Vice President Ambitions Derailed for Alaska Governor Sarah Palin?
Alaska Governor on Kudlow and Company yesterday discusses her abuse of office investigation and the Vice Presidency
GOP Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, currently tied for third among possible Vice Presidential running mates for John McCain on Intrade, faces a probe into whether she abused her office in order to fire Department of Public Safety Commissioner Walt Monegan.
Will the investigation ordered up on Monday by the Alaska Legislature derail her chances to be named by John McCain?
Probably
The timing could not have been worse for any Palin chance at the Vice Presidency.
John McCain is rising in the latest polls and while Sarah Palin is a rising GOP star she is relatively inexperienced as compared to Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty and former Governors Mitt Romney and Mike Huckabee. Plus, Palin is from Alaska where a GOP United States Senator has been indicted on corruption charges – just this week and their lone Congressman (also a Republican) is under FBI investigation.
John McCain and the national GOP will choose a safer candidate – at least for now.
Technorati Tags: Sarah Palin
62 Comments
Ted
QUESTION: How do you know the Dems and MSM are petrified of Palin?
ANSWER: LA Times promotes story “Palin faces state probe nixing VP rumors” since Palin told police her state trooper ex-brother-in-law threatened to kill her dad.
Pageant princess
As a resident of Alaska for 3 years I find her mediocre at best.
Flap
@ Ted
Sarah Palin will have to weather the storm but looks like she is out this time around.
When she vindicates herself and if she is accomplished she will rise to the top. But, for now she is too risky for McCain.
Ted
Flap, to be honest, when I read your blog, I first thought it was “tongue in cheek”. You’ve got to be kidding! Right?
What’s to weather??
She fired a Commissioner, who claims he was dismissed because he refused to fire Palin’s ex-brother-in-law.
Laura In Alaska
Flap, I thought like you at first. But this so called “scandal” is turning around for Sarah and I think she will come out it stronger! Here’s what a one of the Anchorage Daily News staff wrote about Troopergate this week:
From the Anchorage Daily News on July 29th by ELISE PATKOTAK
They called Ronald Reagan the Teflon president. I think we should start calling Sarah Palin the Teflon governor. Based on people’s reaction to the recent dustup over the dismissal of Walt Monegan, I’d say the lady would pretty much have to pile up more indictments than all our current politicians combined before people would start to seriously question her.
This is going to make some people absolutely nuts. Unfortunately, for those seeking to find some dirt that will stick and bring down her still astronomically favorable ratings, this current dustup is probably not the ticket they are seeking. Firing someone who is a political appointment is done all the time. Since losing your job is a common experience for most of us, the termination of a commissioner is just not something that gets people’s dander up.
Of course, the idea that no one should be fired for refusing to cave in to pressure to circumvent state personnel rules is pretty much a no brainer, assuming the allegations are true.
Except in this case, the employee being discussed is a trooper who carries a gun and the force of law based on the authority given to him by, ultimately, us. He also happens to be an employee who somehow managed to Taser his 11-year-old stepson and get away with it.
The limp explanation that he was trying to show the young man how it felt is simply stupid and an insult to any thinking, reasonable adult. Assuming we want the people we authorize to carry guns and use them in our name to be adults, he should have found a much, much better way to get this lesson across.
In fact, his actions went beyond stupid and, for many of us, straight into the realm of criminal. I’ve had parents on my caseload whose kids would have been permanently removed from them if we’d gone to court with that.
So this particular trooper is probably not the poster boy the anti-Palin folks might want to trot out to show her misusing her power as governor. At least, the people I’ve talked to all seem to shake their heads and say that yeah, if she did exert pressure, she shouldn’t have. And then they look up and say, “But man, what about that trooper!” They zip right past her possible actions and land squarely on the trooper. The minute the story reaches the point where he’s Tasering his stepson, people start lining up behind Palin. Because most people don’t want Mike Wooten to be the trooper responding to their call for help if this is any indication of his ability to make sound or reasonable judgments. And that seems to trump any inappropriate actions on her part as the focal part of the story.
