Governor Sarah Palin

[Lady_Jean_La]

In 1923, Sarah Bernhardt, 78, died a broken actress. Said a friend, “She should have retired at the top of her career.” This month, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, 45, announced her retirement, ending her career. Or did it? As Yogi Berra mused, “It’s dangerous to make predictions — especially about the future.”


http://www.mpnnow.com/opinions/x931229795/Palin-A-symbol-more-than-a-candidate

Each grasps the lunacy of shunning value issues that once made the GOP a majority. Unlike Huckabee, Palin must show that she comes from a non-lower 48 state, not another planet. One prediction seems secure. Properly schooled, Palin can return to try and top her career.

[Circe]

http://www.mpnnow.com/opinions/x931229795/Palin-A-symbol-more-than-a-candidate

She hasn't shown the slightest inclination to learn anything. I'm certainly not ready to count her out of politics, but don't imagine that she'll get far, even if she starts a thrd party, not when she's handed any opponent the best ammo ever.........she quits before the job is done.

[Mimi428]

Poor, Persecuted Sarah Palin

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124761930140242533.html

...Ms. Palin has had to do the opposite of most public figures. Where others learn to take hostility in stride, she and her fans have developed the thinnest of skins. They find offense in the most harmless remarks and diabolical calculation in the inflections of the anchorman's voice. They take insults out of context to make them seem even more insulting. They pay close attention to voices that are ordinarily ignored, relishing every blogger's sneer, every celebrity's slight, every crazy Internet rumor.

Great observations about the constant presentation of Gov Palin as a martyr. JMO

[Lady_Jean_La]

I think Governor Sarah Palin is a great example of why so many talented people refuse to get involved with politics. Assuming people only have one life to live, why would anyone want to live it as a politician? :confused:

[Lady_Jean_La]

http://www.startribune.com/nation/50903012.html

Palin representatives say the governor has not been paid for media interviews and the complainant, Raymond Alvin Ward, lacked evidence to back his contention.

[LisaM22]

Another bashing/ attack thread on Gov. Palin.

nope, another Palin thread started by Lady_Jean_La

[Re-Poe]

I know why I'm here, I get a lot of laughs watching the libs attack. Can't believe the Bush years haven't been mentioned yet. :biggrin:

It is just not libs- it is everyone who has a problem with her, I have read, heard everyone from the most liberal to the most conservative say things, nice and not so nice about Palin. She is one of those polarizing people. Either luv her or hate her not many in-between. imo
I am just so releived that she quit again and has absolutely shown her true colors which seem to be not red white and blue but shades of gray, all doom and gloom, all about how everyone picks on her. So womanish of her and so weak. imo

[Re-Poe]

Agree. Sarah Palin is very polarizing. Much like Obama. No middle ground because of the ideology they represent. IMO. But as one GOP insider puts it:



http://hotlineoncall.nationaljournal.com/archives/2009/07/gop_insiders_pa.php

Yes there is something about Sarah.....I can't explain it either it absolutely defies logic and common sense. We are a nation of celebrities and we are soooo involved in that we forget the true reality of things and maybe that is what/why we are looking for. For me it is crazy that we spend so much time on one death and don't pay much attention to the young people being killed everyday over seas. imo

[Circe]

It is just not libs- it is everyone who has a problem with her, I have read, heard everyone from the most liberal to the most conservative say things, nice and not so nice about Palin. She is one of those polarizing people. Either luv her or hate her not many in-between. imo
I am just so releived that she quit again and has absolutely shown her true colors which seem to be not red white and blue but shades of gray, all doom and gloom, all about how everyone picks on her. So womanish of her and so weak. imo

I disagree with just one thing in your post......I wouldn't say womanish, but rather just plain childish.

[RayStar]

I guess the governor is packing up and leaving the mansion.

[Lady_Jean_La]

I guess the governor is packing up and leaving the mansion.

Palin gears up to leave Alaska governor's mansion

http://www.webcenter11.com/news/state/story/Palin-gears-up-to-leave-Alaska-governors-mansion/Puf0yg5_2EurPZms5lxgFQ.cspx?rss=201

AP

[Lady_Jean_La]

An ex-governor needs how many threads?

http://boards.insessiontrials.com/showthread.php?t=353088

1 that is not locked. imo

[ortiga]

I guess the governor is packing up and leaving the mansion.

Yes, as though she had lived there since the first legislative season.

Did she take the tanning bed with her?

[ortiga]

http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2009-07-17/palin-vs-the-planet/?cid=hp:beastoriginalsL2

Palin vs. the Planet

"To the Governor’s credit, she did mention global warming’s impact on her state during the presidential campaign (even if she was stumped on the science behind it). She is even on record with Sen. John McCain endorsing a solution to the climate problem—a policy called “cap and trade”—that’s right, the very same policy she now attacks in the Post op-ed."

[ortiga]

http://www.newsweek.com/id/207398?from=rss

Are Legal Bills To Blame?

"One of the main reasons Sarah Palin is stepping down as governor, say associates, is her large, unpaid legal bill. Her successor, Lt. Gov. Sean Parnell, says she is worried about "the cost of all the ethics investigations and the like." But is that really the reason? John Coale, a Washington lawyer who helped Palin set up a legal-defense fund and PAC, tells NEWSWEEK the fund is "well on its way" to paying off $500,000 in legal debt from the campaign and another $100,000 in bills incurred later, leaving questions about how big a part money woes played in her decision to resign."

[ortiga]

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hNGG_CeM5umHUviDJ4AEbcXGYZrgD99GDHO81

AP article about federal lawsuit against Palin.

[ortiga]

:lol: Just maybe IF there was some actual news, that wouldn't be a problem for you. :seeya:

There is a lot of news. I just posted the links.

[LisaM22]

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hNGG_CeM5umHUviDJ4AEbcXGYZrgD99GDHO81

AP article about federal lawsuit against Palin.

wow, why doesn't she just do it, why make things so hard, no wonder she has to spend so much time in court, it's almost like she like to claim the victim so she does things to make people take the hard route just to get her to do what she should of just done from the beginning and then she whines that she is the victim of all these needless court cases when the one that made the court cases necessary was palin herself

[Lady_Jean_La]

http://www.owensoundsuntimes.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1663560

AP

Now, the excitement begins as the departing governor takes on rock star status. :thumbsup:

[Lady_Jean_La]

Governor Sarah Palin is one of several featured guest speakers, and is slated to attend. Reservations are made by invitation only, and non-refundable. There will be no press passes or media passes issued.

Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/nov05election/detail?&entry_id=43948#ixzz0LqUfxlTP


http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/nov05election/detail?&entry_id=43948

[Lady_Jean_La]

http://www.poligazette.com/2009/07/20/match-ups-romney-obama-tied-palin-trailing-by-six/

There is also good news for Palin supporters, however. She trails Obama by a mere six percent. Yes, she’s still six points behind, but it’s not a bad result at all considering the media treated her ever since she became Sen. John McCain’s running mate (and afterwards), and the high popularity ratings Obama received shortly after he was inaugurated.

[ortiga]

http://www.owensoundsuntimes.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1663560

AP

Now, the excitement begins as the departing governor takes on rock star status. :thumbsup:

That was cool the way she spent her lame ducktitude traveling thousands of miles around the state. Funny, on July 3 wasn't that part of her reason for quitting? She didn't want to spend her lame ducktitude......traveling.......she wouldn't do THAT to her state, best to abruptly quit.

But I agree that the excitment starts now. That is if one is the type to follow the idiot wind of tweets from the failed governor.

I can't WAIT until Palin starts criticizing and trying to stop health care reform. I've got a whole bunch of links waiting about what is the failed status of heath care in Alaska.

[ortiga]

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/nov05election/detail?&entry_id=43948

Oh I betcha someone will divulge.

[Circe]

Oh I betcha someone will divulge.

Indeed.

wink,wink,tweet,tweet. :tongueside:

[daniel green]

That was cool the way she spent her lame ducktitude traveling thousands of miles around the state. Funny, on July 3 wasn't that part of her reason for quitting? She didn't want to spend her lame ducktitude......traveling.......she wouldn't do THAT to her state, best to abruptly quit.

snipped.

Weird, huh? :huh:

[LisaM22]

Probably. And those who complain that Palin should stay out of the public spotlight will be googling like crazy to find out what she had to say at a private event. :thumbup:

that is why it is closed to the media, lol, Palin sounds better when she isn't heard or seen, I find it interesting that this group listed "Faith" as the first reason for inviting her, then went on to say she was "country first", lol, they sound like her biggest fans, guess they already forgot she quit

"Regarding Sarah Palin, "She embodies the values that we hold dear: Faith, Family, Country-first & Service. We are honored to call her our friend and advocate. Palin is noble, and admired by so many of us. She is an amazing human being whose aspirations are simply to bring out the best in people.''

Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/nov05election/detail?&entry_id=43948#ixzz0LqUfxlTP

[LisaM22]

Well don't worry... If Lady_Jean_La doesn't start a thread, someone else will.

no one cares that Lady_Jean_La started this thread, the point was it is was not started by a republican or democrat just to bash her, Lady_Jean_La is a Palin supporter - it seems a lot of palin supporters want her to get attention, but when it's bad attention they attack like she is not news worthy and why do we pay attention to her, as long as palin and her supporters put palin out there she will be talked about

[Lady_Jean_La]

no one cares that Lady_Jean_La started this thread, the point was it is was not started by a republican or democrat just to bash her, Lady_Jean_La is a Palin supporter - it seems a lot of palin supporters want her to get attention, but when it's bad attention they attack like she is not news worthy and why do we pay attention to her, as long as palin and her supporters put palin out there she will be talked about

I don't see anything wrong with talking about a governor or soon to be former governor in a political forum. Good or bad she seems interesting and people want to discuss her activities. imo

[ortiga]

snipped

"Regarding Sarah Palin, "She embodies the values that we hold dear: Faith, Family, Country-first & Service. We are honored to call her our friend and advocate. Palin is noble, and admired by so many of us. She is an amazing human being whose aspirations are simply to bring out the best in people.''

Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/nov05election/detail?&entry_id=43948#ixzz0LqUfxlTP

:lol: :lol:

Her rallies sure did "bring out the best in people". Or, maybe that's what they consider the best.

[daniel green]

http://www.vanityfair.com/politics/features/2009/07/palin-speech-edit-200907?currentPage=1

[Debb]

http://www.vanityfair.com/politics/features/2009/07/palin-speech-edit-200907?currentPage=1

What a good read! LOL. I'm really not surprised though. Isn't it sad.

[Lady_Jean_La]

http://newsbusters.org/blogs/warner-todd-huston/2009/07/21/campbell-brown-cnn-only-one-still-doing-journalism

Brown’s self-congratulatory feeling that she is the only unbiased journalist left in the world is amusing when juxtaposed with her constant attacks on Sarah Palin as well as the mean-spirited, partisan treatment of McCain representative Tucker Bounds during the late presidential campaign, an incident she mentions in the interview.

Interesting, the host didn’t ask why Brown’s ratings were so dismal. I guess that wasn’t a “serious” enough question for Ms. “No Bias, No Bull.”

[ortiga]

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gCtWK2H4DB8_dsDrOrfpgC_9RrRwD99J28P81

Breaking news from 16 minutes ago Associated Press

[Re-Poe]

http://newsbusters.org/blogs/warner-todd-huston/2009/07/21/campbell-brown-cnn-only-one-still-doing-journalism

I agree that CB is un-biased. I thought it was fine what she said to TB- she wanted him to answer the question and he never did - all he did was amp up his attack on Obama. He never answered her question. It was soooooooo funny to watch him. he was caught and he knew it so he started attacking Obama. LOLOLOLOL

And she does not attack SP- she tells the actual facts, like em or not - they are the facts. IMO

[Re-Poe]

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gCtWK2H4DB8_dsDrOrfpgC_9RrRwD99J28P81

Breaking news from 16 minutes ago Associated Press

I just don't know what to say........I am laughing too hard. imo

Using her donated money for "Official" business to pay her personal legal bills....wow.....

