Alaska police union files complaint against Palin

Posted on Thursday, September 04, 2008 3:11 PM ET
Filed Under:

By Aram Roston and Amna Nawaz, NBC News producers

The GOP candidate for vice president, Gov. Sarah Palin, may be facing yet another ethics investigation back in her home state of Alaska. An ethics complaint obtained by NBC News was filed Wednesday by the police officers union in Alaska, requesting a probe into possible wrongdoing by the governor or her office. It was brought on behalf of state trooper Mike Wooten, an ex-brother-in-law of Palin who is at the center of the "Troopergate" scandal.

The complaint alleges that the governor or her staff may have have improperly disclosed information from Wooten's personnel records. The complaint alleges "criminal penalties may apply."

John Cyr, director of the union that filed the complaint, told NBC News, "It seems obvious to us somebody has improperly accessed [Wooten's] personnel file."

The McCain/Palin campaign Thursday launched a spirited defense when contacted by NBC News. They say the personnel files were not protected; a campaign source says Wooten himself had previously signed a waiver allowing a divorce lawyer to obtain his personnel records. The campaign then sent a copy of that waiver to NBC News, which reads "I hereby waive any privilege I may have to said information to said attorneys."

The issue concerns disclosures about Wooten's records made by a Palin aide - Frank Bailey - in a February 2008 phone conversation. The police officers' union complaint claims the transcript of that conversation clearly indicates there was improper access to Wooten's records.

The McCain/Palin campaign, in a response to NBC News, provided a family twist to the story, saying the governor's husband - Todd Palin - was the source of that information to Bailey. They say the information came from divorce proceedings, and that Gov. Palin never improperly accessed any records.

Taylor Griffiths, a spokesman for McCain, said "When you're a real reformer like Sarah Palin, who isn't afraid to take on entrenched political interests, scurrilous attacks and empty allegations come with the territory."

Comments

When will America get tired of the press attack on this governor?  If being govenor was good training for the presidency for Clinton, and good training for Carter, what is different?  Perhaps because its a female govenor???

Robert Kenny (Thursday, September 04, 2008 3:51 PM)

Where there's smoke there's fire.  It seems that Palin is quick to tell us what she stand for, but doesn't follow through with her actions.  Supposely honest, but her husband leaks confidential info about her brother-in-law.  Preaches abstainance and then her 17 yr old daughter is pregnant.   Sounds like there's something fishy in Alaska!

Sharon L Northampton PA (Thursday, September 04, 2008 4:00 PM)

There are no more personal privacy, citizenship,  or employment rights. The Constitution has been plundered by the far right. Electing McCain-Palin would just continue the sad trend.

William A. Fultz, Houston, TX (Thursday, September 04, 2008 4:02 PM)

It seems there are so many news agencies on the "con" side of Palin...and now there is the police union raising concerns. Somehow it seems that the police union might be trying to "pay back" Palin for cleaning house...It seems we need a great deal more cleaned up.

I am a Democrate who was raised in a pro-union region of MN and I am a member of the Teacher's union. I am supporting McCain/Palin. Most of the reason is due to the slamming she and he are getting from liberal media and ridulous, time consumes attempts to derail her (distract McCain/Palin) from the issues this country faces.

Marsha (Thursday, September 04, 2008 4:06 PM)

I support Obama and I will say Sarah Palin gave a very good speech. She worked the room very well. But my question is, everyone now knows she was for the Bridge to Nowhere and then changed her stance. If the entire country knows what happened, why would she make it appear that she was never for it?

james Atlanta, ga (Thursday, September 04, 2008 4:52 PM)

After hearing Ms. Palin's speech last night, I am beginning to understand the media's full court press to find some dirt. She threatens their world view and diminishes the chances of their chosen candidate.

Chuck, Las Vegas, NV (Thursday, September 04, 2008 4:59 PM)

Hogwash, if Palin were not chosen to be vise president nominee for the Republican party, nothing would have ever been checked out regarding this allegation.  She is sharp, and has what it takes to generate appeal.  My mind was not made up until she came into the picture.  I had been a Democrat, but now a Republican.  We need the "breath of fresh" air that this lady can provide.  