It’s becoming glaringly evident that public opinion is on Palin’s side insofar as they wish this man had lost his job as a trooper somewhere between taking a moose illegally, drinking in a trooper vehicle and Tasering his stepson. And they wonder why the state troopers tolerate this behavior in their ranks.
Monegan was right to not cave if the alleged pressure was there from the administration to intervene in a personnel matter that had already been resolved internally, as insulting as that minimal response seems to be. While the legal right and wrong of the matter might ultimately break toward Monegan and against Palin, it will probably only make her a more sympathetic character, as people side with the person who tried to rid the troopers of someone who seems questionable at best as trooper material.
Let’s think about this. He was stopped in his vehicle after a bartender called troopers to say he thought Wooten might be driving drunk. The trooper who stopped him admitted to smelling booze on his breath but made the decision that he didn’t need to take a Breathalyzer because Wooten didn’t seem drunk. Raise your hand if you think that trooper would not have given you a Breathalyzer test under the same circumstances. Yep, as I suspected, not a hand in sight.
Which brings us to the point most people are at. Palin isn’t their problem. A state trooper agency that thinks this man should still be wearing a badge is.
http://www.adn.com/opinion/comment/story/479145.html
Ted
Flap, with all due respect, I think you better get ahead of the curve here or this very fine blog is gonna lose a lot of credibility!
Flap
@4
The decision will rest with McCain and so far McCain does not tolerate much – like any hint at scandal.
With McCain rising in the polls why will he take a chance with Governor Palin when he can choose a known entity who is more fully vetted?
This is unfortunate for Palin but when she is completely vindicated this flap will only be a minor detour in the road for her.
Flap
@Ted
I am just calling them like I see them. Allahpundit has said the same at Hot Air.
McCain will not take the chance.
Dang, look what he did to Soren Dayton for twittering a link about Jeremiah Wright.
Ted
Flap, “take a chance” with Palin???!!!??? Are you kidding?
Q&A
1. Which McCain Veep pick is SIMULTANEOUSLY the safest AND boldest?
ANSWER: Sarah Palin
2. How can McCain SIMULTANEOUSLY attract both Hillary AND Bob Barr voters?
ANSWER: Sarah Palin
* * *
And then there’s this from the Conservative Voice:
“Desperately seeking Sarah
July 26, 2008
By Stephan Andrew Brodhead
Desperately seeking Sarah
Americans need a little Palin Power
Sarah Palin the current Governor of Alaska is John McCain’s ultimate choice for VP. I do believe a woman is next in line for the presidency. All Conservatives like her. She is popular in Alaska. Hillary supporters would relish her. She would solidify a 12 or possibly 16 year Republican executive.
John McCain’s boring campaign is wearing thin. I need a little Palin Power to get me interested again. They would say ‘but she is only a half term Governor!’ And your point is?”
* * *
If John McCain doesn’t choose Sarah Palin, he might have to plead temporary insanity.
Flap
@9
The piece you reference was before the legislature voted for the probe and McCain started his sudden rise in the polls due to Obama’s rock star foreign tour.
Palin is a rising star. She should concentrate on putting the probe behind her, govern well and be prepared for the future.
This will only be a small blip for her.
Who knows if McCain would have chosen her anyway?
Ted
The piece was AFTER the “probe” was voted for by the legislature!
Anyway, let’s see the “probe” answer these lingering questions:
1. Who paid for Trooper Wooten’s sudden extended vacation out of the coutry and unavailable for comment, that is, seeing he was on a State Trooper’s salary reportedly complaining about child support arising from his divorce custody proceedings with Sarah Palin’s younger sister? Is there a record of Wooten asking for leave from work?
2. Did the Democrats do some vetting of their own on the more than ethically clean Governor Palin, and the sum total of their sleuthing was that Palin’s younger sister had been married to and later involved in a contentious divorce and custody proceeding with a State Trooper who made a death threat against the Palin sisters’ dad if he retained a lawyer to represent his younger daughter in the proceedings, and because of that and other threats, Sarah Palin and her husband reported their concerns (at Public Safety Dept. direction) to the State Trooper’s boss, Public Safety Commissioner Monegan, who happened to be a Governor appointee?