[ortiga]

I just don't know what to say........I am laughing too hard. imo

Using her donated money for "Official" business to pay her personal legal bills....wow.....

Per the link, evidently the report came out 14 July. Although it doesn't seem to have been released to the public by the personnel board (political appointees that serve at the pleasure of the governor), somehow the AP got wind of it. It's on the front page of the Alaska paper as of about 20 minutes ago.

IMO this is why she quit, and IMO she would have been hoping the news didn't get out before Sunday, the day she is actually quitting. Kinda puts a whole new face on her ranting about "frivolous" ethics charges.

IMO

[Re-Poe]

Per the link, evidently the report came out 14 July. Although it doesn't seem to have been released to the public by the personnel board (political appointees that serve at the pleasure of the governor), somehow the AP got wind of it. It's on the front page of the Alaska paper as of about 20 minutes ago.

IMO this is why she quit, and IMO she would have been hoping the news didn't get out before Sunday. Kinda puts a whole new face on her ranting about "frivolous" ethics charges.

IMO

It sure does. IMO tho she has always been greedy and power hungry. I have told others- mark my words- we will hear from one or more of her children at some point about how she really is. imo

[Circe]

I just don't know what to say........I am laughing too hard. imo

Using her donated money for "Official" business to pay her personal legal bills....wow.....

I'll be interested in how her fans defend this, especially given the way they went up like scalded cats over things like Edwards haircuts and such. It never ceases to amaze me how the things they condemn in others are OK if you are a Republican.

Yeah, I'll also be laughingmy butt off. :lol:

[daniel green]

What a good read! LOL. I'm really not surprised though. Isn't it sad.

I loved it.

And, yeah, so sad.

[daniel green]

Per the link, evidently the report came out 14 July. Although it doesn't seem to have been released to the public by the personnel board (political appointees that serve at the pleasure of the governor), somehow the AP got wind of it. It's on the front page of the Alaska paper as of about 20 minutes ago.

IMO this is why she quit, and IMO she would have been hoping the news didn't get out before Sunday, the day she is actually quitting. Kinda puts a whole new face on her ranting about "frivolous" ethics charges.

IMO

Well, yikes. :ohmy: This really does explain the press conference.

[dinojen]

Too bad others don't get investigated as much as Gov. Palin does, we have many in the current administration that have done far worse than what this woman has been found innocent of in many of these charges and yet they were accepted to high positions in our current administration.

Personally I think McLeod, Chatman have a axe to grind with Palin and they should bare the financial cost of all they have fruitlessly put their state through.. and I would say the same if it was any other politician.. that has the majority of the complaints dismissed...

Just a few snippets for you... Love some of the comments in this one..

http://www2.tbo.com/content/2009/jul/14/142300/new-ethics-complaint-filed-against-palin/news-breaking/

Van Flein said the Alaska Personnel Board already dismissed a similar complaint by McLeod that alleged a staffer who traveled with the governor worked on state time to benefit Palin's interests during and after her national run. The McCain campaign paid for the governor's travel and per diem costs to avoid any ethics implications, according to Van Flein.

"Contrary to the complaint, it is not an ethics violation to save the state money and to avoid overlap between campaign costs and state costs," Van Flein said in a prepared statement. "Rather, this was the more ethical and better approach, using campaign money even when state business was being accomplished remotely."

Then we have good old Eagle River never day die Chatman who has been filing as much as McLeod..

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 ethics complaint was filed by Eagle River resident Kim Chatman shortly after the fund was created, alleging Palin was misusing her official position and accepting improper gifts.

Palin was given a copy of the investigator's report a week ago, Chatman said Tuesday.

"It's an absolute shame that she would continue to keep the Alaska Fund Trust Web site up and running," Chatman told the AP.

At least 19 ethics complaints have been filed against Palin, most of them after she was named the running mate for GOP presidential candidate John McCain. Most of those have been dismissed, and Palin's office usually sends a news release with the announcement.

http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/us_world/NATLPalin-.html



Whatever will McLeod and Chatman do when she is no longer in office.. :rolleyes:

[ortiga]

I'll be interested in how her fans defend this, especially given the way they went up like scalded cats over things like Edwards haircuts and such. It never ceases to amaze me how the things they condemn in others are OK if you are a Republican.

Yeah, I'll also be laughingmy butt off. :lol:


Her main claim since she filed the costly ethics charge against herself way back as a VP candidate, is that she was innocent of ethics violations because her personnel board said so, they had "dismissed" all of them, she said time after time. This was basically her stance, if not her exact words, all of this time. Not exactly explaining the >8,000 she had to pay back for the kids' travel of course.

So, it will be riveting to see how this is blamed on bloggers, Democrats, opposition research operaties, whomever. It is a report from an independent investigator for her own personnel board, whom she can fire at will.

IMO

[ortiga]

http://www.adn.com/palin/story/871750.html

"An ordinary citizen facing legal charges is not likely to be able to generate donations to a legal defense fund, he wrote. "In contrast, Governor Palin is able to generate donations because of the fact that she is a public official and a public figure. Were it not for the fact that she is governor and a national political figure, it is unlikely that many citizens would donate money to her legal defense fund."

[dinojen]

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.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/07/21/politics/main5178173.shtml


Cracks me up... basically... they are saying.. Chatman and McLeod just don't want her to use donated funds to her defense fund against all the moose doo doo these two keep tossing at her.. they want her to spend her own money to fight these worthless complaints.. worthless because the majority of them have been dismissed.

There should be a fine for every single ethics complaint that is filed that is dismissed without cause especially when it is the same person or persons doing the filing.. JMHO..

I'd say the same thing no matter who it was.. this is getting beyond ridiculous.. People can donate their monies to whatever fund they want too.. who's to say what she can use it for or not.. it's beyond stupid.. JMHO.

[ortiga]

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.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/07/21/politics/main5178173.shtml


Cracks me up... basically... they are saying.. Chatman and McLeod just don't want her to use donated funds to her defense fund against all the moose doo doo these two keep tossing at her.. they want her to spend her own money to fight these worthless complaints.. worthless because the majority of them have been dismissed.

There should be a fine for every single ethics complaint that is filed that is dismissed without cause especially when it is the same person or persons doing the filing.. JMHO..

I'd say the same thing no matter who it was.. this is getting beyond ridiculous.. People can donate their monies to whatever fund they want too.. who's to say what she can use it for or not.. it's beyond stupid.. JMHO.

So you are disapproving of the findings of her own personnel board? Independent investigator decided this, remember that. Not by any stretch was it political opponents.

[dinojen]

Please tell me what ordinary citizen would have ethics charges brought against him or her that they would have to defend.. that in itself is ridiculous.

People have defense funds set up all the time for trials.. and the difference is what...

An ordinary citizen facing legal charges is not likely to be able to generate donations to a legal defense fund, he wrote. "In contrast, Governor Palin is able to generate donations because of the fact that she is a public official and a public figure. Were it not for the fact that she is governor and a national political figure, it is unlikely that many citizens would donate money to her legal defense fund."

:rolleyes:

[ortiga]

Please tell me what ordinary citizen would have ethics charges brought against him or her that they would have to defend.. that in itself is ridiculous.

People have defense funds set up all the time for trials.. and the difference is what...

An ordinary citizen facing legal charges is not likely to be able to generate donations to a legal defense fund, he wrote. "In contrast, Governor Palin is able to generate donations because of the fact that she is a public official and a public figure. Were it not for the fact that she is governor and a national political figure, it is unlikely that many citizens would donate money to her legal defense fund."

:rolleyes:

http://www.newsweek.com/id/207398?from=rss

Are Legal Bills To Blame? (bolding added by Ortiga for emphasis)

"One thing is clear: Palin is fuming at the McCain camp, which she believes saddled her with all that debt. At the time John McCain tapped Palin, she was using Alaska state funds to pay the lawyer she hired to defend her against ethics charges. McCain aides, worried that that could raise ethical questions, put an end to the payments. Here's where things get testy: Coale says the McCain campaign, and later the Republican National Committee, led Palin to believe that they would pay her bills, but never did, causing Palin's debt to pile up. But two former senior McCain officials, who asked for anonymity to keep political peace, say there was no such promise (online finance records show no payments to Palin's lawyer).

[ortiga]

http://juneauempire.com/stories/070109/sta_457304159.shtml

"However, the timing, scope and other factors of the single largest expense appear to fit the case Palin filed against herself that cost $187,797 to investigate. That's almost two-thirds of the total $296,042 of all Personnel Board investigations in the last two years.

The self-reported complaint was a means to have a legislative investigator's findings in the "Troopergate" case reexamined by a Personnel Board investigator. She said publicly that her self-reported complaint was without merit."

[Circe]

So you are disapproving of the findings of her own personnel board? Independent investigator decided this, remember that. Not by any stretch was it political opponents.

Well, that didn't take long, did it?

And while I was perusing Mudflats, I ran across this....

http://www.themudflats.net/2009/07/20/new-ethics-complaint-filed-against-sarah-palin/

Yet another ethics complaint.....this time Sarah failed to report gifts given to her and her family as she is supposed to. Sarah's excuse.......seems she doesn't consider a gift recieved until she actually opens it. (She's got stuff hanging around unopened from last year.)

Iv'e said it before, but with Sarah, it can't be said enough.......the mind absolutely boggles.

(JMO, of course.)

[emdragon]

http://www.newsweek.com/id/207398?from=rss

Are Legal Bills To Blame? (bolding added by Ortiga for emphasis)

"One thing is clear: Palin is fuming at the McCain camp, which she believes saddled her with all that debt. At the time John McCain tapped Palin, she was using Alaska state funds to pay the lawyer she hired to defend her against ethics charges. McCain aides, worried that that could raise ethical questions, put an end to the payments. Here's where things get testy: Coale says the McCain campaign, and later the Republican National Committee, led Palin to believe that they would pay her bills, but never did, causing Palin's debt to pile up. But two former senior McCain officials, who asked for anonymity to keep political peace, say there was no such promise (online finance records show no payments to Palin's lawyer).

I love the fact that this all goes back to what she was doing BEFORE becoming McCain's running mate. His campaign knew this was unethical and put a stop to it- she thinks they need to foot the bill for her issues prior to the campaign, Sara is the definition of Narcissist.

And we can't forget that this also stems from ethic complaints from ALASKANS not opponents from the national stage.

[dinojen]

Like I would trust some of the weasels and that's being polite that were working the McCain campaign.. they were unhappy with his choice and they proved it to him.. again JMO.

Ohhhhhhhh yipppeee now we get to read links from Mudflats.. which we all know is a blog that is totally in love with Palin...


The double standards amaze me...

These frivolous claims of 'ethics violations' by Palin's self-designated enemies are a-dime-a-dozen.

These jerks keep filing these things out and they keep getting dismissed just as quickly because they're BASELESS.

And now these Palin distractors are trying to condemn her for trying to compensate her attorneys who she has to hire to fight these same distractors, who at the same time are costing taxpayers millions. And of course, this unjust activity costs the perpetrators nothing, so they keep doing it.

I can think of many sitting in the house and senate and in the current adminstration that I would love to see investigated.. Charles Rangel, Geithner, Pelosi.. I could go on..

All JMHO.. it's a waste of time and energy.. if people want to donate to her legal fund more poor to them.. or is it now the governments right to tell us what we can donate our monies too also..:rolleyes:

[ortiga]

I love the fact that this all goes back to what she was doing BEFORE becoming McCain's running mate. His campaign knew this was unethical and put a stop to it- she thinks they need to foot the bill for her issues prior to the campaign, Sara is the definition of Narcissist.

And we can't forget that this also stems from ethic complaints from ALASKANS not opponents from the national stage.

See post #65 for information as to which of the complaints consumed the most state money. IIRC it was 2/3 of the total (of 2 years of personnel board investigations) devoted to the one she filed against herself.