Jim North, Granite City, IL (Thursday, September 04, 2008 5:01 PM)

I've been waiting for this to come out!! I listened to that recording and was shocked at the things covered under privacy laws that were on there...like disclosing bankruptcy...I work for a bank and know that kind of information is a HUGE no no.  Palin approved the release of that conversation.  It's pathetic a staffer had access to that, criminal that it was released to the state police and even more criminal that Palin approved releasing the recording containing it.  Just shows what a pit bull will do...

Pamela Thomas, Chicago, IL (Thursday, September 04, 2008 5:58 PM)

It appears that Palin husband could be a National Security problem if she becomes Vice-President.
Michael M. Arvin
Sebastopol, California

Michael M. Arvin, Sebastopol, CA. (Thursday, September 04, 2008 6:00 PM)

It appears that Palin husband could be a National Security problem if she becomes Vice-President.
Michael M. Arvin
Sebastopol, California

Michael M. Arvin, Sebastopol, CA. (Thursday, September 04, 2008 6:01 PM)

This is the same woman who feels her daughter's pregnancy is out-of-bounds, yet she is forcing thousands of young people in the State of Alaska to go without the important information taught in sexual education classes that can spare them unwanted pregnancies and stds.  Not every family can afford to support another family as she is able to support her daughter, her daughter's husband-to-be and a baby.  This unholy woman is forcing her own beliefs on all the young people in Alaska.  Talk about the government reaching into your privacy and home! Has anyone else seen what trash and horrible language was on Levi's MySpace site?  Disgusting! Some family value party!!  

Bette, Houston, Texas (Thursday, September 04, 2008 6:08 PM)

I guess when you are a real reformer you break the Law

Bill (Thursday, September 04, 2008 6:09 PM)

"I hereby waive any privilege I may have to said information to said (divorce) attorneys."

I'm not a lawyer, but that doesn't seem like a blanket release to me.

Mike, Manteo, NC (Thursday, September 04, 2008 6:11 PM)

Dirty politicians.  We do not need them.  Please seced Sara Surrogate from Alaska.

Cbates Monroeville, pa (Thursday, September 04, 2008 6:13 PM)

People, people, people can't you see that this doesn't matter anymore?  The GOP has lost!  Obama-Biden will be elected in November.  McCain and Palin will (are) slowly burying themselves and it's fun to watch.

Evelyne Wallace Williamstown, NJ (Thursday, September 04, 2008 6:14 PM)

Yet again another attempt to dig something up and that really has no bearing on how she will perform as VP.  Another liberal media attempt looking ridiculous.

Lets stick to the issues in the campaign- Dallas, Texas (Thursday, September 04, 2008 6:17 PM)

sounds to me like Palin has alaskas corrupt politicians running scared....good job!!!..wish she could have ran for the presidency..she would have my vote...mabe stir up some of the politicians who have made their career on the hill an get in some new blood interested more in the USA than lining their pockets and handing theirselves rasies that amount to more than i have ever made in a year

danny brooks,bluefield,WV (Thursday, September 04, 2008 6:19 PM)

So let me get this straight- the Governor's husband was part of the divorce proceedings for her ex-brother-in-law, then he told one of her aides about personal information from his personnel file, and for what reason? Who makes up this stuff - even Hollywood would throw this script out.  If the Governor's husband is an attorney and was legitimately involved, he probably goes up on ethic violations for discussing his case with someone outside his authority of attorney client priviledge, OR he was trying to get the Governor to do something for the ex-brother-in-law, through the aide (Bailey). Looks like that pillar of rock Ms. Palin stands on today is more like rock salt, eroding away bit by bit.  Just doesn't pass the smell test, does it? More republicans making up cover stories because they didn't do their background research first. Governor Palin will be remembered as the political WMD - when all is said and done, there's nothing special there. Should have vetted Colin Powell.  

wizard555 (Thursday, September 04, 2008 6:31 PM)

So, Palin would claim on one hand that the firing of Wooten is entirely official and has nothing to do with any personal feelings she may have about her ex-brother in law.  But, on the other hand she claims that she has the right to release his personnel records because they were handed over to her sister's divorce attorney.  She's trying to take both sides on this issue.  The reality seems to be that she is using her official position to pursue a personal vendetta and that she is using documents that it would be illegal for her to access to do so.