3. Why would Sarah Palin, manifesting great political skills throughout her career and is widely reported and acknowledged by her to being considered as a VP running mate for Senator McCain, choose to replace Commissioner Monegan prior to an imminent announcement by Senator McCain as to his running mate, rather than, if at all, after that announcement?
4. Why would Monegan, through a known political foe of Palin, facilitate to be known his contention that he was removed, in part, because he would not fire Trooper Wooten when the events surrounding the threats being reported to Monegan occurred some time in the past and Gov Palin was careful never to call for Wooten’s firing, reiterating that personnel and disciplinary matters are not a regular part of her duties?
Flap
@11
Didn’t the legislature vote on Monday July 28th?
You raise valid questions that will be sorted out by November but McCain will need to name his VP within 10 days.
Ted, we will resume the discussion in a few hours. I have to run off to my doctor for my annual physical exam.
Ted
Again, nothing to sort out (at least having any negative bearing on McCain tapping Palin). With all due respect, I do believe you are seriously mis-reading this whole situation.
Ted
Flap, the Alaska legislative committee voted for the “probe” on Monday, July28; the Anchorage Daily News Piece quoted in #5 is dated Tuesday, July29.
Moreover, allahpundit at hot air did NOT make the same conclusion as you did that “McCain will not take the chance” on Palin.
Flap
@14
>And then there’s this from the Conservative Voice:
“Desperately seeking Sarah
July 26, 2008
By Stephan Andrew Brodhead< I was referring to @9 Re: Hot Air and AllahPundit - It is linked above and the reader can draw their own conclusions.
Flap
@13
So, YOU say there is nothing to sort out. The legislative committee will investigate and issue a report.
McCain’s selection of Sarah Palin within the next 10 days is too risky of a move. With McCain’s past history he won’t take the risk.
Flap
Off to the doctor……..
Palin supporters flame away…..
Richard A. Mastaw
Purely political, and not suprising. The timing of this probe is interesting and raises questions whether it is an attempt to sabotage Palin’s selection as VP. I watched Kudlow’s interview and was impressed with Palin’s direct and higly credible answers. The motives of those responsible for this investigation are suspect.
Flap
@18
Of course, the folks pushing this against Palin have an agenda. What McCain has to guard against is where there is smoke there might be fire.
Ted
Q&A
What confirms that Sarah Palin is unassailable by the Democrats?
ANSWER: The left promotes as a ’scandal’ that Palin notified state police that her ex-brother-in-law state trooper threatened to kill Palin’s dad.
aaron
As far as Palin is concerned, her VP chances have allways been derailed. she’s being pushed by those with an agenda, including the anybody but Romney crowd. The last thing McCain wants to do, is to bring attention to him being an old skinned cancer man, next to a young, pretty, soft skinned Gov. For egotistical reasons as well as political. He needs some to draw attention away from that. Remember, he’s turning 72, I think next month. Romney is the only person who can do that, as well as helping him in key states, as well as economically.. AARON
aaron
May I also point out something people don’t seem to understand. This is not as much a national race, as much as a race about a few key states. Even if she brought in a few more females nationwide it would not matter. She has nothing to offer, other than a beauty contest. The real question is could help win some Dem states. The answer is Romney, as well as keeping some states in the west red, including McCains own Arizona, which Romney would seal. Palin has absolutely nothing to offer, in this unique, complicated and particular situation. At least be a little more reasonable folks and support Pawlenty, if you really don’ want Romney. Keep in mind Romney won Minnesota, by a good margin, even though Pawlenty endorsed McCain early. Also, that was a state Romney spent hardly any money in. Let’s get real!
Flap
@Aaron,
I would have to say that Romney’s stock has certainly risen since Monday. Where is he on Intrade?
Aaron
i just got on Intrade and it looks like Romney is #1. I’m not that famialar with the site, so i not sure exactly what you mean, when you say”Where is he on Intrade”. It has different collums, Vol., chge, ask, last, bid. Romney’s up on all of them, except ask. Him and Pawlenty are tied. I think that might mean what people are asking, so it would have nothing to do with whose doing better?
