McCain's claim of a DNC "air drop of lawyers" is false, but we in Alaska knew that already

Per Talking Points Memo:

As noted below, the McCain campaign has a new ad out designed to portray Obama as a predator and Sarah Palin as prey by pointing to 30 opposition researchers that the Obama team allegedly sent to Alaska to savage her.

Of course, the article that the ad references doesn't say Obama sent them -- it actually says Democrats sent them.

But the Democratic National Committee's chief of research, Mike Gehrke, tells me that the DNC hasn't sent a single researcher to Alaska. "Zero," Gehrke says.

We knew that already as a direct result of Alaska Republican Party spokesperson McHugh Pierre's comments on this blog. He made these comments in response to my sharing the information that the McCain folks were on their way within 24 hours of Sarah's selection...VETTING HER AFTER THE FACT.

Per McHugh:

Thanks for the plug, but could you please pick a better picture of me! ; )

I never said McCain folks are coming to Alaska to investigate Palin and "Troopergate"! That is hilarious!

What I did say is that Obama political snoops just came up to Alaska to dig dirt on Palin and were going to be looking into the "Troopergate" allegations and anything else they can find.

Good luck running down more rumors and gossip.

What's hilarious is that he hasn't said a word since the source for my story came forward...the woman who heard him say it was the McCain campaign coming to Alaska the next day.

So when I heard this being spewed as a Republican Party line just a day or two after the comment was posted, I knew it was the cover story they were using to explain all of the Republican Party black suitted lawyers showing up in Alaska to do the job they should have done BEFORE they picked Palin.

Thanks for the tip, McHugh!

P.S. Could someone artsy show me what an air drop of lawyers looks like? I have great pictures of it in my head but I'd love to see some in print!

The Alaska Mythbusters--teleconference with Gov. Tony Knowles and Ketchikan Mayor Bob Weinstein

Today, the Obama Campaign launched "Alaska Mythbusters," a group of Alaskans who have followed Governor Palin’s career and will set the record straight about whether Palin has what it takes to bring the change that’s needed in Washington, DC. Former AK Governor Tony Knowles and Mayor Bob Weinstein of Ketchikan, the city of the "Bridge to Nowhere," headlined a press conference call this morning on Palin’s Alaska Record.

Gov. Knowles started by saying that as a former governor, normally he "was reluctant to critique sitting governor." However, in this situation it is not just a sitting governor, it is a candidate for VP just "one heartbeat from the Presidency."

He then went on to discuss the "serious concerns" he had about her qualifications--the fact that McCain chose her with a "serious investigation going on," —citizens said needed to be one to “clear the air.” Said Knowles, "It's more important now that the results should be known to the American people."

“Troopergate”

Gov. Knowles discussed the history leading up to the entire "Troopergate" scandal, covered as it became public (and even before it was public) on this blog.

He emphasized that two rarely-covered facts about the investigation are that 1) it was a Legislative-initiated investigation which hasn't happened before in the history of the State and 2) it is also a Republican-controlled investigation as the Judiciary Committee has a Republican majority.

Gov. Knowles also pointed out that this was a “very serious charge” which was asking the question: can a governor interfere with the results of this case and by means of a personal vendetta extract further punishment from Officer Wooten?

Gov. Knowles also discussed "character" of the people running for an important office and how he's seen Sarah Palin change from publicly stated comments and open cooperation to now being represented by a state-funded lawyer who has said none of her Administration will cooperate. Not only that, but Frank Bailey, who was put on paid leave to cooperate is also not doing so. The other outrageous aspect to this investigation is that Gov Palin filed an ethics complaint against herself to try and get the whole case referred to the personnel committee which makes it's decisions in executive session (behind closed doors) and wouldn't render an opinion for about four months. (And as Bob Weinstein pointed out later, all members are appointed by the Governor.

"Bridge(s) to Nowhere"

Bob Weinstein, the Mayor of Ketchikan, discussed the "Growing credibility gap between what Sarah Palin says and what the facts are." His specific task was to explain the truth behind the "Bridge(s) to Nowhere."

The true name for the originally-referenced bridge was the "Gravina Island Access Project" and the purpose was to provice Ketchikan with better access to Gravina Island--partially because the airport was there and the other part was because not much land for us to develop on Ketchikan and it was used up. Gravina has thousands of acres available. It was deemed a necessary project

In 2005, Congress included 450 million in 4 earmarks for the two bridge projects. In late 2005/early 2006 3 of the 4 earmarks were stripped from the budget. However, the State of Alaska received all 450 million dollars!