IMO

[dinojen]

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gCtWK2H4DB8_dsDrOrfpgC_9RrRwD99II1700

Critic files another Palin ethic complaint

McLeod again... who wouldn't of guessed...

The latest is the sixth filed by fellow Republican Andree McLeod, an outspoken critic of the governor. She is asking Attorney General Daniel Sullivan to forward her claim to the state Personnel Board for investigation.

Items are listed in the complaint as unclaimed gifts, including "boxes of unopened mail" to Palin and her family from supporters dating back to the governor's national campaign.

"We deserve to know who plied their governor with gifts," McLeod wrote in her complaint.

Palin's attorney, Thomas Van Flein, said the multiple filings by one person raise the prospect that the ethics process "is being abused and is simply being used to harass and annoy." Three of McLeod's cases have been dismissed and two others, including one filed last week, remain active.

:rolleyes:

[ortiga]

Like I would trust some of the weasels and that's being polite that were working the McCain campaign.. they were unhappy with his choice and they proved it to him.. again JMO.

Ohhhhhhhh yipppeee now we get to read links from Mudflats.. which we all know is a blog that is totally in love with Palin...


The double standards amaze me...

These frivolous claims of 'ethics violations' by Palin's self-designated enemies are a-dime-a-dozen.

These jerks keep filing these things out and they keep getting dismissed just as quickly because they're BASELESS.

And now these Palin distractors are trying to condemn her for trying to compensate her attorneys who she has to hire to fight these same distractors, who at the same time are costing taxpayers millions. And of course, this unjust activity costs the perpetrators nothing, so they keep doing it.

I can think of many sitting in the house and senate and in the current adminstration that I would love to see investigated.. Charles Rangel, Geithner, Pelosi.. I could go on..

All JMHO.. it's a waste of time and energy.. if people want to donate to her legal fund more poor to them.. or is it now the governments right to tell us what we can donate our monies too also..:rolleyes:

IMO each state has it's own specific ethics laws. Since the ethics laws were revised in the Palin administration, you'd think she would have been more cognizant of them.

IMO

[emdragon]

See post #65 for information as to which of the complaints consumed the most state money. IIRC it was 2/3 of the total (of 2 years of personnel board investigations) devoted to the one she filed against herself.

IMO

I know it's it rich? He defenders can whine and cry about unfounded complaints but it was a legitimate investigation that this all goes back to and one she filed against herself. Isn't Irony grand?

All the petty complaints since really don't matter as her real violation was long before she hit the national stage.

Love how her defenders are blaming this too on the McCain campaign. I think the Former Gov from Alaska needs to own some personal responsibility.

[ortiga]

McLeod again... who wouldn't of guessed...

The latest is the sixth filed by fellow Republican Andree McLeod, an outspoken critic of the governor. She is asking Attorney General Daniel Sullivan to forward her claim to the state Personnel Board for investigation.

Items are listed in the complaint as unclaimed gifts, including "boxes of unopened mail" to Palin and her family from supporters dating back to the governor's national campaign.

"We deserve to know who plied their governor with gifts," McLeod wrote in her complaint.

Palin's attorney, Thomas Van Flein, said the multiple filings by one person raise the prospect that the ethics process "is being abused and is simply being used to harass and annoy." Three of McLeod's cases have been dismissed and two others, including one filed last week, remain active.

:rolleyes:

Palin herself revealed to the press that she has boxes of unopened gifts and letters from admirers, supporters, whatever you want to call them. She herself said some of the ones she did open contained money. She is bound by the law to disclose gifts.

Don't shoot the messenger.

IMO

[ortiga]

http://media.adn.com/smedia/2009/07/21/14/Legal%20Defense.22542.source.prod_affiliate.7.pdf

Text of the report, link on page one of www.adn.com

[ortiga]

Some reflections on the report

linked to on the front page of alaska's largest newspaper www.adn.com


1) I remember the discussions we had on the board about the fund requiring donations to be only 150, yet there was no limit to HOW MANY donations an individual could make. This appears to be a major part of the findings.

2) It appears to me that Palin was caught up by her own free-flowing hyperbole. The web site for the fund was set up as an "official" site for Palin, to help pay the bills of her "official actions as governor". All along insider republicans have been saying that she should have seen that she required professional aides, yet she stuck with amateurs.

IMO

[LisaM22]

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gCtWK2H4DB8_dsDrOrfpgC_9RrRwD99J28P81

Breaking news from 16 minutes ago Associated Press

:ohmy: being ethical is definitely cheaper in the long run - just my two cents

[dinojen]

P NewsBreak: Palin implicated in ethics probe
Palin_Ethics_Complaint

By RACHEL D'ORO
Associated Press Writer

Posted: Today at 4:28 p.m.
Updated: 41 minutes ago

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — An independent investigator has found evidence that Gov. Sarah Palin may have violated ethics laws by trading on her position in seeking money for legal fees, 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.

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 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.

The investigator, Thomas Daniel, sided with Palin in her frustration with having to defend herself against a barrage of ethics complaints. He suggested that Alaska lawmakers may need to create a law that reimburses public officials for legal expenses to defend complaints that end up being unfounded.

John Coale, a Washington lawyer who helped set up the fund, called the probable cause finding "crazy," adding that if upheld, it would mean that no governor could ever defend themselves against frivolous ethics complaints.

"If this complaint is true, there's no way to defend yourself" as governor, Coale said. "Anybody can keep filing ethics complaints and drive someone out of office even if you're a nut."

Coale said that unlike other states, Alaska's governor has no legal counsel's office to defend the governor from allegations brought against the governor in her official capacity.

http://www.wral.com/news/national_world/national/story/5624802/

[ortiga]

If the filers of ethics complaints that turned out dismissed were forced to pay for the bills, then Palin's ethics complaint against herself, which was dismissed....would have been charged to her. All the state costs, etc, her own bills, etc

She can't have her cake and eat it too. She filed the most costly complaint, which cost the state about 2/3 of the total for all the personnel boards costs. She is responsible for 2/3 of the ethics complaints cost to the state, according to the Juneau Empire.

Why should Palin be complaining about paying for ethics complaints, when it was her own that cost the state, and her, the most? As another poster pointed out, we're talking basically about troopergate here, which was started way before she was chosen by McCain.

When she didn't like the legislative inquiry (republican led) which found her guilty of ethics violations.......she basically said she wasn't found guilty at all, and went on to file a frivolous complaint against herself with her own personnel board.

So, according to Coales idea, she should have to pay all the costs of the frivolous, dismissed, troopergate ethics complaint that SHE FILED AGAINST HERSELF.

So maybe it wouldn't have been such a good idea for her that the filer of a dismissed complaint pay for it, would it.

IMO

[ortiga]

I'm curious as to why Palin isn't allowed to have a defense fund, while these folks are:

Michael Savage:
http://www.michaelsavage.wnd.com/?pageId=134

Roland Burris:
http://www.citizensforethics.org/node/38228

Bill Clinton:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/special/clinton/stories/legal022599.htm

Jim Black (former NC House Speaker, currently serving time)
http://www.wcnc.com/news/politics/stories/wcnc-101706-Black_politics.484ce530.html

Gov. Don Siegelman
http://blog.al.com/spotnews/2008/12/al_gore_solicits_for_don_siege.html

and so on.... What IS the difference?

I believe the difference is the way the funds were set up, the verbiage she chose to use on the site, and how each state defines the ethics laws. If you read that document, some of the verbiage in the fund web site turned out to be Palin's own biggest problem. IE calling it the "official" site. Apparently, according to the document, if they had limited the donations to $150 per person, instead of that amount per donation......

Lots of interest in that document. www.adn.com

"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."

IMO

[CindR]

I'm curious as to why Palin isn't allowed to have a defense fund, while these folks are:

Michael Savage:
http://www.michaelsavage.wnd.com/?pageId=134

Roland Burris:
http://www.citizensforethics.org/node/38228

Bill Clinton:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/special/clinton/stories/legal022599.htm

Jim Black (former NC House Speaker, currently serving time)
http://www.wcnc.com/news/politics/stories/wcnc-101706-Black_politics.484ce530.html

Gov. Don Siegelman
http://blog.al.com/spotnews/2008/12/al_gore_solicits_for_don_siege.html

and so on.... What IS the difference?

None of them used their positions to solicit funds to pay for a private attorney or any other personal expense, which is what Palin is being investigated for I believe.

[ortiga]

"Daniel's report also highlights the relationship between the fund's trustee, Kristan Cole, and Palin. The governor appointed Cole, a longtime friend, to positions on the Royalty Oil and Gas Commission and the Board of Agriculture and Conservation.

"The relationship between Ms. Cole and the governor could cause a 'reasonable person' to conclude that the payment of the governor's legal fees is intended to influence the governor's performance of official duties, action or judgment," Daniel wrote."

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/21/AR2009072102949.html?hpid=topnews

[Lady_Jean_La]

http://www.adn.com/palin/story/871750.html

"An ordinary citizen facing legal charges is not likely to be able to generate donations to a legal defense fund, he wrote. "In contrast, Governor Palin is able to generate donations because of the fact that she is a public official and a public figure. Were it not for the fact that she is governor and a national political figure, it is unlikely that many citizens would donate money to her legal defense fund."

This seems to be true of most politicians. How many presidents have had defence funds. Is it just the governor of Alaska who is forbidden?:confused:

[Lady_Jean_La]

Please tell me what ordinary citizen would have ethics charges brought against him or her that they would have to defend.. that in itself is ridiculous.

People have defense funds set up all the time for trials.. and the difference is what...

An ordinary citizen facing legal charges is not likely to be able to generate donations to a legal defense fund, he wrote. "In contrast, Governor Palin is able to generate donations because of the fact that she is a public official and a public figure. Were it not for the fact that she is governor and a national political figure, it is unlikely that many citizens would donate money to her legal defense fund."

:rolleyes:

Great point! :thumbsup:

[ortiga]

This seems to be true of most politicians. How many presidents have had defence funds. Is it just the governor of Alaska who is forbidden?:confused:

Read the report PDF www.adn.com

-------------------------------------------------
Also, her administration passed the new ethics laws, she should have known what they said.

She got tripped up on her own hyperbole....the way the fund was set up, the person chosen to trustee the fund, lack of a real limit on total donations by a person............it's all there, read it.

IMO

[Lady_Jean_La]

I'm curious as to why Palin isn't allowed to have a defense fund, while these folks are:

Michael Savage:
http://www.michaelsavage.wnd.com/?pageId=134

Roland Burris:
http://www.citizensforethics.org/node/38228

Bill Clinton:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/special/clinton/stories/legal022599.htm

Jim Black (former NC House Speaker, currently serving time)
http://www.wcnc.com/news/politics/stories/wcnc-101706-Black_politics.484ce530.html

Gov. Don Siegelman
http://blog.al.com/spotnews/2008/12/al_gore_solicits_for_don_siege.html

and so on.... What IS the difference?


Great question! Perhaps it is a matter of state laws. In California, there are strict regulations about donations to political funds, such as defence funds. So, politicians sponsor propositions, then transfer money from non political funds for propositions to political funds for defence, which is legal, but in many opinions unethical. imo

[lunchlady]

Is SarahPAC different than the legal defense fund? It seems so...

Can she get donations with less restrictions once she's out of office?

Is anyone here donating?
Can you use PayPal, like for Octomom?

[lunchlady]

:sad: Keyword almost, but I am almost starting to feel sorry for the way the GOP has treated this woman. It's no secret the GOP wanted an amateur they could handle ala Rove & bush2. But to abandon her up there on the tundra surrounded by amateurs, after she served her purpose was a little rude. Definition of a rank amateur: one who does not know trust funds are tricky. Definition of foolish: amateur hiring amateurs to create a trust fund.

Hint lady, whatever the GOP may have promised you, that thud was the wheels of the bus they threw you under. Simply put: gigs up.

