Investigation of firing by Alaska Gov. approved

JUNEAU, Alaska—Alaska lawmakers on Monday approved an investigation into whether Gov. Sarah Palin abused her power in firing a public safety commissioner.

Lawmakers say they want to know whether Palin was mad at former commissioner Walt Monegan for not firing an Alaska State Trooper who went through a messy divorce and ongoing child custody battles with Palin's sister.

The Legislative Council, which is made up of seven members each from the House and Senate, approved $100,000 for the investigation that is expected to take place over the next several months.

The firing has dogged Palin since she dismissed Monegan July 11, saying she wanted the department to chart a different course.

Palin replaced him with Kenai Police Chief Chuck Kopp, but that lasted just two weeks. He resigned Friday after an undisclosed reprimand that stemmed from a sexual harassment claim against him came to light.

Palin was unavailable Monday, but in the past said she welcomed the investigation. "Hold me accountable," Palin has said.

Calls for the investigation began about 10 days ago when Monegan said he felt pressured to fire Trooper Mike Wooten, Palin's former brother-in-law.

Monegan has said pressure came from those around Palin, including her husband Todd Palin, former chief of staff Mike Tibbles, Department of Administration Commissioner Annette Kreitzer, and Frank Bailey, director of boards and commissions. Monegan said he doesn't know why he was fired.

Rep. Nancy Dahlstrom, an Anchorage Republican who serves as the council's vice chair, said getting answers sooner rather than later is essential.

"We've had a cloud over our body the last few years since the (federal) investigations have occurred," she said. "For the overall good of our state, we just need to get to the bottom of this."

An FBI investigation into political corruption resulted in the bribery convictions last year of three Alaska state lawmakers. Other investigations are continuing.