Report: Palin legal fund may be unethical
The Associated Press is reporting that Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, who is to resign Sunday, may have violated ethics rules by accepting donations to rebut several ethics complaints.
AP writes that a July 14 report by an investigator for the state Personnel Board alleges that Palin is securing unwarranted benefits and receiving improper gifts through the Alaska Fund Trust, set up by supporters.
The investigator says there is probable cause to believe Palin used or attempted to use her official position for personal gain because she authorized the creation of the trust as the "official" legal defense fund. Palin says she owes more than $500,000 in legal bills.
AP says Palin's lawyer has not returned a call for comment.
Yesterday, another ethics complaint was lodged against Palin by a Republican critic, accusing her of not submitting complete gift disclosure forms on time.
The former GOP vice presidential candidate responded on Twitter that the filings came from a "serial complainer" who is abusing the political process.
"In violation of Ethics Act more allegations were filed today by serial complainer; gave to press be4 we could respond; ridiculous, wasteful..." Palin wrote in one of several posts.
In another, she wrote, "it costs political critics NOTHING to file/play their wasteful game; They should debate policy in political arena, not hide w/process abuse..."
In surprise announcement July 3 Palin said she would step down July 26. In tweets about an hour ago she wrote that her final speech is "on way;country music streaming & countryside screaming inspiration 4 pro-developmnt + pro-enviro msg."
"In that speech I'll share gratefulness for honor of serving& speak to AKs destiny that incl contribution of energy/innovation/security to US."
The Associated Press is reporting that Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, who is to resign Sunday, may have violated ethics rules by accepting donations to rebut several ethics complaints.
AP writes that a July 14 report by an investigator for the state Personnel Board alleges that Palin is securing unwarranted benefits and receiving improper gifts through the Alaska Fund Trust, set up by supporters.
The investigator says there is probable cause to believe Palin used or attempted to use her official position for personal gain because she authorized the creation of the trust as the "official" legal defense fund. Palin says she owes more than $500,000 in legal bills.
AP says Palin's lawyer has not returned a call for comment.
Yesterday, another ethics complaint was lodged against Palin by a Republican critic, accusing her of not submitting complete gift disclosure forms on time.
The former GOP vice presidential candidate responded on Twitter that the filings came from a "serial complainer" who is abusing the political process.
"In violation of Ethics Act more allegations were filed today by serial complainer; gave to press be4 we could respond; ridiculous, wasteful..." Palin wrote in one of several posts.
In another, she wrote, "it costs political critics NOTHING to file/play their wasteful game; They should debate policy in political arena, not hide w/process abuse..."
In surprise announcement July 3 Palin said she would step down July 26. In tweets about an hour ago she wrote that her final speech is "on way;country music streaming & countryside screaming inspiration 4 pro-developmnt + pro-enviro msg."
"In that speech I'll share gratefulness for honor of serving& speak to AKs destiny that incl contribution of energy/innovation/security to US."