You may have quit, newsflash, the GOP quit on you first.

I think I read somewhere that most of the ethics complaints have been filed by an Alaskan GOPer. If so that scuttles the notion that its only the Dems nipping at her heels.

[ortiga]

I think I read somewhere that most of the ethics complaints have been filed by an Alaskan GOPer. If so that scuttles the notion that its only the Dems nipping at her heels.

When Palin won as governor, she helped the democrats pass tax increases on the oil companies, these democrat plans had been stymied by the republicans for years. I believe some republicans called her, or her actions, socialism, IIRC. It is the republican-led legislature that pushed the legislative investigation on troopergate, that found the governor guilty of violating ethics. It was republicans (and dems, of course) that complained that the McCain forces virtually took over the governors office for 2 months, controlling press releases and so forth.

This whole business that "opposition research" operatives, ie Dems, are hounding Palin is just stuff that people who don't know any better believe. It plays well in the lower states, but it's easy to disprove.

[Lady_Jean_La]

I think I read somewhere that most of the ethics complaints have been filed by an Alaskan GOPer. If so that scuttles the notion that its only the Dems nipping at her heels.

Who had that notion? :confused:

[ortiga]

PolitiFact on Palin's cap-and-trade stance: "full flop"

http://community.adn.com/adn/node/142483

"Gov. Sarah Palin's attack in the Washington Post
of the Obama Administration's proposal to slow global warming is a "dramatic reversal" of the stance she took on cap and trade as a vice-presidential candidate, says PolitiFact, the Pulitzer Prize-winning fact-checking website."



------------------------------------------------
http://politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2009/jul/20/sarah-palin/palin-flips-her-support-cap-and-trade/

Palin flips on her support of cap-and-trade

"During the debate, Palin emphasized the importance of energy independence, of "cleaning up the planet" and of "encouraging other nations to come along with us." She went on to say, "We've got to reduce emissions."

"We've got to become more energy independent for that reason also. ... As we rely on other countries that don't care as much about climate as we do, we're allowing them to produce, and to emit, and to pollute more than America would ever stand for."

When debate host Gwen Ifill asked Palin whether she supported capping carbon emissions, her answer was unequivocal:

"I do," she said. "I do."

[LisaM22]

If the filers of ethics complaints that turned out dismissed were forced to pay for the bills, then Palin's ethics complaint against herself, which was dismissed....would have been charged to her. All the state costs, etc, her own bills, etc

She can't have her cake and eat it too. She filed the most costly complaint, which cost the state about 2/3 of the total for all the personnel boards costs. She is responsible for 2/3 of the ethics complaints cost to the state, according to the Juneau Empire.

Why should Palin be complaining about paying for ethics complaints, when it was her own that cost the state, and her, the most? As another poster pointed out, we're talking basically about troopergate here, which was started way before she was chosen by McCain.

When she didn't like the legislative inquiry (republican led) which found her guilty of ethics violations.......she basically said she wasn't found guilty at all, and went on to file a frivolous complaint against herself with her own personnel board.

So, according to Coales idea, she should have to pay all the costs of the frivolous, dismissed, troopergate ethics complaint that SHE FILED AGAINST HERSELF.

So maybe it wouldn't have been such a good idea for her that the filer of a dismissed complaint pay for it, would it.

IMO

lol, you can't make this stuff up, it's too funny, your 100% spot on

I think troopergate is what brought Palin down.... she tried to ruin one man's life and looks like Karma caught up with her along the way

[Casspian]

Great question! Perhaps it is a matter of state laws. In California, there are strict regulations about donations to political funds, such as defence funds. So, politicians sponsor propositions, then transfer money from non political funds for propositions to political funds for defence, which is legal, but in many opinions unethical. imo


It does have to do with Alaskan laws. It also appears that this was a final decision, not as Sarah tweeted.

Also, to another poster ... I did post before about who filed ethics complaints and a lot of them were filed by Republicans.

[Lady_Jean_La]

lol, you can't make this stuff up, it's too funny, your 100% spot on

I think troopergate is what brought Palin down.... she tried to ruin one man's life and looks like Karma caught up with her along the way
Maybe Karma made Sarah Palin governor to begin with.
:thumbup:

[Lady_Jean_La]

It does have to do with Alaskan laws. It also appears that this was a final decision, not as Sarah tweeted.

Also, to another poster ... I did post before about who filed ethics complaints and a lot of them were filed by Republicans.
Thank you for the information.

[Casspian]

Thank you for the information.

You're welcome

[lunchlady]

It does have to do with Alaskan laws. It also appears that this was a final decision, not as Sarah tweeted.

Also, to another poster ... I did post before about who filed ethics complaints and a lot of them were filed by Republicans.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gCtWK2H4DB8_dsDrOrfpgC_9RrRwD99II1700
One person has filed six of the complaints, including the most recent one.

I haven't followed the complaints closely but for me it adds to their impact that they are coming mainly from GOPers. And I suppose it was just me that imagined they were coming mainly from Dems. I guess I've come to expect everything to go according to partisanship lines.

I think this is also a good defense against such articles as the next one, which tries again to make a case for Sarah being a Media Victim. I just don't buy it. If many of her critics are GOPers that takes some steam out of the argument that the LibMSM is out to get Sarah just because she's a conservative, or a woman, or whatever.
http://www.ohio.com/editorial/commentary/50199062.html

IMO the media has a huge crush on her. I can't believe all the photos, mag covers (Time!), and stories she got for her resignation. I've found my interest in her fading, especially since her announcement of resignation, but I'm not counting her out yet. Politics is a tricky business, and with the right handlers and an unhappy public she could step into Reagan's shoes. Yikes.

[tinkerbell]

Personally, I trust Sarah Palin and respect her choices. I am certain that she has good reasons for the decisions she has made. I don't need any explanation from Governor Palin; because I trust her.

Trust is a commodity that is earned and doesn't require explanation.

moo

[LisaM22]

Maybe Karma made Sarah Palin governor to begin with.
:thumbup:
what do you think Alaska did to deserve that?

[LisaM22]

Personally, I trust Sarah Palin and respect her choices. I am certain that she has good reasons for the decisions she has made. I don't need any explanation from Governor Palin; because I trust her.

Trust is a commodity that is earned and doesn't require explanation.

moo

she swore on a bible when she took her Governor job, how well did that go, did she do what she promised to do?

I would guess the reasons are better for Palin then they are for Alaska, but without a real explanation how would you ever know? - jmho

[vonna]

I think Governor Sarah Palin is a great example of why so many talented people refuse to get involved with politics. Assuming people only have one life to live, why would anyone want to live it as a politician? :confused:

Especially when they are ignorant.

[Circe]

Personally, I trust Sarah Palin and respect her choices. I am certain that she has good reasons for the decisions she has made. I don't need any explanation from Governor Palin; because I trust her.

Trust is a commodity that is earned and doesn't require explanation.

moo

I'm with the other posters that have asked this question.........just what exactly, has Sarah Palin done that makes you trust her? Do you know her personally, so that you know for certain that she is indeed worthy of that trust? Or perhaps you are just giving her the benefit of the doubt.

Personaly, I'd have a pretty hard time putting my trust in someone that accepted other peoples valuable time and money to run for a very important public office, and then up and quit halfway through because......well, just because, since Palin didn't see fit to offer any kind of acceptable reason, other than that people were mean to her. Those people placed their trust in her, that she would do the job that they helped her get, through their hard work, and IMO, she abused that trust.

[ortiga]

http://www.adn.com/palin/story/872192.html

According to the report in the link, Palin has issued a statement which includes the following:

""In short, I have not ‘acted' relative to the defense fund and it is misleading to say I have. I have no doubt that the Trust will welcome guidance by the Board, as do we all, but it is my understanding that this matter was not resolved and the complainant's violation of law has served to mislead the public and prejudice a fair review of this matter."

I post this to show that even now, still as a public servant, using the force of the office of the governor, she can reach out and publicly accuse Mr. Chatman (the filer of the ethics charge = complainant) of violating the law.

According to my take on the process to be followed, the independent investigator gave his final report to the complainant and to the governor and to the personnel board. (And of course many people could have seen it along the way -- clerks, attorneys, her family and friends, the attorneys' staffs, people who visit the Palins, etc) The investigator recommended that she not take any money from the fund. It is not clear if the fund remained open for donations after she received a copy of the probable cause findings.

IMO the next step is that the personnel board either take action against her, or dismiss the ethics charge for instance if she doesn't take the money. Remember these 3 people on the board serve at her pleasure, meaning they can be fired if she sees fit.

This is the question now, it occurred to me last night.......if Palin is so upset, upset to the point of publicly accusing a citizen of violation of the law (although she has no proof that I can see, and the complainant has not been charged with any violation of the law of course)..........did some or all of the other ethics complaints result in similar probable cause findings but just that they were not leaked? It is an important question because Palin has blithely throughout...claimed that she "won" all the complaints, they were "frivolous", etc.

So, lets see the findings for the other complaints.

[ortiga]

http://gov.state.ak.us/large_photo.php?id=54

"Governor Sarah Palin signs House Bill 109 into law at the Alaska Public Offices Commission in Anchorage. The legislation improves Alaska’s ethics and disclosure laws."

with photo of her signing it

[dinojen]

The matter isn't settled. Daniel said in an interview that his report to the state personnel board was a preliminary "probable cause" finding. He said the case won't be final until Palin resolves it, possibly by refusing to take money from the fund, or it goes to a formal board hearing.

His report was dated July 14. The report said copies were going to Palin and Kim Chatman, the Eagle River resident who filed the complaint. Palin's lawyer, Tom Van Flein, said Tuesday that he's been working with Daniel providing "supplementary information" on the fund.

"There has been no board finding of an ethics violation and there is a detailed legal process to follow before there is a final resolution," Van Flein said.

Daniel's report said his decision is confidential "unless confidentiality is waived by the governor." Van Flein threatened legal action against Chatman for Tuesday's release of the report, although he was vague about what that means, saying in an e-mail only that "all options are open in terms of legal remedies." Chatman had no comment.

Ethics complaints against Alaska legislators are automatically dismissed if the people who file them violate the confidentiality. Ethics complaints against the governor are also supposed to be confidential under the law until action is taken, but that's commonly violated with no repercussions.

Late Tuesday, she issued a longer written statement that said:

"I find the notion that I have taken any action pertaining to the legal defense trust fund misguided and factually in error. I am informed that this fund was created by experienced attorneys in DC and was modeled after other similar funds established for senators and others. The fund itself was not created by me nor is it controlled by me. Neither I nor my lawyer has received a penny from this fund, and I am informed the Trustee was withholding any action or payment pending final resolution with the Personnel Board. This is the hallmark of legal compliance and prudent conduct.

"In short, I have not ‘acted' relative to the defense fund and it is misleading to say I have. I have no doubt that the Trust will welcome guidance by the Board, as do we all, but it is my understanding that this matter was not resolved and the complainant's violation of law has served to mislead the public and prejudice a fair review of this matter."

http://www.adn.com/palin/story/872192.html


Stay tuned... I have a feeling another complaint is going to bite the dust to many of your dismay.. JMHO..

Don't know what McLeod and Chatman will do after the 26th.. they will have to find a new person to go after..

[LisaM22]

Simple, voted.

lol, you have a point there, we got Bush for the same reason... TWICE

[SeeksJustice]

Palin Legal Donations May Have Violated Ethics Law, Report Finds

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/21/AR2009072102949.html?hpid=topnews

Link the report (a PDF) in the article...

http://media.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/documents/Chatman_complaint_072109.pdf

[dinojen]

Kim Chatman: I Didn't Leak the Ethics Report!

By Tim Lindell

Got this in an e-mail "Breaking News" alert from KTUU. Apologies for the full text - they don't have a story up yet. When they do we'll replace the story with an excerpt and a link:

Hmmmm - so a report that's only known to the investigator, the Governor, and Kim Chatman, and is supposed to be confidential, suddenly is published by Rachel D'Oro of the Associated Press. And who is the person quoted by the AP in regards to the complaint? Kim Chatman - who also coincidentally previously violated the law by notifying the press when she filed the complaint in the first place! And it was the Associated Press she used as an outlet that time, too.