Aaron
New article on Romneys health care plan, at Seattle Times. Are”nt they liberal? Anyways, it bodes extremely well for Romney. Look it up AARON.
Flap
@25
Sorry I am not sold on Romney’s health care plan. The WSJ piece the other day pretty much debunked it as being worthwhile and free market.
Ted
This from palinforvp.blogspot.com: Look, here’s the story behind the story, plain and simple: THE DEMOCRATS DESPERATELY WANT MCCAIN TO SELECT ROMNEY OVER PALIN, confirmed by Democratic Alaska State Senator Hollis French (who is leading the smear Palin campaign and naming Branchflower) touted and quoted in the NYforMitt blogsite as follows: “This is a governor [Palin] who was almost impervious to error,” says Hollis French, a Democratic state senator. “Now she could face impeachment, in a worst-case scenario.” HEY NEWS MEDIA — WHY NOT INVESTIGATE THAT!!!!! WHY NOT REPORT ON THAT!!!! (Just WHY do the Dems and the Obama campaign, of which Hollis French is a big part in Alaska, want McCain to pick Romney and NOT Palin??? This ain’t rocket science!) … And, folks, HERE’S the Romney website: http://nyformitt.blogspot.com/2008/08/palin-to-be-investigated-for-abuse-of.html Note the Romney blogsite headline: “Palin to be investigated for abuse of office. Should be enough to keep her off the VP ticket…”
Ted
And it’s not a question of Palin not doing anything wrong (after all, the bar has been set so low vis a vis Obama’s 20-year close association with the Reverend Wright and the now infamous Tony Retzko) that making any deal out of this Palin thing (as the left is trying to do) is laughable by comparison.
The issue precisely is, however, that the Palin foes are trying to throw dirt at the exact time of Palin’s emergence on the national scene, and the agenda of the main stream media dovetails in their attempt to derail the Palin train!
Now THERE’S THE REAL STORY! (I’m gonna assume Team McCain and the Palin people KNOW exactly what this is about, so the real issue is the media spin.)
Ted
And finally, I’ll repeat (verbatim) my same questions — now more than a week old — still no response or even indication of inquiry by any media (including Anchorage Daily News, KTVA or KTUU):
1. Who paid for Trooper Wooten’s sudden extended vacation out of the country and unavailable for comment, that is, seeing he was on a State Trooper’s salary reportedly complaining about child support arising from his divorce custody proceedings with Sarah Palin’s younger sister? Is there a record of Wooten asking for leave from work?
2. Did the Democrats do some vetting of their own on the more than ethically clean Governor Palin, and the sum total of their sleuthing was that Palin’s younger sister had been married to and later involved in a contentious divorce and custody proceeding with a State Trooper who made a death threat against the Palin sisters’ dad if he retained a lawyer to represent his younger daughter in the proceedings, and because of that and other threats, Sarah Palin and her husband reported their concerns (at Public Safety Dept. direction) to the State Trooper’s boss, Public Safety Commissioner Monegan, who happened to be a Governor appointee?
3. Why would Sarah Palin, manifesting great political skills throughout her career and is widely reported and acknowledged by her to being considered as a VP running mate for Senator McCain, choose to replace Commissioner Monegan prior to an imminent announcement by Senator McCain as to his running mate, rather than, if at all, after that announcement?
4. Why would Monegan, through a known political foe of Palin, facilitate to be known his contention that he was removed, in part, because he would not fire Trooper Wooten when the events surrounding the threats being reported to Monegan occurred some time in the past and Gov Palin was careful never to call for Wooten’s firing, reiterating that personnel and disciplinary matters are not a regular part of her duties?
BUT I’LL TELL YA ONE THING WHICH SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED PRONTO BY ALASKA MEDIA — let’s see all the information, minutes, etc. behind the selection process of former Anchorage prosecutor Steve Branchflower for investigation of “Palin-Troopergate”!
Not THAT, ironically, would be a more timely, important and intriguing investigation and let’s call it “BranchflowerGate”!