fletc3her, Seattle, Washington (Thursday, September 04, 2008 6:55 PM)

I live in Alaska & I worked on Gov. Sarah Palin
run for Gov. of our state as well as following
closely all she has done for our state of Alaska
and I am confident that she is the Very Best for
our country. She has immense knowledge & regard
for all  issues & she has a proven track record of
leadeship and will fulfill the immense task ahead
for these United State..My grandson is in the Army
and I feel good about this ticket with to govern
in time of War and Peace..Shirley Knight,Fairbnks,
Alaska.

shirleyofalaska@gci.net (Thursday, September 04, 2008 6:58 PM)

Doubtless the full language of the "waiver" limited disclosure to the lawyers named therein.  Palin's husband isn't a lawyer -- and wasn't a party to the case, as the divorce was not his -- so he had no legitimate access to the information.

Same goes for Palin and her staff: none of them were parties to the divorce, so confidential information released within the limits of that waiver were not legitimately available to them.  Not even through her sister.

JNagarya (Thursday, September 04, 2008 7:05 PM)

If her own "people" think this scandal is so bad that they have already picked sides, this story just might have so legs!

kyle keleher,daytona beach,florida (Thursday, September 04, 2008 7:06 PM)

I'm curious, why is this story (re: Alaska police union files complaint against Palin) on the NBC deep background site.  Why is the not on the main homepage for MSNBC?  This is information that the American public is entitled to know when forming a decision about Sarah Palin as possible VP.  I hope that the booing that NBC received at the Republican convention is not keeping you from placing this story where is belongs.

Michael,Chicago, IL (Thursday, September 04, 2008 7:08 PM)

This filing looks to be totally motivated by the attention Gov. Palin is getting now.  The union didn't file untill after She was nominated.  Good timing on thier part to get the press to blast it across the headlines.  

I am sure these accusations will be found out to be baseless, but I hope it happens soon.  We need to get back to discussing the issues in the race, not rumors and attacks that just distract from what is really important.

Larry, Arlington, TX (Thursday, September 04, 2008 7:13 PM)

The key phrase here is "I hereby waive any privilege I may have to said information to said attorneys." As I understand it, neither Todd or Sarah Palin are said attorneys and should not be able to forward information given to those attorneys under this waiver.

Looks like an open and shut case.

Oh and this is not an entrenched political interest Palin's fighting. It's a personal battle that continues to be personal.

Obama must ignore this smalltime hack and concentrate on beating McCain.

Dave, Ohio (Thursday, September 04, 2008 7:23 PM)

Palin's backwoods governing style worked for her for a short time in Wasilla and a short time in the state of Alaska, but.....it smells a bit like bearcrap when aired for public inspection.
Remember we are electing someone to represent us, this nation, our citizens..on the national and world stage. and...this is the 21st century, not the 19th, when an understanding of issues and decisionmaking, as opposed to  moneygrubbing, moosehunting  and score settling matter.

Steph Montana (Thursday, September 04, 2008 7:36 PM)

Wow -- everyday it's something new with Sarah Palin. McCain's campaign said there would be no more surprises, yet here we go again. I just don't think I can vote for this party. Where there's smoke, there's fire -- so some of this has to be true about her. How can she run the most powerful country in the world?

Pam Conrad, Erie, PA (Thursday, September 04, 2008 7:46 PM)

What was Todd Palin doing discussing a personal family situation in such detail with the Gov.'s staffers?  Why would the staffer Bailey admit to accessing the records improperly in the recorded phone call if they got the information from Todd Palin?  It is sad that Bailey is most likely going to take the rap for this whole deal, and Palin will get away with harassment of public employees and intimidation through abuse of power.

I don't think the response from the McCain camp is responsible or truthful.  It is certainly not very respectful of the facts or the public.

