Republicans on defensive as probe accuses Palin of abuse

JUNEAU, ALASKA (AFP) - The Republican presidential ticket was on the defensive Saturday after investigators found vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin had abused her powers as Alaska governor.

As Republican White House hopeful John McCain sought to restore control over his unruly rallies which have seen a stream of invective, including a death threat, targeted at Democratic rival Barack Obama, the “troopergate” scandal threatened to torpedo his campaign.

In a long-awaited 263-page report released by Alaska’s Legislative Council, investigator Steve Branchflower said Friday Palin was guilty of violating ethics rules for public officials.

He said Palin had allowed her husband Todd Palin to use the Alaska governor’s office and its resources to pressure officials to fire her former brother-in-law, state trooper Mike Wooten.

“Governor Palin knowingly permitted a situation to continue where impermissible pressure was placed on several subordinates in order to advance a personal agenda to get Trooper Michael Wooten fired,” the report said.

“She had the authority and power to require Mr Palin to cease contacting subordinates, but she failed to act,” the report added.

McCain-Palin spokeswoman Meg Stapleton said the report showed Palin had acted “properly and lawfully” in axing Monegan, dismissing the investigation as politically motivated.