GOP Suit To Halt Trooper-Gate Probe Dismissed-Probe Can Continue

[babylonsister]

http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2008/10/gop_suit_to_halt_troopergate_s.php

GOP Suit To Halt Trooper-Gate Probe Dismissed
By Zachary Roth - October 2, 2008, 9:12PM


An Alaska judge dismissed a suit brought by state GOP legislators that aimed to stop the Trooper-Gate investigation.

Superior Court Judge Peter Michalski wrote in his decision that "it is legitimately within the scope of the legislature's investigatory power to inquire into the circumstances of surrounding the termination of a public officer the legislature had previously confirmed."

The Republican lawmakers had argued that the probe had been inappropriately politicized by the Democrats overseeing it, and that the legislature did not have the authority to pursue the investigation.

According to Peter Maassen, an attorney representing the Democratic lawmakers who were named as defendants in the case, lawyers for the plaintiffs appeared to be creating a transcript of the proceedings, suggesting an intention to be appeal the decision to the state Supreme Court.

But for now at least, the probe can continue. Independent investigator Steve Branchflower is scheduled to deliver a report on his findings around October 11.

[truthisfreedom]

1. That's the most important news of the day, politically.

Most will say that the debate was a wash. I say it didn't gain more independents for McCain than it did for Obama, and tomorrow should be Obama's biggest contribution day yet.