J, Oklahoma (Thursday, September 04, 2008 7:51 PM)

No wonder Sarah Palin's so touchy about any digging into her past performance. Kudos to the media for keeping voters informed.
I found it interesting that regarding her stance on hunting the polar bears, environmentalists have nicknamed her the "Killa from Wasilla"

s. langley (Thursday, September 04, 2008 8:44 PM)

I'd warn you to be careful, you might actually be accused of doing your job by reporting this... I mean, accused of being sexist.

deliziosa orlando, florida (Thursday, September 04, 2008 8:44 PM)

Mike Wooten has been publicly proclaimed by Palin and by republican spinners as "a very bad man".  I wonder if he really is.  If not, does he have any protection from slander by the governor? He must be feeling mighty uncomfortable.

Lynne Greco Quincy, Florida (Thursday, September 04, 2008 8:46 PM)

Are you serious?  The Republicans are trying to brush this off as "scurrilous attacks and empty allegations.." as if these charges are being brought by democrats because she's running for VP.  These charges were made before most Americans (including John McCain) even knew her name.  It's a serious question of ethics that should most definitely be looked into and reported on.  

Curious, Nashville, TN (Thursday, September 04, 2008 8:56 PM)

Although, she is now entrenched in another scandal I still find it quite hilarious every time the McCain camp attempts to call this woman a "reformer".  I ask, "a reformer of what?"  At this point I have seen no evidence that this woman is a "reformer" or a "maverick", but I guess there plan is to keep using these terms, because as people know the more you say something the more people become deceived and believe it to be the truth.  I know plenty of hockey moms who are more experienced for this position, and this woman has no right being in position that she is, except for the ability that she has to excite the extremist right.

Ryan, Pgh, Pa (Thursday, September 04, 2008 9:31 PM)

"When you're a real reformer like Sarah Palin, who isn't afraid to take on entrenched political interests, scurrilous attacks and empty allegations come with the territory."

What kind of comment is that?

She was for the bridge to nowhere before she was against it.  She asked for record levels of earmarks while mayor of Walissa.  As givenor, Alaska has been distinguished as receiving the highest per capita level of federal earmarks in the nation.

This narrative is B.S.

Scott Wahlstrom, Jefferson, MA (Thursday, September 04, 2008 9:33 PM)

Sounds like a non-story. Much more interesting to find out about the college hopping -- go fish, guys!

John Doe, Seattle, Wash. (Thursday, September 04, 2008 9:47 PM)

hey he signed the paper!

besides if he were a cop in my town i would want him fired also.

air (Thursday, September 04, 2008 9:52 PM)

It's just another dirty politics! Everytime somebody comes out to be a good supporter of an average american someone always decredit him/her.Why not let the american electorates judge her. Enough is enough for all these trashing. She deserved my full respect for her achievements as a novice governor.

Job Paja Lakewood, California (Thursday, September 04, 2008 9:58 PM)

This just amazes me how the "maverick" chose to pick someone that the base demanded of him and now they are both paying for it. Instead, John could have truly changed the Republican Party, but, alas...

PJ, Alaska (Thursday, September 04, 2008 10:09 PM)

I'm just tickled pink to hear that Sarah Palin is a reformer who is taking on "entrenched political interests," including, presumably, the Republican administration that has been entrenched in Washington for the past eight years.  It's nice to know that the Republicans are finally ready to throw the Republicans out of office.

R. Willis, Manvel, Texas (Thursday, September 04, 2008 10:19 PM)

To me, the GOP spin on Palin is embarrassing - they're trying to push so hard to make her into some miraculous 'reformer,' when her record clearly establishes heavy use of earmarks, support for Ted Stevens, and Cheney-like use of the levers of power (as in this troopergate case). The reformer tag doesn't ring true to me at all - wish the GOP would focus more on issues that matter to ordinary people and less on pushing their talking points.

Tom, Ohio (Thursday, September 04, 2008 10:23 PM)

Its very interesting how logical scenarios against a republican candidate is a scurrilous attack.  However if you are a democratic candidate, you are crucified just by association.  Also, if you do not wish for your dirty family laundry to be aired in the public eye.  Try not to prance your family around as a model, picturesque "Holier than though" family.

