Palin testifies in ethics investigation

ST. LOUIS – Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin testified for two hours Friday in an abuse-of-power investigation that has been a distraction to her Republican vice presidential campaign.

Palin’s leadership was questioned this month in a stinging but largely toothless legislative report that found she violated state ethics laws by letting a family dispute influence her decision-making.

Palin is hoping the Alaska Personnel Board, which is running a parallel investigation, will clear her of wrongdoing. It’s unclear, however, whether any conclusion will be reached before Election Day.

The board is investigating the firing of her public safety commissioner, Walter Monegan. Monegan claims he was dismissed because he refused to fire Palin’s former brother-in-law, a state trooper involved in a messy divorce from Palin’s sister. The controversy took on national significance after John McCain selected Palin as his running mate.

The legislative inquiry found that Monegan’s firing was proper but the pressure to fire the trooper, Mike Wooten, was not.

Palin was not subpoenaed in that investigation. Friday’s testimony before independent investigator Timothy Petumenos was the first time she spoke at length or under oath about the controversy.

Palin’s attorney, Thomas Van Flein, characterized Palin’s testimony as “thorough, candid and detailed.” Van Flein said Petumenos assured him he was working quickly but made no promise the case would be closed before Election Day.