So, not only did the bridge earmarks get yanked BEFORE SHE WAS EVEN GOVERNOR, the State received EVERY DIME of that 450 million so SHE NEVER SAID "NO" to anything!!!!

Mayor Weinstein pointed out that during her September 2006 campaign for Governor at a stop in Ketchikan, Sarah Palin was asked if she supported the Gravina Island project. She clearly stated her support, to the point of calling the use of the phrase “bridge to nowhere” a "derogatory term" comparable to calling someone from MatSu “Valley Trash.” In a separate interview on that same day, she said that we had to "come to defense of Southeast Alaska" and not allow "spinmeisters" to determine our resource development.

In an article from October 2006, the Anchorage Daily News also confirmed her support for both bridges.

The Governor released a Sept. 2007 press release at 5:00 AM East Coast time Alaska Time (9:00 AM EST, so it was to make the media on the East Coast) cancelling the Gravina bridge project...there was no communication with the Congressional delegation, Ketchikan or anyone else involved. She promised to come to Ketchikan to explain but has never done that.

"Earmarks"

Mayor Weinstein also pointed out that despite Palins claim of fighting "earmarks" she actually loves them. Sarah Palin aggressively pursued earmarks while she was Mayor of Wasilla and since becoming Governor she used the same lobbyists Ketchikan hired to push the Bridge project. As Governor, Palin has requested 750 million in Federal earmarks.

Tony Knowles also pointed out one more interesting bit of information, that the second "Bridge to Nowhere" was the Knik Arm Bridge which would cross from Anchorage to Point MacKenzie...benefitting the Governor's precious Wasilla. That project is far from "dead" and is moving forward.

As Governor Knowles quipped..."she said “thanks” without the “no thanks”".

Bob Weinstein also pointed out that a 48 million earmark was not stripped from the Ketchikan project and the contract was awarded to construct 3.25 mile road. Even when they cancelled the Juneau access road they DID NOT cancel the Gravina road. So now, the Gravina Highway (since it has no bridge attached) really is a "road to nowhere."

The DNC plans on regular "Mythbusting" telecons and I hope they happen often. It will be interesting to see if they actually make an impact.

***UPDATE***

Per Mayor Weinstein:

Re your story

You wrote: Mayor Weinstein also pointed out that despite Palins claim of
fighting "earmarks" she actually loves them. Sarah Palin aggressively
pursued earmarks while she was Mayor of Wasilla and since becoming Governor
has used the same lobbyists Ketchikan hired to push the Bridge project. As
Governor, Palin has requested 750 million in Federal earmarks.

Being a picky person--the press release- I'm told- was sent out 5:00 AM
Alaska time, not EST, to meet the national media news cycle.

As governor Palin does not use the same DC lobbyist (Steve Silver) as
Ketchikan (borough) did for bridge. She used him when she was mayor.

Regards.

Bob

Sorry, I normally fact check what I heard based on the press release that is normally sent out right after a teleconference, but I didn't get one. (Dangers of being your own "ears" and editor.)

I thank the Mayor for his corrections and for reading the blog and I've encorporated these changes above!

Sarah's boo boos, nasty revelations of how she treated rape victims while Mayor of Wasilla and lies about pork

So, today, I got an email with this video attached:



Per Huffington Post:

...lending giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac had "gotten too big and too expensive to the taxpayers." The companies, as McClatchy reported, "aren't taxpayer funded but operate as private companies...

...Economists and analysts pounced on the misstatement, which came before the government had spent funds baling the two entities out, saying it demonstrated a lack of understanding about one of the key economic issues likely to face the next administration.

"You would like to think that someone who is going to be vice president and conceivable president would know what Fannie and Freddie do," said Dean Baker, co-director of the Center for Economic and Policy Research. "These are huge institutions and they are absolutely central to our country's mortgage debt. To not have a clue what they do doesn't speak well for her, I'd say."

Yeah, you'd like to know that, wouldn't ya?

Of course, you'd like to know that a candidate for Vice President would know that the Founding Fathers did NOT write the Pledge of Allegiance.

You'd like to know that a candidate for Vice President would know the difference between science and creationism.

You'd also like to know that a candidate would have a clue what the duties are of the job that they are vying for (i.e. Vice President of the United States)

Of course, that's not the nastiest (but true) thing that came out today. Americablog posted about an issue from Palin's mayoral reign in Wasilla...something I didn't know about and I lived here (I need to invest in Lexis-Nexis). From an article in the Frontiersman (which is VERY MUCH a real newspaper that frequently scoops the Anchorage Daily News).

From the Frontiersman:

Gov. Tony Knowles recently signed legislation protecting victims of sexual assault from being billed for tests to collect evidence of the crime, but one local police chief said the new law will further burden taxpayers.

