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Second investigator wants confidentiality

by Jason Moore
Tuesday, September 23, 2008

ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- An investigator for the state Personnel Board now says he wants his investigation on the governor to be confidential.

It's just one of two investigations looking into Gov. Sarah Palin's handling of Public Safety Commissioner Walt Monegan's dismissal, and whether she wanted him to oust her ex-brother in law, an Alaska State Trooper.

The state Personnel Board has hired an attorney to investigate the matter, but the board's investigator, Tim Petumenos is requesting to keep that probe confidential.

In a press conference Tuesday, the so-called "Palin Truth Squad" spoke about the second investigation now underway.

"We reiterate that the governor is an open book and is eager to provide the cooperation necessary in order for Mr. Petumenos to conduct a thorough and unbiased investigation," McCain-Palin spokesperson Meghan Stapleton said.

The Personnel Board investigation was triggered by the governor filing a complaint against herself. The campaign says the governor waived her confidentiality in the investigation, but they now say Petumenos wants the probe to be confidential, which means the public may never hear how the governor answers the questions put to her.

"She waived confidentiality (with) the initial filing, and with respect to the motion that was filed last week," Ed O'Callaghan, another McCain-Palin spokesperson, said. "Going forward, Mr. Petumenos has asked that confidentiality be placed over the investigation, and she's going to respect that request."

The campaign said the governor will not participate in the Legislature's investigation, which is being conducted by Stephen Branchflower.

Since Palin joined John McCain on the Republican ticket, the campaign has called the investigation politically partisan.

Meanwhile, the Legislature's attorney is ready to file a motion this week to dismiss two lawsuits filed to block the inquiry.

"The Legislature has it own authority to conduct its own investigations," Legislative Council attorney Peter Maassen said. "It has an inherent authority, and it has a very broad authority. It can actually determine for itself what subject areas of public concern justify a legislative inquiry."

Contact Jason Moore at jmoore@ktuu.com