Governor Sarah Palin’sOfficial Response to Troopergate

Including the Full Branchflower ReportOfficial Government-Provided Full Text

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Lex’s Summary for Busy Everyday PeopleGov. Palin’s Press Release No. 08-166 follows: Governor’s Office Responds to Branchflower Report

October 10, 2008, Anchorage, Alaska – Governor Sarah Palin’s communications director Bill McAllisterreleased the following statement on the report issued today from Steve Branchflower:

“The so-called ‘Troopergate’ incident began with Governor Palin’s removal of Walt Monegan as commissionerof public safety. Today, investigator Steve Branchflower vindicated the governor by finding that she actedwithin her constitutional authority to remove ‘at-will’ employees.

“However, along with several members of the Legislative Council, we question how Mr. Branchflower reachedthe conclusion that Governor Palin abused her power with respect to Trooper Mike Wooten. That findingrequired speculation and assumptions on Mr. Branchflower’s part and could not be supported solely on thebasis of the evidence that he collected. We agree with the comments made that Alaskans should consider thereport in total rather than relying solely on the findings.”

The Office of the Governor has released the depositions of the seven state employees named in theinvestigation, which include their testimony regarding internal administration discussions about Mike Wooten.The documents appear in the order given below (Branchflower Report is last):Gov. Palin’s Response to the Branchflower Report is the above press release and the 14 documents below: 1. Affidavit Randy Ruaro2. Bailey Transcript 8-27-083. Brad Thompson Answers Signed4. Commissioner Kreitzer Answers Signed5. Dianne Kiesel Answers Signed6. Janice Mason Answers signed7. Letter Senate Judiciary 10-08-20088. Email January 29-30-20089. Email March 2, 200810. Email October 18, 200711. Ivy Subpoena Responses12. Mike Nizich Signed13. Letter To Senate Judiciary 10 08 200814. Nicki Neal AnswersBranchflower Report, full text

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Branchflower Report Begins Here Findings: “Branchflower vindicated the governor by finding that she acted within her constitutional authority to remove‘at-will' employees. However, ... Branchflower reached the conclusion that Governor Palin abused her power with respect to Trooper Mike Wooten.” http://www.scribd.com/people/view/2264453-lexpublius