Oh, and lest we forget - it's Kim Chatman who has also teamed up with Gregory Charles Royal to file a frivolous race-baiting lawsuit against Governor Palin - and that story was being flogged by Rachel D'Oro of the Associated Press as well.

http://www.conservatives4palin.com/2009/07/kim-chatman-i-didnt-leak-ethics-report.html

http://www.ktuu.com/Global/story.asp?S=10767077

[ortiga]

It's really too bad that all the other independent investigators' reports weren't leaked. It seems quite possible to me, now, given the governor's extreme overreaction to the leak, that some of the other reports were unfavorable to her too. We'll never know, because the personnel board has a lot of leeway, for instance if she doesn't accept the money from the fund, they can say that the complaint was "dismissed", and she can go on Twitter and claim that the ethics charge was "frivolous". And we never would have known about the probable cause report.

Today she is publicly accusing a private citizen of violation of the law, and she is publicly challenging the indepent investigator's report.

There is no more favorable forum for her than her own personnel board and their independent investigator, yet now she is publicly criticizing specifics within the report, that she says is not final yet. :confused:

IMO these are 2 more times that she should have bitten her tongue, it is unseemly for a sitting governor to accuse private citizens of a violation of a law, when no charges have been lodged against that citizen, no trial, no nothing. This is WAY over the top for a public official.

She should have read her own ethics law, which she constantly cites as one of her major accomplishments.

IMO

[ortiga]

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/32080335#32073078

[dinojen]

Daniel's preliminary report also finds probable cause that contributors to the fund might expect something in exchange for their gifts to the governor, another violation of the state's ethics code.

The report states: "I find probable cause to believe that payment of the governor's legal fees by the Alaska Fund Trust will violate the Ethics Act prohibition against a public officer accepting gifts intended to influence performance of official duties."

Van Flein confirmed that Palin did receive the preliminary report a week ago, and her attorneys have been talking to the attorney who wrote it, arguing some of his points.

"Mr. Daniel and I were discussing the issues preliminarily raised, and we were providing to him supplemental information as we believed he got some facts plain wrong and misread the statute. That process of review and discussion is still ongoing. ... That is what makes the unlawful release of the letter prejudicial to the process," Van Flein said Thursday morning in an e-mail to ABC News.

Palin's attorney is threatening legal action against Chatman, who he said he believes leaked the report.

"All options are open in terms of legal remedies. It is a clear violation of Alaska law that Mr. Daniel explicitly reviewed with Ms. Chatman prior to her illegal actions. We will be contacting the appropriate authorities for review and action," Van Flein said.

http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/story?id=8143609&page=1

Just thought I'd post another link of choice being I don't listen to Rachel.. matter a fact I don't listen to MSNBC at all.. they have proven their bias over and over IMO

[Not Telling]

Wonder who leaked the "confidential report".

Upon reading it, it seems that Palin is not that she’s doing anything underhanded or differently from the Clintons or John Kerry or any federal official; it’s just that Alaska doesn’t allow the governor to accept money that’s in any way connected with the performance of her duties as governor.

In fact, on page 7, the investigator goes out of his way to say that Alaska’s system should reimburse the governor for defending herself against frivolous complaints, but since he can only apply the law as written, that’s what he has to do.

He further acknowleges that the creation of legal defense funds in common practice for federal office holders.

His recommendation for “corrective action”: Having Palin refuse to accept payment for her legal fees from the Trust Fund and seek reimbursement from the state for reasonal legal fees and costs incurred to defend against an ethics complaint that is dismissed.

In other words, because of Alaska's faulty regulations, the governor needed to use tax dollars to defend against frivolous suits instead of taking freely donated funds for that purpose.

Allllrighty then.:rolleyes:

IMO

The law is the law....if someone doesn't like it, the solution should be to work to change it, not break it... jmo

[Re-Poe]

respectfully snipped

Just thought I'd post another link of choice being I don't listen to Rachel.. matter a fact I don't listen to MSNBC at all.. they have proven their bias over and over IMO

As has Fox News Show/Entertainment. They are so biased that you have to sign a document claiming to be a republican just to get a job there. Yucky!! imo

Let's not forget Fox court appearance stating they are a "News Show" not actual news. I don't know that MSNBC has done that. They are still reporting actual factual news. imo

[Circe]

But you put your trust in someone who accepted people's time and money and runs for one very important public office (Senate) and starts almost immediately running for another office (President) instead of doing the first job.

Since the same people most likely helped him with both jobs, I'd say that they still had trust in him. At any rate, he just didn't up and decide to quit and walk away, for no reason. Be honest, if someone you knew did something like that to you, after you had helped them get a job......just walked in one day and announced that they were quitting, and rambled on about people not being nice, and dead fish, and how quitting wasn't really quitting, and more people not being nice........you'd feel that they had abused your trust, and you'd be right to feel that way.

So no, I don't understand how people can say that they trust Palin when she's proved that she will abuse that trust.

[dinojen]

A little info on this independent investigate Mr. Daniel...

Kind of interesting read...

http://www.americanthinker.com/blog/



And yes I know it's a blog just like many other links supplied on any Palin thread.. :wink:

[SeeksJustice]

Wonder who leaked the "confidential report".

Upon reading it, it seems that Palin is not that she’s doing anything underhanded or differently from the Clintons or John Kerry or any federal official; it’s just that Alaska doesn’t allow the governor to accept money that’s in any way connected with the performance of her duties as governor.

In fact, on page 7, the investigator goes out of his way to say that Alaska’s system should reimburse the governor for defending herself against frivolous complaints, but since he can only apply the law as written, that’s what he has to do.

He further acknowleges that the creation of legal defense funds in common practice for federal office holders.

His recommendation for “corrective action”: Having Palin refuse to accept payment for her legal fees from the Trust Fund and seek reimbursement from the state for reasonal legal fees and costs incurred to defend against an ethics complaint that is dismissed.

In other words, because of Alaska's faulty regulations, the governor needed to use tax dollars to defend against frivolous suits instead of taking freely donated funds for that purpose.

Allllrighty then.:rolleyes:

IMO

Not sure what the "Allllrighty then" is for but all of that appears to be Palin's problem...regardless of Alaska's faulty regulations.

[ortiga]

:lol: he was hired by Palin's group of personnel board appointees, who serve at her will.

A person who thinks in the conspiracy mode might conclude......what, that he is a dem?

:lol:

How hilarious this spin that it is worse to leak the document.......than it is to examine the probable cause findings IN THE DOCUMENT.

:lol:

[ortiga]

Wonder who leaked the "confidential report".

Upon reading it, it seems that Palin is not that she’s doing anything underhanded or differently from the Clintons or John Kerry or any federal official; it’s just that Alaska doesn’t allow the governor to accept money that’s in any way connected with the performance of her duties as governor.

In fact, on page 7, the investigator goes out of his way to say that Alaska’s system should reimburse the governor for defending herself against frivolous complaints, but since he can only apply the law as written, that’s what he has to do.

He further acknowleges that the creation of legal defense funds in common practice for federal office holders.

His recommendation for “corrective action”: Having Palin refuse to accept payment for her legal fees from the Trust Fund and seek reimbursement from the state for reasonal legal fees and costs incurred to defend against an ethics complaint that is dismissed.

In other words, because of Alaska's faulty regulations, the governor needed to use tax dollars to defend against frivolous suits instead of taking freely donated funds for that purpose.

Allllrighty then.:rolleyes:

IMO

Alaska's faulty regulations?

http://gov.state.ak.us/large_photo.php?id=54

"Governor Sarah Palin signs House Bill 109 into law at the Alaska Public Offices Commission in Anchorage. The legislation improves Alaska’s ethics and disclosure laws."

with photo of her signing it. One would think she might have read it before signing it.

IMO

[Re-Poe]

:lol: he was hired by Palin's group of personnel board appointees, who serve at her will.

A person who thinks in the conspiracy mode might conclude......what, that he is a dem?

:lol:

How hilarious this spin that it is worse to leak the document.......than it is to examine the probable cause findings IN THE DOCUMENT.

:lol:

It's this crazy love-in/fest that that some people have for Palin- like she can do no wrong, walks on water - the chosen one or something similar. Very disturbing imo.

[ortiga]

You sure would. Every politician has a moral obligation to read any legislation they have a part in enacting. They should also be required to follow that law, whether it relate to disclosure laws or public health care plans. Don't you agree?

I'd prefer to limit my comments to Palin on the Palin thread.

Point is that she claims (and, McCain did too) that ethics reform was a major accomplishment of her administration. But, she didn't seem to think they might apply to her too, IMO.

[ortiga]

So you don't agree? Apparently lots of politicians don't believe the laws they enact apply to them, be they ethics legislation or public health care.

IMO


I'd rather that you not put words in my mouth, I said nothing of the kind.

This is a Palin thread, and as you know, the moderator shuts the threads down if posters go off topic.

[daniel green]

I'd prefer to limit my comments to Palin on the Palin thread.

Point is that she claims (and, McCain did too) that ethics reform was a major accomplishment of her administration. But, she didn't seem to think they might apply to her too, IMO.

Oops. :wink:

[Lady_Jean_La]

You can go to just about any other thread, replace "Palin" with "Obama", and use that exact same sentence. :wink:
Very true and I think you can find people who donate money and receive favors. Ambassadors come to mind. imo

[SeeksJustice]

Sorry, I was viewing Palin as a politician and not as an individual.


No, it appears you are baiting and ortiga is trying to stay OT, whereas you are trying to derail.

Being the OP, PALIN is the topic, NOT healthcare reform...there are plenty of threads already on THAT topic.

Palin may have broken her own laws and we will see if she is found guilty of this one or not.

[Lady_Jean_La]

The law is the law....if someone doesn't like it, the solution should be to work to change it, not break it... jmo

The law is often subject to more than one interpretation. imo

[Lady_Jean_La]

Alaska's faulty regulations?

http://gov.state.ak.us/large_photo.php?id=54

"Governor Sarah Palin signs House Bill 109 into law at the Alaska Public Offices Commission in Anchorage. The legislation improves Alaska’s ethics and disclosure laws."

with photo of her signing it. One would think she might have read it before signing it.

IMO

Reading it is no guarantee of understanding and understanding is subject to disagreement. imo

[SeeksJustice]

If Palin has broken the law she signed into effect, she should face the consequences. Where did I disagree with that? I was not "baiting" I am sick of all the politicians thinking they are above the law. This is another example of that.

IMO

Not saying that you disagreed with it, not at all. Saying you were baiting and trying to derail.

MO, if you sign something into law and you break that law, you are not above the law. I don't care what party that politician affiliates themselves with.

[Lady_Jean_La]

I'd prefer to limit my comments to Palin on the Palin thread.

Point is that she claims (and, McCain did too) that ethics reform was a major accomplishment of her administration. But, she didn't seem to think they might apply to her too, IMO.

Maybe she will learn to exclude herself as Congress often does. imo

[ortiga]

Reading it is no guarantee of understanding and understanding is subject to disagreement. imo


IMO state law was not consulted during the set up of the fund. It could be the fault of Greta's husband or not. One thing that drew a lot of attention was when the fund somehow got named the "Alaska Fund Trust", as though it had something to do with the well being of Alaska.

I don't have time to look around, but so far I haven't seen major political figures naming their defense funds after the state they are from. For instance, Clinton....is her fund the "New York Fund"?

So I think that put some noses out of joint, people that object to the idea that only Palin is from Alaska, claiming the name Alaska for her own personal fundraising use. This is not, of course, mentioned in the probable cause document, but I wouldn't be surprised if it wasn't why the ethics monitoring people jumped on the fund practically the minute it was set up. It was such an "in your face" thing for a governor to do.