Flap
@ Ted
There is little doubt that the Mitt Romney for VP folks are driving the negative meme against Sarah Palin.
The Dems like Kos too.
Craig
Flap
I completely agree that Palin will be a serious candidate in 2012. But this year is way too soon. But I do think the state GOP should ” remove” Stevens and appoint Palin. She probably could beat Begich and that would hold a GOP Senate seat. Then, a President McCain could appoint Lieberman as Defense Secretary . Lieberman would resign his Senate seat and the Republican Lt. Governor would appoint another Republican to fill out Joe’s term.
That’s two seats.
Flap
There is already a contested GOP primary election for Ted Stevens seat. From the National Journal:
Palin would likely NOT be a candidate as an incumbent Governor.
McCain could choose to ignore Trooper-gate. Romney and Huckabee have their skeletons in the closet. Pawlenty may be the safest choice.
Anonymous
Flap
You are right. I don’t think McCain thinks he really needs a VP. It’s such a constitutional pain in the butt. Pawlenty is the ” “safest choice” Won’t work and won’t win. The Dems are not stupid. Obama will choose a VP who guarantees bringing at least one or two Red states from the GOP column. What does McCain do with a Pawlentry who can’t bring Minnesota, let alone any other states. What does he do to offset losing Iowa and New Mexico and, perhaps Virginia?
Flap
Obama will choose anyone but Hillary Clinton who would help him win. What red state Senator or Governor will help Obama win?
Bayh in Indiana?
Kaine in Virginia?
Sebelius in Kansas?
McCaskill in Missouri?
No way.
What McCain has to avoid is choosing another Dan Quayle like caricature and McCain wins.
Did you see where McCain is now tied in the polls?
Anonymous
Flap,
I think Obama will pick one of those Governors or, my personal idea, Bill Richardson.
Richardson would bring New Mexico, eat into the Hispanic vote in Arizona, California and West Texas ( critical with the high black turnout in Houston and Dallas ), eat further into the Latino vote in Florida. Further, he has an impressive resume in foreign policy which Obama needs,good management experience in Santa Fe. And, he still has fair “reparable” links to the Clintons.
An Obama / Richardson ticket would be very tough. Make no mistake. The GOP will be down 5-10 points after the Democratic convention unless MCain can grab some headlines with a VP pick or something and if the Dems can avoid chaos in Denver. The GOP will then have 7 weeks to win. If the pick an unknown VP, they will waste two weeks on introductions and reduce the catch up time to 5 weeks. Too tight, I think. McCain should have been at this point in April.
Aaron
Ted, the reason the media is not giving that much attention”including, who wants Romney” is because the left and right in the media know she has not been under serious consideration, as hace mainly Romney and Pawlenty. The reason why the liberal media is mentioning Romney as much as consevative is because it’s so clear he’s the best choice. Look at the map, look at the economic experience. Also, there a little more experienced in this game. An unexperienced Gov. from Alaska, who’s pretty and skin is soft, next to the old skinned cancer McCain. Anybody who understands this game, knows the hype over McCains age and weather his VP would be able to take over has not even begain yet. The media is waiting and he turns 72 next month. People let’s get real. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again” If you don’t want Romney than get behind Pawlenty”. at least for the sake of being somewhat rational. Palin makes no sense, other than that people like mainly because she is pretty.
Aaron
Anyone who has not seen that speech by Romney, recieving the Cantebury Medal For Religious Freedom Award, I highly recomend it. Talk about genuine and not just preaching or talking about God for show, or gain. I mean this man has absolute conviction. Everyone needs to watch this speech closely.. http://www.article6blog.com The main site is http://www.becketfund.org
Ted
Timing on Palin VP announcement:
1. Several days after gasline passed in Alaska.
2. Several days before the Olympics.
3. Ideally before Obama names his Veep (especially if Obama were to name a woman or Hillary).
Hey, McCain, why not Monday (tomorrow Aug 4) and LET THE GAMES BEGIN already!!!
In any event, stand by this week!