The governor signed House Bill 270, sponsored by Rep. Eric Croft, D-Anchorage, outside the Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) exam room at Alaska Regional Hospital. In attendance at the signing were members of victims advocate groups, law enforcement agencies and legislators.

The new law makes it illegal for any law enforcement agency to bill victims or victims insurance companies for the costs of examinations that take place to collect evidence of a sexual assault or determine if a sexual assault did occur....

While the Alaska State Troopers and most municipal police agencies have covered the cost of exams, which cost between $300 to $1,200 apiece, the Wasilla police department does charge the victims of sexual assault for the tests.

Wasilla Police Chief Charlie Fannon does not agree with the new legislation, saying the law will require the city and communities to come up with more funds to cover the costs of the forensic exams.

In the past weve charged the cost of exams to the victims insurance company when possible. I just dont want to see any more burden put on the taxpayer, Fannon said.

According to Fannon, the new law will cost the Wasilla Police Department approximately $5,000 to $14,000 a year to collect evidence for sexual assault cases.

The quotes from Fannon are absolutely horrific. However, we all agree that he was just being the fall-guy for Palin.

I would say that any women's organization should spread this information far and wide to our "sistas" and see how they feel about Palin after that!

Also, here's a great rebuttle of the new McCain/Palin add when it comes to her "Bridge to Nowhere" and earmark lies--go TPM go!!!!

Comments from Judy Salo, Former State Senator, (D) for Kenai and South Anchorage

I received this forwarded email today:

I just received a copy of the full text of the Kilkenny letter that was referenced in the Anchorage Daily News article today. It is very thorough and puts words to some of the discomfort I feel about Governor Palin's meteoric rise to power. I don't know Ann Kilkenny, but I do know that her recount of events rings true by virtue of other things I have heard here in Alaska political circles.

I would like to see Governor Palin put in a full four years as Alaska's Governor to see if she can sustain progress (and popularity) over time. She has never held any job for that length of time (being Mayor of a small town and hiring a city administrator to do the work doesn't count). There are some red flags about her leadership and serious questions about her experience -- she will paint a pretty picture but should be questioned thoroughly on her rendition of the truth. I applaud the effort of Ann Kilkenny in raising some of those questions.

Sincerely,

Judy Salo (Former State Senator, D for Kenai and South Anchorage)

I got hold of her to ask if I could print this on the blog and she graciously gave me permission but was concerned that we stick to Anne Kilkenny's wishes, clearly unaware that ship had long-since-sailed when Kilkenny's email went viral all over the internet, even possibly used by some to appear as experts on Wasilla.

When we discussed the "fear" part of the equation, she stated that she "had nothing to lose" which is why she spoke up.

I guess Sarah doesn't include that negative part of her "small town experience" in her narrative; she knows how to hurt other small-town people to get what she wants.

Community Organizers = Sarah Palin!

This YouTube video was sent to me after Sarah Palin's speech in a giant wash of email that night and the next morning. I had forgotten about it, but was reminded that I had it today when on MSNBC, I heard Palin repeat those same anti-community organizer soundbites as part of a traveling stump-speech with John McCain.

I have no doubt that we'll be hearing that same speech over and over for 60 days. God knows they wouldn't dare let Sarah actually write anything herself.

The amusing piece of all of this is that before she was mayor, Sarah Palin was a "community organizer" herself. Of course, it was all wrapped up in her short-lived time on the PTA. I wonder if when she couldn't get her way as a member of that organization, she decided to run for Mayor of Wasilla?

Anyway, according to Wasilla residents, part of Sarah's goal at that time was to get the School Board to accept teaching Creationism in the schools. She was also rumored to be supporting "stealth candidates" for the school board...those folks who were evangelicals and wanted their religion to have more influence in the education process.

So, as you can see, Sarah Palin was a "community organizer" by her own definition...just not one that the majority of Americans would support.

On the topic of "community organizers," Writing Raven has assembled her own list, including the Alaska Native activists who have changed this state for the better.

Random Republican Ridiculousness--Friday, Sep 5th--60 days 'til the election

--McCain's "green screen" had been previously so unflattering viewers were confused why it was being used again, until they saw the full picture. Then they were confused as to what building it was. It turns out to be Walter Reed.................Middle School in North Hollywood, California. The Campaign isn't talking, but did their "Google-meister" commit a fatal fumble because he meant for it to be Walter Reed Medical Center?--Daily Kos with more on TPM.