IMO

[Re-Poe]

You can go to just about any other thread, replace "Palin" with "Obama", and use that exact same sentence. :wink:

I was sure someone would notice the coincidence. The only difference is that Palin has had people actually say that they thought she was "chosen by God" - it was in a link posted somewhere on this board. I have never heard anyone say that about Obama except the GOP sore losers. Some people think the libs feel that way about Obama and some people think the repubs feel that way about Palin. In my reality neither is the chosen one. I'm just glad that Obama is where he is and Palin is where she is. imo

[Lady_Jean_La]

The fund itself was not created by me nor is it controlled by me. Neither I nor my lawyer has received a penny from this fund," the GOP's 2008 vice presidential candidate said in a statement via her spokeswoman

http://www.lucianne.com/main2/?fcnt=483368

Palin rejects allegations
over legal defense fund

[ortiga]

http://www.lucianne.com/main2/?fcnt=483368

Palin rejects allegations
over legal defense fund

According to the probable cause document, she contributed photographs, agreed to call the fund the "official" fund (so says her friend that helped her set it up, per the document). And, they used the fact that she is governor, stated this in the web site and solicited donations for her, as governor, for personal use. Once again, activities that may be legal for federal level politicians apparently are not legal under the state ethics reform law that Palin herself signed and claims as a major accomplishment.

IMO, the quote you posted from Palin is typical, because I don't think the report said that the fund WAS created by her, nor did it say that SHE DOES control it, nor does it say she has received money from it. You see? Go ahead and put out a major public denial of something the report doesn't even say.

IMO

[Re-Poe]

http://www.lucianne.com/main2/?fcnt=483368

Palin rejects allegations
over legal defense fund

That was a given. She would never admit wrongdoing- she waits until she is caught - and come to think of it- even then she does not admit anything. imo

[Lady_Jean_La]

That was a given. She would never admit wrongdoing- she waits until she is caught - and come to think of it- even then she does not admit anything. imo
She is probably one of those IUPG folks. imo

[ortiga]

She is probably one of those IUPG folks. imo

That's actually pretty funny, although I know you are trying to make a point. But watch carefully as she uses her position as governor to accuse the complainant as violating the law. Hardly an action of someone who believes in IUPG, and an over the top, irresponsible statement for any elected official to make, IMO

Here is what her written statement says, detailed on http://www.adn.com/palin/story/872192.html

"In short, I have not ‘acted' relative to the defense fund and it is misleading to say I have. I have no doubt that the Trust will welcome guidance by the Board, as do we all, but it is my understanding that this matter was not resolved and the complainant's violation of law has served to mislead the public and prejudice a fair review of this matter."

[Re-Poe]

She is probably one of those IUPG folks. imo

I guess so.

Wonder why so much of her stuff revolves around money? Hmmmmm.....

[Lady_Jean_La]

I guess so.

Wonder why so much of her stuff revolves around money? Hmmmmm.....

I think it has something to do with ethics laws having to do with money. imo

[emdragon]

I think it has something to do with ethics laws having to do with money. imo

I just think she believes when it comes to money ethic laws don't apply to her.

Truthfully I think she believes she can do whatever she wants because she is/was Governor.

[lunchlady]

Here's a photo of the woman who's filed several of the ethics complaints. This is an unfavorable article towards the woman, coming from a very conservative source. The "nemesis"'s blog has been suspended.

http://www.examiner.com/x-14143-Orange-County-Conservative-Examiner~y2009m7d22-Andree-McLeods-Sarah-Palins-nemesis-blog-suspended-by-Anchorage-Daily-News

[daniel green]

When it comes to taking responsibility for her failures, Sarah Palin is completely unaccountable. Her finger is always pointed at the most convenient scapegoat. Last fall, I said she was George W. Bush with lipstick; nothing is ever her fault. With her resignation, she has set a new bar for blame.

A 10 Month Accounting of Blame...

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/shannyn-moore/its-not-sarahs-faultjust_b_240687.html

WOW. :ohmy: That is quite a huge list of it's someone else's fault.

[ortiga]

Here's a photo of the woman who's filed several of the ethics complaints. This is an unfavorable article towards the woman, coming from a very conservative source. The "nemesis"'s blog has been suspended.

http://www.examiner.com/x-14143-Orange-County-Conservative-Examiner~y2009m7d22-Andree-McLeods-Sarah-Palins-nemesis-blog-suspended-by-Anchorage-Daily-News

Thank you for the link, but I got as far as him saying she engaged in "terrorist" activity and I left. The McLeod site is "currently being reviewed by the editors", according to the Anchorage Daily News, it does not say "suspended". IMO it could very well be because of organized bands of people sending her hate mail on the blog. We don't know, at least I don't know. IMO

[ortiga]

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/shannyn-moore/its-not-sarahs-faultjust_b_240687.html

WOW. :ohmy: That is quite a huge list of it's someone else's fault.

This 10 months of her constantly seeking publicity, any kind, has my head spinning. It has been fun to watch her antics and note her contradictions with respect to the ethics charges (mainly that the costly one was her own charge against herself, which somehow she always fails to note), but not so much fun to think of how close she got to being VP or pres. If I knew for sure that she wasn't going to try to "open the door" to the presidency I would quit monitoring her press. Today she accused an Alaska citizen of "violating the law". Can you imagine a sitting governor, or for that matter a sitting PTA president being so irresponsible?

IMO

[R~O~S]

If Palin has broken the law she signed into effect, she should face the consequences. Where did I disagree with that? I was not "baiting" I am sick of all the politicians thinking they are above the law. This is another example of that.

IMO

As stated in the report, she hasn't broken any ethics rule or law until and unless she actually accepts payment from the fund. At the time of the report, she had not. Therefore no law broken as of yet.

Also stated in the report is the clear recommendation of the investigator that simply due to the difference between Alaska state law and federal law which could have created the confusion, even though Sarah herself put the law on the books, Sarah should be allowed to refuse any financing from the fund in exchange for making the complaint simply go away.

It seems a very fair and balanced report & solution to me, so what's the problem?

[Lady_Jean_La]

MSNBC has the Morning Joe show with Joe Scarborough every morning, 6:00 - 9:00 AM ET. Scarborough, a former Republican congressman, is the anchor of the show with Pat Buchanan as a frequent guest among others.

I don't recall a single Democrat with a show on Fox ENTERTAINMENT station.

The attempt to make Senator Clinton look statesmanlike was no accident. Van Susteren has long been known as a Clinton booster, first of Bill and now of Hillary, and she was that way when she worked for CNN. Her politics occasionally shine through on Fox News. On her On the Record show of November 17, 2004, Van Susteren interviewed Hillary about her husband. Mrs. Clinton said that "I think I know a great leader when I see one. And so does America. In 1992 and 1996, Americans chose a president who left our country in better shape than when he took office."

http://www.aim.org/media-monitor/the-politics-of-greta-van-susteren/

[daniel green]

This 10 months of her constantly seeking publicity, any kind, has my head spinning. It has been fun to watch her antics and note her contradictions with respect to the ethics charges (mainly that the costly one was her own charge against herself, which somehow she always fails to note), but not so much fun to think of how close she got to being VP or pres. If I knew for sure that she wasn't going to try to "open the door" to the presidency I would quit monitoring her press. Today she accused an Alaska citizen of "violating the law". Can you imagine a sitting governor, or for that matter a sitting PTA president being so irresponsible?

IMO

I am with you completely. RMaddow said last week she would never report about here again because she is so done politically. If it were not for the fact that she wants to run for the presidency (she wouldn't get the nomination) I would stop reading anything about her.

[Re-Poe]

I agree- my husband keeps telling - when SP comes on the TV no matter what you are watching - change the channel- so that the media will know we do not want to hear about her. He thinks they keep track of that kind of stuff. If you have direct TV you can see what most people are watching in your area of the country and nationally. Sponge Bob is a very popular show! imo

[dinojen]

Fund trustee says Palin not involved with fund

by Matthew Daly
The Associated Press
Wednesday, July 22, 2009

WASILLA, Alaska -- The trustee for the legal defense fund set up to help Gov. Sarah Palin lashed out at the news media and the Eagle River resident who filed an ethics complaint against the governor.

Trustee Kristan Cole of Wasilla says the Alaska Fund Trust was created and vetted by a team of lawyers from around the country who are experts in state and federal law.

Cole says the only lawyer who ever questioned the fund's legality is Thomas Daniel, the investigator hired by the state personnel board.

Cole also says Palin, a personal friend, has never been involved with the trust. She says the governor has never accepted any money from the fund.

Cole says legal action is being considered against the person who leaked the investigator's confidential report to The Associated Press.

http://www.ktuu.com/Global/story.asp?S=10774036


ADN.. didn't cover this of course... go figure...:rolleyes:




I hope she does take legal action against the person who leaked the information.. :wink:

[Lady_Jean_La]

As stated in the report, she hasn't broken any ethics rule or law until and unless she actually accepts payment from the fund. At the time of the report, she had not. Therefore no law broken as of yet.

Also stated in the report is the clear recommendation of the investigator that simply due to the difference between Alaska state law and federal law which could have created the confusion, even though Sarah herself put the law on the books, Sarah should be allowed to refuse any financing from the fund in exchange for making the complaint simply go away.

It seems a very fair and balanced report & solution to me, so what's the problem?

I would say her mounting legal bills and constant complains are a problem.

[R~O~S]

I would say her mounting legal bills and constant complains are a problem.

The report also suggests Palin should be entitled to seek reimbursement from the state for legal bills resulting from frivolous complaints. Since the majority of the complaints were dismissed as such and the case that cost the most was the one she filed against herself, I don't really see the issue.

I do think the complaints that were found to have merit are a problem for her future ambitions if they involve politics.

[Lady_Jean_La]

The report also suggests Palin should be entitled to seek reimbursement from the state for legal bills resulting from frivolous complaints. Since the majority of the complaints were dismissed as such and the case that cost the most was the one she filed against herself, I don't really see the issue.

I do think the complaints that were found to have merit are a problem for her future ambitions if they involve politics.

I don't know. Politicians have been fined and it makes little difference. People who love them keep it up and people who hate them can't believe it. imo

[Lady_Jean_La]

:lol: As repeated links have stated, the trustees apparently failed to set up the fund IAW the laws of Alaska. So now we are expected to believe as "fact" any statement of a trustee as rule of law? GMAB

Just like about 20 other complaints you were supposed to believe. imo

[LisaM22]

and Obama... hopefully only once.

lol, that would be a bet worth taking, I say two terms easy, three if it was allowed, but it's not

[LisaM22]

The report also suggests Palin should be entitled to seek reimbursement from the state for legal bills resulting from frivolous complaints. Since the majority of the complaints were dismissed as such and the case that cost the most was the one she filed against herself, I don't really see the issue.

I do think the complaints that were found to have merit are a problem for her future ambitions if they involve politics.

I don't think she will ever try to enter politics again, I think she will be a talking head from now on, like anyone would vote for her after she quit on Alaska, who is to say she would not whine and say she wasn't getting her way and just quit quit midterm as president, the vp would be looked at very very closely in a Palin candidacy, cause I think chances are Palin could not hack it

[Lady_Jean_La]

I don't think she will ever try to enter politics again, I think she will be a talking head from now on, like anyone would vote for her after she quit on Alaska, who is to say she would not whine and say she wasn't getting her way and just quit quit midterm as president, the vp would be looked at very very closely in a Palin candidacy, cause I think chances are Palin could not hack it

I think a good position for her would be president of the WNBA. Plenty of travel and plenty of time to write books and give speeches. imo

[lunchlady]

Thank you for the link, but I got as far as him saying she engaged in "terrorist" activity and I left. The McLeod site is "currently being reviewed by the editors", according to the Anchorage Daily News, it does not say "suspended". IMO it could very well be because of organized bands of people sending her hate mail on the blog. We don't know, at least I don't know. IMO

LOL! Yes, they seem to be very protective of Sarah.

