Comments on: The First Dude Refuses to Testify

By: bmaz

bmaz — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 23:47:47 +0000

A special session could be forced. Secondly, there is at least a cognizable argument that a criminal charge could be filed without a contempt finding. Lastly, the “legislative council” should use it’s quasi-plenary powers while the legislature is not in full session to make provisions for enforcement.

By: NealDeesit

NealDeesit — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 23:40:31 +0000

This I don’t understand. If you have the power to force someone to testify in several months, then you also have power to force them to testify NOW. Why is there a magic “several months” in there? What is this delayed power nonsense? Why can’t it be compelled sooner rather than later?

Witnesses who refuse to testify can be found in contempt under Alaska law. But the full Legislature must be in session, which won’t happen until January. That means witnesses can stonewall without penalty beyond the Nov. 4 election, lawmakers said.

By: dosido

dosido — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 22:07:05 +0000

Hey EW

I googled “Palin investigates self” and came up with this interesting blog by mudflats. have you seen it?

After the Monegan debacle, Palin said she welcomed an investigation, had nothing to hide and was completely innocent. A few days later, backpedaling, said there really didn’t need to be an investigation and that she was willing to answer all questions she was asked. But the Legislature proceeded.

What strikes me about Palin is how she conducts herself just like Rove when dealing with Congress. Oh, I’ll volunteer for a little off the record chat. I won’t tell you anything, but your questions will tell me what you know.

she’s shrewd even if she isn’t bright. there’s a difference.

By: DeadLast

DeadLast — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 16:01:32 +0000

It’s not the crime that takes down politicians, after all, it’s the cover-up. And I’m wondering if the McPalin team just realized that.

I assume that was a rhetorical joke?

By: Dismayed

Dismayed — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 15:37:22 +0000

But you see they get the “she’s cooperating” sound bite. And for so very long that’s all they’ve needed to the low info voters from breaking out the pitchforks.

By: PraedorAtrebates

PraedorAtrebates — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 15:08:30 +0000

In addition, O’Callaghan has implemented a strategy that puts off the disclosure of evidence in this case (that is, the legislature can eventually force Todd Palin and state employees to testify, but not for several months).

By: sojourner

sojourner — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 14:49:43 +0000

I just have to say that I sure hope Branchflower does not meet with an untimely end… I think this is the kind of thing that causes that, particularly when you are dealing with power hungry people.

By: Minnesotachuck

Minnesotachuck — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 14:45:45 +0000

The question has occurred to me as to how much of the strategizing of this pushback against the legislative Troopergate investigation is coming from the McCain campaign organization per se, and how much it’s being directed by the party poobahs at GOP Central Command. For that matter, to what degree did the latter influence the selection of Palin in the first place, and what might knowledge of these facts tell us what might be expected of a McCain administration. Especially, to what degree will McCain the “reformer” be leaned upon to toe the Party Line in opposition to whatever of his alleged reform instincts might remain, if any. It seems to me that somewhere in here is the makings of an effective framing strategy.

By: alank

alank — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 14:29:38 +0000

Legislatures are toothless when it comes to subpoena power.

By: klynn

klynn — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 14:27:59 +0000

I agree with you on what Obama and Biden should do. However, the electorate deserve answers before voting in the national election. And those answers need to come from an environment void of political appointees.