As expected, the McCain campaign has issued a response to the TrooperGate report that decries the investigation as a partisan witch hunt led by Obama supporters. The statement ignores the ethics violations and instead focuses on the finding that the Governor acted within her constitutional authority. The media, at least Anderson Cooper so far, encapsulates the findings as reporting that Sarah Palin did not break any laws even though the detailed report following his intro indicates that Palin violated state ethics laws.
The statement issued by the McCain campaign reads as follows:
Today’s report shows that the Governor acted within her proper and lawful authority in the reassignment of Walt Monegan. The report also illustrates what we’ve known all along: this was a partisan led inquiry run by Obama supporters and the Palins were completely justified in their concern regarding Trooper Wooten given his violent and rogue behavior. Lacking evidence to support the original Monegan allegation, the Legislative Council seriously overreached, making a tortured argument to find fault without basis in law or fact. The Governor is looking forward to cooperating with the Personnel Board and continuing her conversation with the American people regarding the important issues facing the country.
The committee issuing the report consisted of ten Republicans and four Democrats. Once the partisan inquiry charge fails to gain any traction, the campaign will probably resort to the old argument that as a maverick Palin went after corrupt Republicans and made many enemies who have used this opportunity to get her. This is a classic case of a politician using their office for personal gain. Although Palin did not use her office for financial gain in this case, she violated the public trust by placing her personal interest above the public interest. Certainly a case can be made for Wooten's dismissal and I agree that he should have been fired. But it is never right to pressure subordinates to act on matters in which one has a vested interest. Public officials are instructed at the most basic level to avoid even the appearance of conflict of interest. Sarah Palin failed to live up to her oath and violated the state code of ethics. It's a difficult thing to do, especially when the matter involves family, but an elected official is expected to act appropriately. If someone cannot live up to the most basic requirements for holding public office, it is time to find another line of work.
I don't think any of this will make much difference to Palin supporters and apparently Palin doesn't feel like she did anything wrong either. We must hold politicians to higher standards. When politicians feel no shame or exhibit no remorse for reprehensible behavior, it should set off alarms in the electorate. It will be interesting to see whether Palin accepts responsibility for her actions and whether she admits to any wrong-doing or not. This is another test of her character and she's been getting failing grades in that area lately.
UPDATE
Didn't make the rec list again keeping my perfect record intact. After reading all of the wow I made the rec list comments for first-timers, I just wanted to add this snarky note to mark the end of a strange day at the end of a very interesting week. Congrats to all those who did make the rec list and those who didn't but still had some interesting thoughts to share. The dialogue has been stimulating as usual, but it's time to go to sleep finally and dream of better days. Good night, all, and keep up the good fight.