
I was just going to post about the PAC. Unreal!! The woman is delusional!! Does she honestly think she has a chance at president? What a joke! I can’t wait to see her in a real debate. It will be hysterical.
New thread on just that thing, Lisabeth!