No-Shows

The AP reports that seven top aides to Governor Sarah Palin did not show up at a legislative hearing today, defying subpoenas requesting their testimony in the "Troopergate" scandal. Democratic State Senator and Judiciary Chair Hollis French indicated the witnesses could be held in contempt. But Alaska Attorney General Talis Colberg claims the committee lacks the jurisdiction to issue the subpoenas. The state legislature is investigating whether Palin improperly pressured Public Safety Commissioner Walt Monegan to fire State Trooper Mike Wooten, Palin's estranged brother-in-law. In the end, Wooten was never dismissed, but Monegan was. Given the controversy and rancor surrounding the investigation, it's unclear at this point when and how it will be resolved.

The Anchorage Daily News also published some interesting polling on Troopergate. It provides some insight on how Alaskans view the issue and how they think it should be handled going forward. Numbers after the jump.

-- Sean Bowditch

Q1. Based on what you have heard, do you believe that pressure was placed on Walt Monegan to fire Trooper Wooten, or not?
YES 44% NO 40% Not sure 16%

Q2. Do you believe that an abuse of power occurred, or not?
YES 27% NO 59% Not sure 14%

Q3. Do you believe that Monegan was fired at least in part because he refused to fire Trooper Wooten, or not?
YES 42% NO 40% Not sure 19%

Q4. Do you think the investigation to this point has been fair, or not?
YES 37% NO 46% Not sure 16%

Q5. Do you think the investigation should be completed on its current timeline by October 10th, or do you think it can wait until after the election?
COMPLETE 58% CAN WAIT 31% Not sure 10%

c/o Anchorage pollster/consultant Ivan Moore

7:54 PM ET | 09-26-2008 | permalink

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