Aaron
At least support Pawlenty TED. I mean have you not given this any thought whatsoever. She has nothing to offer in key states and is a beauty contest, at a time when people are struggling. Worst of all she makes McCain look bad as well as old. He turns 72 next month. I’m not really sure they even talk, the way Romney and Pawlenty do with McCain, heck if he’s ever meet her. I mean come! She is the worst thing that can happen. People are serious and want and ecspecially the more McCains age comes up, will want someone that can be Pres. This is not her.
Flap
Sorry I have been MIA in this comments thread. Real life intervenes sometimes.
Rick Davis and Steve Schmidt are not huge risk takers. I think McCain chooses someone safe like Pawlenty or Ridge.
Flap
@35
It won’t be Bill Richardson because Obama does not need the Hispanic vote in California to win. BTW they will sit out this election without Hillary on the ticket.
Obama needs to win Ohio and Michigan and a Hispanic does not help him there.
I bet it is Evan Bayh or Sebelius.
Aaron
Ridge is unacceptabe and the lamest guy ever! I saw him on This Week With George Stepanopolis. Talk about no upbeatness about the man. He does not even seem like a happy person and comes accross as week. Besides, people will be extremely disappointed nationwide. Remember, he is pro choice and can’t help McCain in the West.
Flap
@42
Tom Ridge would help McCain in Ohio and Pennsylvania. The pro-choice part would help McCain with working class independent women there and in Michigan – also Colorado.
Mitt Romney flipped on abortion and Republicans consider him pro-choice regardless of what he has said in the last year.
Ohio and Pennsylvania have many more electoral votes than Nevada, Colorado and New Mexico.
Aaron
Only a certain sector of Republicans beleve he is pro choice and it’s not because there great people, but rather there clinging with there souls to what they want to believe. This will all backfire and has helped lower the bar for Romney.
Aaron
I will say you have a point on Ridge and key states, but I don’t think he’ll help in Ohio where economy is problem and certainly not in Colorado. This guy would get boring extremely fast. Romney would help more in Ohio as well as all kinds of key states and may I just say there are many in Colorado that whant Romney and no most of them are’nt mormon, but havr an Olympic intermountain respect for him. The previous Gov. endorsed him. He also killed McCain there, people want him on the ticket and I predict Anti all anti mormons will vote for him in the end. Why do we have to allow religious bigotry a say in this election, where are we? CHINA! Come on folks, lets pull together as Americans.
Flap
The latest poll on Fox News has Romney with the highest polling negatives of any VP potential candidate.
Too much risk for Mac.
Louie
Uh? Let’s put into perspective . How does this claim compare with Ted Kennedy leaving a girl for dead in a submerged car?
In 1969, the dead body of Mary Jo Kopechne was discovered inside an overturned car belonging to Senator Edward (Ted) Kennedy in a channel on the island. Kennedy did not report the incident until the following morning, and Kopechne’s body was later recovered from the submerged vehicle. Kennedy entered a plea of guilty to a charge of leaving the scene of an accident after causing injury and received a sentence of two months in jail, which was suspended.
Now how do you rank this lapse in judgment if it is actually true? I would give her 2 days in jail – and suspend the sentence if she pleads guilty.
DROAN
HEY GREAT CHOICE…..WAIT CHOICE ISN’T HER THING. OH WELL, FROM A TOWN OF 7500 TO V.P. IN JUST TWO YEARS WELL PLAYED…..SORRY TO SAY THOUGH IT’S NOT GONNA HAPPEN. McCAIN HAS HUNG HIMSELF. NEITHER WILL SEE THE WHITE HOUSE. AND WHO WOULD TAKE CARE OF HER NEWBORN IN SUCH A CRITICAL TIME…..
RexSC
Can’t hellp but wonder if Ted is Ted Stevens. He can’t figure out why using public office to fire personal enemies is a problem. It may not be a big problem, but it’s enough.
9Volt
Palin is definitely getting impeached now. If McCain hangs onto her, he’ll go down in flames too. It’s definitely telling that McCain is desperate to choose a female running mate. His only problem is she has absolutely no experience. What kind of fool would pick someone from Alaska anyway?