KD, Winston-Salem, NC (Thursday, September 04, 2008 10:32 PM)

I truly hope we get to the bottom of this. Based on reports in the Anchorage Daily News, Wooten was reprimanded for his offenses BEFORE Palin became Governor. It was Gov. Palin who sought to re-open the case AFTER it had already been closed. She put pressure on Monegan to "see what he could do" and he repeatedly told her the case was closed, and that was that. After becoming increasingly frustrated, she came up with an excuse, and fired him.

After watching her catty, disrespectful speech last night, is it any surprise that she likes to throw her weight around (unethically) as Governor?

Leigh, Austin, Texas (Thursday, September 04, 2008 10:38 PM)

You guys are really getting to a new low to stoop to digging this kind of mud up and printing it.

John Davis, Clipper Mills, Ca (Thursday, September 04, 2008 10:50 PM)

Seems like the usual mudslinging propeganda to me! Whenever there is a real leader that lives as an example there will always be someone trying to silince them in whatever form they can. Its a shame that people would stoop so low....never mind that the behaviour of the trooper in question has been documented. Seems to me if you are already in hole...you should stop digging!

J Smith Joshua, Texas (Thursday, September 04, 2008 10:51 PM)

In California, a state trooper who did what Mike Wooten did would have been fired on the spot----  Per my own search for the truth I cam across the Alaska Daily News.  Per this newspaper, it states that Mike Wooten only got a 5 day suspension (which the Palin's were unaware of) for tasering his 10 year old stepson, drinking alcohol while on duty in his patrol car and threatening the governor's father and family.  If you ask me, the guy should be in jail.  I ask the same question as teh Palin's why is this guy still on the force????  Seems like something crooked in state trooper union and protecting their own.  we had similar problems in LA.  Anyway, check it out and read for yourself.  http://www.adn.com/monegan/

carolyn, Los Angeles, CA (Thursday, September 04, 2008 11:27 PM)

I'm saddened by all of this. Why can't our candidates run on their own merit with their own funding but individual American people. Leadership shouldn't be bought. My Dad was a State Senator for many years who had  $10.00 "SteakBakes" so that every person in his district could attend. He truly cared about his constituents. We live in the best country in the world but we could do better by focusing on what we do well as opposed to what our competition is doing wrong. The GOP convention speeches were an embarressment to our country.
Kerin McKinnon

Kerin McKinnon (Thursday, September 04, 2008 11:31 PM)

I have yet to see anything "CATTY" about Palin. I've seen her in Alaska and she has never been anything but graceful, honest and assertive. I was fortunate enough to meet her and she was very genuine in person...she will turn Washington up-side-down. The trooper issue is fodder for the media...she's done nothing wrong!!!

T.Mayhak, Fairbanks, AK (Thursday, September 04, 2008 11:43 PM)

If this was a Democrat, the Republicans would have been all over it.  She is a poor choice for the Republican party, no matter how much sass she appears to have.  Eventually, this female is going to have to explain to me why she doesn't support my right to choose or share my moral values in raising my children.

Undercover Republican, Los Angeles, CA (Friday, September 05, 2008 12:26 AM)

"You guys are really getting to a new low to stoop to digging this kind of mud up and printing it."

John - Illegal access to personal records is not mud... it's a violation of your basic right to privacy.  Palin is campaigning to be the right hand of the person who is supposed to champion our Constitution and the Bill of Rights, so if Palin *did* abuse her office and access the records illegally, Every citizen has a right to know about it.  I kind of like McCain, but Palin makes me uneasy.  I understand she has demanded that the state legislation's independent investigator be replaced by her own people and hired a private, not state, lawyer in preparation to defend her.  If there's nothing to hide, there's nothing to fear.

No, abuse of power and misconduct investigations to the extent a union gets involved is not mud - The real mud was parading her 17 year old daughter around in a spotlight and using her pregnancy as a pro-life issue.

Sam, Tallahassee, Fl (Friday, September 05, 2008 12:50 AM)

I guess it becomes necessary for the liberal media like yourselves to attack someone's record on anything you can find because you choose to back a party ticket that offers someone with no record to stand on except being present and an old same old Washington Democrat that has failed since before I first voted forty years ago.  The distortions that MSNBC boardcasts everyday should be criminal.

Charles Smothers, Bluefield, WV (Friday, September 05, 2008 12:50 AM)

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