Troopergate creeps in...

Pictured above: Sarah Palin, Walt Monegan, and state trooper Mike Wooten

The news about the Alaskan legislative investigation into Sarah Palin's alleged involvement with the firing of an Alaskan State Trooper is starting to make its way to headlines.  A 25 page letter written by Todd Palin describes in detail the reasons why he was attempting to get then State Trooper Whooten fired from his position.  Todd Palin denies that his efforts are what caused the trooper to be fired.  There were two key issues that Palin brought up; a time when the governor was accused of having her son Trig in a car without an appropriate car seat, and a time when the governor was denied access to an airplane.  These incidents prompted the ongoing investigation.  

Since she has been chosen as McCain's Vice Presidential candidate, Gov. Palin has switched tactics from transparency to confidentiality regarding the incident.  

A great deal has been said about Mr. Whooten's personal behavior.  There are reports that he shot a deer, or a female moose, and used a Taser on his stepson.  This affront to the Palin family did not go unnoticed.  A light 10 day suspension is reported to have irked Mr. Palin who told public safety commissioner, Mr. Monegan, that he  and Sarah "were not happy with the punishment" and that Todd was "clearly frustrated."

Apparently not everyone has been frustrated with Mr. Whooten's service to Alaska as he remains on duty as a patrol trooper.  He has, so far, declined to be interviewed.

If the decision handed down by the courts is not favorable to Governor Palin, the implications for John McCain could be equivalent to an October surprise, an event unanticipated that shows faults in character.