--It seems that Sarah Palin will be holed up here in Alaska and not doing unscripted interviews per Firedoglake. CREW, in a report released yesterday on how the Governor has been proclaiming to be cooperating has been (not-so-secretly) undermining it all along, doesn't believe she'll cooperate in giving a deposition (which is supported by Van Flein's announcement the other day that she'll be "too busy" to testify):

Palin's attorney, Thomas Van Flein, is unlikely to agree to depositions, forcing the Alaska legislature to issue subpoenas for Palin and other present and past Alaska state employees. At that time, Van Flein will either move to quash the subpoenas, likely claiming the legislature has no jurisdiction to authorize the inquiry and that subpoenas for records violate the Alaska Constitution’s right to privacy or, those subpoenaed will refuse to appear, forcing the state legislature to seek judicial enforcement of the subpoenas. The delay will push the conclusion of the investigation past November 4, 2008.

Someone please explain to me how "holing up in Alaska" makes her "too busy" to testify in a deposition...in Alaska?



--While the front page of the Anchorage Daily News has been full of "Golly Jeepers!" pictures and stories of Sarah Palin, one tiny bit of news seemed to escape their notice. Not so of NBC, CNN, Yours Truly and AndrewHalcro.com, none of whom thought that PSEA, the trooper's union, filing an ethics complaint against the Governor wasn't worth their attention.

ADN, what is wrong with you?

Trooper Union files a complaint against Palin Wednesday

Union Director John Cyr

Per NBC (hat tip to Daily Kos diaries):

The GOP candidate for vice president, Gov. Sarah Palin, may be facing yet another ethics investigation back in her home state of Alaska. An ethics complaint obtained by NBC News was filed Wednesday by the police officers union in Alaska, requesting a probe into possible wrongdoing by the governor or her office. It was brought on behalf of state trooper Mike Wooten, an ex-brother-in-law of Palin who is at the center of the "Troopergate" scandal.

The complaint alleges that the governor or her staff may have have improperly disclosed information from Wooten's personnel records. The complaint alleges "criminal penalties may apply."

John Cyr, director of the union that filed the complaint, told NBC News, "It seems obvious to us somebody has improperly accessed [Wooten's] personnel file."

HERE is the complaint.

Now let's watch the McCain/Palin tapdance:

The McCain/Palin campaign Thursday launched a spirited defense when contacted by NBC News. They say the personnel files were not protected; a campaign source says Wooten himself had previously signed a waiver allowing a divorce lawyer to obtain his personnel records. The campaign then sent a copy of that waiver to NBC News, which reads "I hereby waive any privilege I may have to said information to said attorneys."

Because of my health issues, I've filled out a ton of freakin' "waivers" in Alaska for personnel (and personal) records. Any legal waiver specifically lists the person or persons they apply to and NO ONE ELSE can use such a waiver to access or use private information if they are not listed.

Sooooo...the divorce attorney cannot allow someone else not listed to access the information on his/her waiver. If they do, they can also be prosecuted.

Oooops...

The issue concerns disclosures about Wooten's records made by a Palin aide - Frank Bailey - in a February 2008 phone conversation. The police officers' union complaint claims the transcript of that conversation clearly indicates there was improper access to Wooten's records.

The McCain/Palin campaign, in a response to NBC News, provided a family twist to the story, saying the governor's husband - Todd Palin - was the source of that information to Bailey. They say the information came from divorce proceedings, and that Gov. Palin never improperly accessed any records.

As is typical of "pageant pit bull" Palin, she just threw a) the divorce attorney and b) her husband under the bus.

Ooops...

Taylor Griffiths, a spokesman for McCain, said "When you're a real reformer like Sarah Palin, who isn't afraid to take on entrenched political interests, scurrilous attacks and empty allegations come with the territory."

What's scary is she's got to be loving how much easier it is to lie and strike-out at your "enemies" when you have an entire presidential campaign to do it for you.

Hope she doesn't get used to it.

Factchecking Sarah Palin's speech

A big chunk of Sarah's speech was bull last night. Let's share with you the facts that those of us in Alaska know so well.

-CLAIM-

PALIN: "Our opponents say, again and again, that drilling will not solve all of America's energy problems - as if we all didn't know that already. But the fact that drilling won't solve every problem is no excuse to do nothing at all."

