Troopergate: Native pressured Native

Fired Alaska Native cop not contacted by McCainWalt Monegan, the Alaska Native public safety commissioner who was abruptly fired by Gov. Sarah Palin (R), wasn't contacted by Sen. John McCain's presidential campaign before she was selected as his running mate.

Monegan said he was pressured by Palin's aides and members of her family--including her husband, Todd, who is also Native--to fire a state trooper who was married to the governor's younger sister. He refused to take action against the trooper and was abruptly fired in July.

Palin has denied any wrongdoing in the matter and the McCain campaign said it was aware of the state's investigation prior to selecting Palin. But Monegan, who has come forward with key documents, said no one contacted him to hear his side of the story.

The state Legislature appointed an investigator to determine whether Palin or her administration committed misconduct. A private attorney hired to represent Palin is already disputing whether lawmakers have the power to investigate.Comment:  For more on the subject, see Palin Appreciates Natives.