'Troopergate' Report: Palin Abused Power

Update: 8:33 pm - The bipartisan panel has concluded that Palin did abuse her power. From The AP:

A legislative committee investigating Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin has found she unlawfully abused her authority in firing the state's public safety commissioner.

The investigative report concludes that a family grudge wasn't the sole reason for firing Public Safety Commissioner Walter Monegan but says it likely was a contributing factor.

Update: 8:18 pm - The council has voted unanimously to release the report.

The Anchorage Daily News is covering the Alaska legislature's meeting, in which they will decide whether to release the "Troopergate" investigator's report:(all times AKST)

4:11 p.m.The Legislative Council just voted 12-0 to release the report, except for certain parts they consider confidential.

3:55 p.m.: You can stream audio of the meeting here.

3:45 p.m. The leg council just opened it's doors. We're expecting a vote ...

3 p.m.: So here's something to consider while we wait for the Legislative Council to vote -- and yes, we're still waiting:

The council needs eight votes to release the investigator's report. Three members of the 14-member council aren't here

Rep. Ralph Samuels, Rep. John Harris and Sen. Gary Wilken. === Unless they called in after the meeting started, that means they're automatic "no votes."

Here's a link to the live audio, but the server seems to be slammed, so you might not be able to get it.

Palin had very little to lose, politically, by cooperating with the investigation. Refusing to appear before the legislature was a political misstep for the Republican's VP nominee. The contents of the report might actually help Palin, if they spin it right.

Check back here for updates as this story develops.


8:17PM The Legislative Council just voted 12-0 to release the report, except for certain parts they consider confidential.