[LisaM22]

I think a good position for her would be president of the WNBA. Plenty of travel and plenty of time to write books and give speeches. imo

I don't think palin will being doing much writing, more like having someone do the righting for her, we have seen the speeches she has written, unless she plans to fill the pages without ever getting to a point, maybe she could go back to one of her many colleges she quit and bone up on her writing skills though, you never know

[Lady_Jean_La]

I don't think palin will being doing much writing, more like having someone do the righting for her, we have seen the speeches she has written, unless she plans to fill the pages without ever getting to a point, maybe she could go back to one of her many colleges she quit and bone up on her writing skills though, you never know
I have no doubt she can draw big crowds to her book signings. And she won't have to worry about the ethics of who travels with her. imo

[LisaM22]

I would say her mounting legal bills and constant complains are a problem.

not to mention the money she has had to pay back to the state in order to settle them, she brought most of this on herself imo

the troopergate problem she created for herself was the biggest cost to her.... iirc

[LisaM22]

I have no doubt she can draw big crowds to her book signings. And she won't have to worry about the ethics of who travels with her. imo

she never did have to worry about that... unless she was giving the bill to the state and she wasn't suppose too, I think many of us woudl get in trouble if we tried to bill a company for non-business needs like living in our own house when they supplied you with a mansion, come on - that is crazy

[LisaM22]

"Only Three Palin Ethics Complaints Were Still Pending"

http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2009/07/only_three_palin_ethics_complaint_were_still_pendi .php

"The notion that this barrage of complaints was preventing her from doing her job just doesn't seem to hold up."


frivilous charges cost very little to address, things like trooper-gate on the other hand are not cheap

[Lady_Jean_La]

she never did have to worry about that... unless she was giving the bill to the state and she wasn't suppose too, I think many of us woudl get in trouble if we tried to bill a company for non-business needs like living in our own house when they supplied you with a mansion, come on - that is crazy

I wonder how many governors would rather live outside the mansion. In California quite a few. imo

[Lady_Jean_La]

Possibly, but then the Circus draws big crowds when they're in town too. I think one has to look at the reason people want to get a look at her, and it isn't because of her vast knowledge of anything.

MOThe reason really doesn't matter to event organizers. imo

[dinojen]

I wonder how many governors would rather live outside the mansion. In California quite a few. imo

Quite frankly can't remember the last CA governor that lived in the actual Governor's mansion.

Actually Reagan was the last to live in it and it wasn't even for his full term, it's a historical site now.. and all governor's since then have lived in improvised arrangements ever since.

Reagan's moved out of it in 1967.. no one else has resided there since.

[LisaM22]

I wonder how many governors would rather live outside the mansion. In California quite a few. imo

how many try to get paid to live at home rather then the Mansion provided them? her deciding not to live in the mansion was not the issue, her deciding to charge tax payers for her to live at home was the issue

[ortiga]

how many try to get paid to live at home rather then the Mansion provided them? her deciding not to live in the mansion was not the issue, her deciding to charge tax payers for her to live at home was the issue

You're right. According to www.adn.com last week, that is one of the remaining ethics complaints, that she should have to give that money back to the state taxpayers. She already had to give up the state SUV she used, to get her from home to some state offices in Anchorage, 600 miles from the capitol. She also had to pay back income tax on the per diem, she had to reimburse the state over 8000 to settle one of the other ethics complaints that she and her followers say was "dismissed" and "frivolous". I stongly suspect, but can't prove, that in that case there was another probable cause document telling her she could avoid actually getting another ethics violation against her if she paid the money for her kids travel back back to the state.

As others have pointed out, the most expensive of the ethics to the state was her complaint against herself. That composed about 2/3 of the cost of the ethics complaints to the state according to the www.juneauempire.com link I posted earlier on this same thread.

So now, according to that document that found probable cause that she was violating the ethics code of AK with that "Alaska Fund Trust", she will probably shamelessly try to get her lawyers fees paid by the state (the fees that correspond to that 2/3) ......that ............. she herself incurred to the State of Alaska. Just watch, I betcha.

IMO

[ortiga]

Palin didn't have a hand in forming the defense fund?

http://www.adn.com/palin/story/731157.html

"Obviously we cannot afford to personally pay these bills -- and really no future governor should feel the sense of financial vulnerability at the hands of those with a political vendetta bent on personal destruction," Palin wrote. "Some have suggested a legal fund to pay these bills. We'll have to pursue that."
-------------------------------------
http://www.adn.com/palin/story/873477.html?pageNum=2&mi_pluck_action=page_nav#Comments_Container

"Cole, a local real estate agent and Palin friend, said she had never talked about the trust fund with Palin until Tuesday, when a report by an independent investigator was obtained by The Associated Press."
--------------------------------------
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/irene-s-levine/who-is-kristan-cole-sarah_b_227681.html

"As Governor, Sarah (never daunted by controversy) named her BFF to the Alaska Board of Agriculture and Conservation, an appointed regulatory position that serves at the pleasure of the Governor. In September 2008, when the McCain-Palin campaign launched a "Truth Squad" to combat the liberal media and dirty Democrats, Kristan was named to the Squad. Recently, Kristan assumed the awkward role of interpreting her pal's bewildering resignation speech to the national press."
--------------------------------------

But she "never" mentioned the trust fund to Palin until Tuesday? The report that finds probable cause against Palin says something quite different.

www.adn.com see link middle column to report.

[ortiga]

OK, so Kristin Cole says she "never" talked to the governor about the fund until Tuesday (2 days ago). I just posted the link to her claim.

There is a photo of a thank you note that Palin wrote to this person who donated to the "Alaska Fund Trust". Oops.

http://genuinegopmom.blogspot.com/2009/05/alaska-fund-trust-navy-vet-gets-thank.html

"Navy veteran and Alaska citizen Mark Bowers (follow Mark on Twitter) received a pleasant surprise after he donated to the Alaska Fund Trust to preserve the integrity of the Governor's Office of the State of Alaska. His donation helps to cover the legal expenses of defending against the frivolous complaints filed against Governor Sarah Palin. She surprised him with a personally written thank you note from the governor herself. See photo here."

------------------------------------
link to the photo of the note she sent him thanking him for the donation to the defense fund.

[SeeksJustice]

OK, so Kristin Cole says she "never" talked to the governor about the fund until Tuesday (2 days ago). I just posted the link to her claim.

There is a photo of a thank you note that Palin wrote to this person who donated to the "Alaska Fund Trust". Oops.

http://genuinegopmom.blogspot.com/2009/05/alaska-fund-trust-navy-vet-gets-thank.html

"Navy veteran and Alaska citizen Mark Bowers (follow Mark on Twitter) received a pleasant surprise after he donated to the Alaska Fund Trust to preserve the integrity of the Governor's Office of the State of Alaska. His donation helps to cover the legal expenses of defending against the frivolous complaints filed against Governor Sarah Palin. She surprised him with a personally written thank you note from the governor herself. See photo here."

------------------------------------
link to the photo of the note she sent him thanking him for the donation to the defense fund.

Awesome find ortiga!

I don't believe anything SP or her gal pal KC have to say. It is obvious that someone is lying, if not the two of them. The pic of the thank you note is classic!

I also like that the fund is set up to:

The Alaska Fund Trust is the official legal fund created to defend the integrity of the Alaska Governor's Office from an onslaught of political attacks launched against current Governor Sarah Palin, the First Family, and state-employed colleagues.

The First Family??? WTH???

Also claims that:

These baseless accusations have cost Alaska more than $1 million in public monies to defend, and Governor Palin has incurred more than half a million dollars in personal debt defending her official actions as Governor.

Wasn't it $500K?

[daniel green]

I agree- my husband keeps telling - when SP comes on the TV no matter what you are watching - change the channel- snipped

Yep!

It's like eating too much candy. Feel sick after a while.

[ortiga]

Awesome find ortiga!

I don't believe anything SP or her gal pal KC have to say. It is obvious that someone is lying, if not the two of them. The pic of the thank you note is classic!

I also like that the fund is set up to:

The Alaska Fund Trust is the official legal fund created to defend the integrity of the Alaska Governor's Office from an onslaught of political attacks launched against current Governor Sarah Palin, the First Family, and state-employed colleagues.

The First Family??? WTH???

Also claims that:

These baseless accusations have cost Alaska more than $1 million in public monies to defend, and Governor Palin has incurred more than half a million dollars in personal debt defending her official actions as Governor.

Wasn't it $500K?

note the caps First Family. So the fund was to bring money to the First Family, "state-employed colleagues", and the governor. Sounds to me like a laundry list of bills the lawyer wants paid, and possibly they thought the whole kit and kaboodle could solicit donations in the name of "Alaska Fund"........

[daniel green]

Palin didn't have a hand in forming the defense fund?

http://www.adn.com/palin/story/731157.html

"Obviously we cannot afford to personally pay these bills -- and really no future governor should feel the sense of financial vulnerability at the hands of those with a political vendetta bent on personal destruction," Palin wrote. "Some have suggested a legal fund to pay these bills. We'll have to pursue that."
-------------------------------------
http://www.adn.com/palin/story/873477.html?pageNum=2&mi_pluck_action=page_nav#Comments_Container

"Cole, a local real estate agent and Palin friend, said she had never talked about the trust fund with Palin until Tuesday, when a report by an independent investigator was obtained by The Associated Press."
--------------------------------------
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/irene-s-levine/who-is-kristan-cole-sarah_b_227681.html

"As Governor, Sarah (never daunted by controversy) named her BFF to the Alaska Board of Agriculture and Conservation, an appointed regulatory position that serves at the pleasure of the Governor. In September 2008, when the McCain-Palin campaign launched a "Truth Squad" to combat the liberal media and dirty Democrats, Kristan was named to the Squad. Recently, Kristan assumed the awkward role of interpreting her pal's bewildering resignation speech to the national press."
--------------------------------------

But she "never" mentioned the trust fund to Palin until Tuesday? The report that finds probable cause against Palin says something quite different.

www.adn.com see link middle column to report.

Heavens to betsy. :tongueside: We need a fact check organization just for her. :scared:

[daniel green]

OK, so Kristin Cole says she "never" talked to the governor about the fund until Tuesday (2 days ago). I just posted the link to her claim.

There is a photo of a thank you note that Palin wrote to this person who donated to the "Alaska Fund Trust". Oops.

http://genuinegopmom.blogspot.com/2009/05/alaska-fund-trust-navy-vet-gets-thank.html

"Navy veteran and Alaska citizen Mark Bowers (follow Mark on Twitter) received a pleasant surprise after he donated to the Alaska Fund Trust to preserve the integrity of the Governor's Office of the State of Alaska. His donation helps to cover the legal expenses of defending against the frivolous complaints filed against Governor Sarah Palin. She surprised him with a personally written thank you note from the governor herself. See photo here."

------------------------------------
link to the photo of the note she sent him thanking him for the donation to the defense fund.

It's like McC during the campaign, forgetting that there are actual recording, pics and vid about everything. :blushing:

[ortiga]

Awesome find ortiga!

I don't believe anything SP or her gal pal KC have to say. It is obvious that someone is lying, if not the two of them. The pic of the thank you note is classic!

I also like that the fund is set up to:

The Alaska Fund Trust is the official legal fund created to defend the integrity of the Alaska Governor's Office from an onslaught of political attacks launched against current Governor Sarah Palin, the First Family, and state-employed colleagues.

The First Family??? WTH???

Also claims that:

These baseless accusations have cost Alaska more than $1 million in public monies to defend, and Governor Palin has incurred more than half a million dollars in personal debt defending her official actions as Governor.

Wasn't it $500K?


The cost to the state, was approx 298 K. 2/3 of it generated by Palin's own ethics complaint against herself.

http://www.juneauempire.com/stories/070109/sta_457304159.shtml

The "millions" came from Palin, starting the day she abruptly quit. Anyway, that's the first day I saw any mention of "millions". Later they explained that they took the lawyers that were already salaried to handle ethics complaints, and added in an hourly cost for each one, plus the cost of health insurance and other bennies that the state supplies to it's employees. Thus, taking what is a salaried employee, a lawyer, and multiplying it all according to how much time they spent on one of the ethics charges.

BTW, I have seen all the available lists of ethics charges and none of them were frivolous at all, IMO

[LisaM22]

Quite frankly can't remember the last CA governor that lived in the actual Governor's mansion.

Actually Reagan was the last to live in it and it wasn't even for his full term, it's a historical site now.. and all governor's since then have lived in improvised arrangements ever since.

Reagan's moved out of it in 1967.. no one else has resided there since.

I think it was the fact palin billed the tax payers for her to live in her own home when they provided her a mansion to live in, I do not think it has anything to do with her deciding to live in the home they owned

[LisaM22]

You raise an interesting question and return the thread back on topic. The question is NOT the 'mansion' in 49 other states, but the one in Alaska. So, checked images on google and it sure does not appear to be a condemned building or one the needs to be rebuilt as is the case in many states, where the mansion is a historical sight and other accomodations are reasonable.

http://search.hp.my.aol.com/aol/imageDetails?s_it=imageDetails&query=Governor%27s+mansion+Alaska&img=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm4.static.flickr.com%2F3174%2F 2920994340_d933bc2ee6.jpg&site=&host=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.flickr.com%2Fphotos%2Ffungib leconvictions%2F2920994340%2F&width=130&height=98&thumbUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fimages-partners-tbn.google.com%2Fimages%3Fq%3Dtbn%3AeWpz9pAmkPYLTM %3Afarm4.static.flickr.com%2F3174%2F2920994340_d93 3bc2ee6.jpg&b=image%3Fs_it%3Dtopsearchbox.imagehome%26query%3D Governor%2527s%2Bmansion%2BAlaska

Nor is it unreasonable when gov, Palin kept her own home as do many governors. But as you posted, to bill the state for living in her house by choice?

yep, and republicans complain about welfare, if she was getting paid to live there by the state, she was basically collecting public housing benefits for living in her own home while she and her husband had great jobs .... I wonder how she thought that was ethical?

[lunchlady]

Yes, but Sarah's fans are quite dedicated.
http://www.sarahpalinfans.com/

[lunchlady]

http://www.adn.com/opinion/comment/story/874820.html

"In attempting to contextualize Palin, much has been written about the corrupting nature of celebrity. Commentators frequently note that the stargazers are as corrupted as the star, i.e., that without the visible adoration of the crowd, there can be no celebrity. Further, several have argued the idolization often enough brings out the subject's baser nature, encouraging convictions of superiority and entitlement.

Interestingly, most of the glorification of Palin has not come from within Alaska, but from Outside, a circumstance likely to continue in the future. And her attractiveness for Alaskans will surely lessen after her formal retirement this weekend. Palin's public future, if there is one, will be national, not local."

Good observations. Makes me think of the condition called "acquired narcissism."
Palin seems to be more popular in the media than Britney Spears nowadays, quite an accomplishment. But the targets of this sort of attention don't seem to do well in their personal lives.

[daniel green]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/23/AR2009072303799.html?wprss=rss_nation

[daniel green]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/23/AR2009072302633.html?hpid=opinionsbox1

snipped"

I love this kind of factual piece, Ortiga. Thx for posting and sorry I posted same poll showing plumeting of numbers--didn't see it till after I posted.

From your link:

Palin asserts that job losses are "certain." Wrong. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and American Clean Energy and Security legislation will create significant employment opportunities across the country in a broad array of sectors linked to the clean energy economy. Studies at the federal level and by states have demonstrated clean energy job creation. A report by the Center for American Progress calculated that $150 billion in clean energy investments would create more than 1.7 million domestic and community-based jobs that can't be shipped overseas. Palin seems nostalgic for the campaign rally chant of "drill, baby, drill." But she ignores the fact that the United States has only 3 percent of the world's proven oil reserves, while we are responsible for 25 percent of the world's oil consumption.

[daniel green]

http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/07/23/palin.spotlight/

"She yelled fire in a crowded theater. She really did, in some of her speeches --'palling around' with terrorists and some of the other slurs she was hurling in the way of Obama and the Democrats," said Larry Persily, a former Palin staffer and Alaskan journalist.

"That turned off an equally big chunk of the American public that found it distasteful, destructive, divisive, mean and ignorant. Whereas others said, 'Way to go girl. You stick it to them," he said.

EXCELLENT piece! I had not thought about it in just that way, but she certainly DID yell fire in a crowded theater.

Totally agree with the Palin staffer who said:

"That turned off an equally big chunk of the American public that found it distasteful, destructive, divisive, mean and ignorant."

I remember watching her convention speech and thinking along those very lines. KO said, immediately following the speech, "people who, well, like that sorta thing, will like that sort of thing." Exactly.

It was a stark contrast to the President who was appealing to the better angel in our natures, as Lincoln said.

[ortiga]

I love this kind of factual piece, Ortiga. Thx for posting and sorry I posted same poll showing plumeting of numbers--didn't see it till after I posted.

From your link:

I never saw any support for that op ed she wrote. Maybe I missed it, but I read lots every day from both ends and the middle of the spectrum, and saw only articles like this and others that kind of brushed off the op ed. IMO she doesn't have the academic training or even innate ability to read, compose, or analyze to any depth, and she probably herself doesn't see how shallow the piece was, somewhat like a high schooler who complies a quick report from various places on internet, pastes it all together and hands it in complete with 2-3 insults like "chattering masses"........paraphrased. Sorry, but that's what I see, and from the beginning I have said, along with others, that I want someone smarter, more analytic, more judicial with their one-liners, with more experience to be president. So, I will keep posting the links, and keep thanking you for yours.

IMO

[daniel green]

http://www.adn.com/opinion/comment/story/874820.html

snipped"

Very good editoria, Ortiga. Thx for these pieces. I was very interested in the comparison to other women who drew crowds.

I think finally, this will be how she is remembered:

But she certainly will be remembered as the governor who quit, and the quitting is unlikely to be viewed positively, though there will be less opprobrium if she runs for higher political office than if she does not

[daniel green]

snipped
Sorry, but that's what I see, and from the beginning I have said, along with others, that I want someone smarter, more analytic, more judicial with their one-liners, with more experience to be president. So, I will keep posting the links, and keep thanking you for yours.

IMO

Agree completely.

Snark doesn't play well in a presidential candidate.

Yours is a good analysis about her Op-ed. A few snarky comments re other Americans and then something that would not make it as a college paper. Heck, as a HS paper. You are exactly right--something my 17 yr old does on a first draft (albeit the night before it's due :sad:), just copying and pasting from hither and yon and no original thought or analysis. At least he doesn't add the snark.

[momof6]

Sarah Palin Rocks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Re-Poe]

Scrolling down and reading the entire page with the comments was too much fun, thanx! :thumbsup:

:lol: ..... Iran mullahs ..... :lol:

Right on-- those comments are sooooo good and the comments following the adn post are good too. She is toast in Alaska. imo

[daniel green]

New Palin Numbers

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/behind-the-numbers/2009/07/new_palin_numbers.html?hpid=topnews

Dropped 20 pts in one yr among Independents, and 18 pts among Republicans :ohmy:

Post-Conv.* Now Change in pts.
All 58% (35%) 40% (20%) -18 (-15)

Democrats 34 (12) 20 (11) -14 ( -1)
Republicans 88 (66) 70 (41) -18 (-24)
Independents 60 (35) 40 (17) -20 (-18)

[daniel green]

:wink: Just a (-1) loss in democrats who were never fooled in the first place.

Yep. You've got that right.

[ortiga]

Calls for 2012 presidential run echo at Alaska Gov. Palin's annual picnic in hometown

http://www.duluthnewstribune.com/event/apArticle/id/D99LAKU00/

Pictured here in a Patriots sweatshirt, people are wondering if a Maverick shirt will be next.

There was free food.

:laugh:

[Circe]

As She Steps Down, Palin Vows to Reclaim Ethics Fight

"ANCHORAGE -- Sarah Palin, who rose from obscurity to become Alaska's governor three years ago, began her career as a combative whistleblower crusading against state political corruption. She accused GOP leaders of violating ethics laws, then publicized details of the confidential investigations."

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/24/AR2009072403889.html?hpid=topnews&sub=AR

Oh my..........didn't Sarah herself just say that leaking that kind of stuff is a great big no no and that people who do it should be sued or something??

I guess as usual, IOKIYAR.

[ortiga]

Oh my..........didn't Sarah herself just say that leaking that kind of stuff is a great big no no and that people who do it should be sued or something??

I guess as usual, IOKIYAR.

yep, it's OK if she does it. If someone else does it, she can use the force of the governor's office to accuse that person of a violation of the law, without any proof. Which is exactly what she did when she publicly accused Kim Chatman of leaking the probable cause report. That in itself is unethical behavior, accusing a citizen of breaking the law.

This is the best article I've read this week.

IMO

[LisaM22]

As She Steps Down, Palin Vows to Reclaim Ethics Fight

"ANCHORAGE -- Sarah Palin, who rose from obscurity to become Alaska's governor three years ago, began her career as a combative whistleblower crusading against state political corruption. She accused GOP leaders of violating ethics laws, then publicized details of the confidential investigations."

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/24/AR2009072403889.html?hpid=topnews&sub=AR

funny, she criticizes those that attack her for her ethics violations, yet that was how she got her start, too funny, reminds us of the old saying about those in glass houses.... she has done what she is criticizing and plans to do it so more - lol

[LisaM22]

Oh my..........didn't Sarah herself just say that leaking that kind of stuff is a great big no no and that people who do it should be sued or something??

I guess as usual, IOKIYAR.

why yes she did, crazy huh

[Circe]

funny, she criticizes those that attack her for her ethics violations, yet that was how she got her start, too funny, reminds us of the old saying about those in glass house.... she has done what she is criticizing and plans to do it so more - lol

Funny how it works isn't it..........when she does it, she's being all mavericky and crusading and all that stuff, you betcha!!

Someone else does it.......it's just frivolous and mean and nit picking.

[LisaM22]

Funny how it works isn't it..........when she does it, she's being all mavericky and crusading and all that stuff, you betcha!!

Someone else does it.......it's just frivolous and mean and nit picking.

lol, well said

[LisaM22]

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=mavericky

:)

[Circe]

Probably the best comment I've seen on Palins popularity...David Frum and Ann Coulter arguing over Palin, with Coulter insisting that Palin is more popular than Obama........Frum: "Michael Jackson is also a bigger story than the president of the United States, but the American people aren't going to vote for him." :lol:

[Circe]

:confused: What's Frum saying for 2012, Circe? If SP runs, people will write in MJ? I like it. :sneaky:

Well, ya know how the Palinistas are always going on and on about what big crowds Sarah draws.........as someone else said, so does the circus. :lol:

[daniel green]

There was free food.

:laugh:

And ppl yelling "Obama!"

[daniel green]

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0709/25407.html

"But inside the Snow City Café, where people had ducked in with plates of grilled burgers and beans, Steve Carroll gleefully held up a bumper sticker being passed out at the festival that featured the McCain-Palin logo but read: “Sarah Palin for President, 2012-2014 1/2.”

:laugh::laugh:

I had to go look at that bumper sticker. Now, THAT's funny!!!!!!!!!

[ortiga]

I had to go look at that bumper sticker. Now, THAT's funny!!!!!!!!!

rotf....that one will be around for a long time

[LisaM22]

:biggrin: Jon Stewart on that "victim card" (http://ccinsider.comedycentral.com/2008/09/04/jon-stewart-annihilates-sarah-palins-media-surrogates/)

that was great. lol

[LisaM22]

There was free food.

:laugh:

the infamous sarah palin and free food, that will attract a crowd - lol