-FACT-

REALITY: PALIN SAID SHE WOULD BEG TO DISAGREE WITH ANY CANDIDATE WHO SAID WE CAN'T DRILL OUR WAY OUT OF OUR PROBLEM

Palin Said She Would Beg to Disagree With Candidate Who Said We Can't Drill Our Way Out of Our Problem. Asked by Invester's Business Daily "Some politicians and presidential candidates say we can't drill our way out of our energy problem and that drilling in ANWR will have no effect. What's your best guess of the impact on prices?" Palin responded, "I beg to disagree with any candidate who would say we can't drill our way out of our problem or that more supply won't ultimately affect prices. Of course it will affect prices. Energy being a global market, it's impossible to venture a guess on (specific) prices." [Investor's Business Daily, 7/11/08]

-CLAIM-

PALIN: "Senator McCain also promises to use the power of veto in defense of the public interest - and as a chief executive, I can assure you it works."

-FACT-

REALITY: PALIN OPPOSED CRUCIAL EDUCATION, HEALTH CARE AND SENIORS FUNDING

EDUCATION/CHILDREN

Total: 396,000.

Anchorage – Fire Lake Elementary School Replacement of Unsafe Sports Equipment. Palin vetoed $10,000. [FY08 Budget]

Tanana City School District – Repair School Bus. Palin vetoed $36,000. [FY08 Budget]

American Lung Association of Alaska – Asthma Control Program and Champ Camp. Palin voted $350,000. [FY08 Budget]

HOSPITALS/HEALTH CARE

Total: $4,527,500.

Ketchikan General Hospital Surgical Suite Expansion/Relocation. Palin vetoed $4,400,000. [FY09 Budget]

Ketchikan General Hospital – Replacement of Outdated Equipment. Palin vetoed $70,000. [2007 Legislature Supplemental]

Sitka – Community Hospital – Medical Equipment. Palin vetoed $31,000. [2007 Legislature Supplemental]

Kenai Peninsula Borough – Diagnostic Hospital Equipment. Palin vetoed $26,500. [2007 Legislature Supplemental]

SENIORS

Total: $600,000.

Ketchikan Senior Citizens, Inc. – Access Road for Pioneer Heights. Palin vetoed $300,000. [FY08 Budget]

AARP Ketchikan – Access Road for Ketchikan Senior Housing Project. Palin vetoed $100,000. [2007 Legislature Supplemental]

Catholic Community Services – Angoon Senior Center Stove, Refrigerator and Freezer. Palin vetoed $20,000 twice. [FY08 Budget, 2007 Legislature Supplemental]

Alpha Omega Life Care, Inc. – Delivery Van and Moveable Building. Palin vetoed $20,000. [FY09 Budget]

Older Persons Action Group – Senior Voice Equipment Upgrade. Palin vetoed $20,000. [FY09 Budget]

Statewide Independent Living Centers – Assistive Technology for Alaska's Centers for Independent Living. Palin vetoed $125,000. [FY09 Budget]

Kodiak Senior Center – Facilities repair and Equipment. Palin vetoed $15,000. [2007 Legislature Supplemental]

(Thanks to Laurin Manning for sending this to me.)

Sarah's address to and Todd's membership in Alaska Independence Party--a party that has an interesting history

This is Sarah addressing the Alaska Independence Party convention this past year.

Also, Todd was a member of AIP most of the time from 1995 to 2002 when he then registered as "undeclared.":

...the director of Division of Elections in Alaska, Gail Fenumiai, told TPMmuckraker that Todd Palin registered in October 1995 to the Alaska Independence Party, a radical group that advocates for Alaskan secession from the United States.

Besides a short period of a few months in 2000 when he changed his registration to undeclared, Todd Palin remained a registered member of AIP until July 2002 when he registered again as an undeclared voter.

The AIP has an interesting history. Back in 1990, Alaska State Senator Arliss Sturgelewski won the Republican candidacy for Governor when the Republicans still had an open primary. Mayor of Anchorage at the time, Tony Knowles, won the Democratic Primary. Both of them were similarly aligned on social issues. (Arliss was one of the last openly Pro-Choice Republicans in Alaska)

Joe Vogler, founder and chairman of the Alaska Independence Party, saw an opportunity. He offered former Governor Wally Hickel and the Republican Lt. Governor choice Jack Coghill the chance to run on the AIP ticket against Knowles and Sturgelewski. Coghill jumped ship from the Repubs, he and Hickel jumped on board where they sailed to victory in the election. Hickel never endorsed secession and he rejoined the Republican Party in 1994 as soon as his term in office was over.

In other words, AIP was a means to an end. They have a very conservative, influential membership which cannot be ignored.

Speaking of a means-to-an-end, Healing a Nation has a very interesting video and post of current AIP Vice Chairman, Dexter Clark:

Clark’s following statement is found at 8:26.

Clark talks about *masquerading inside political parties in order to win elections: “I think Ron Paul has kind of proven that …and he’s a dyed in the wool Libertarian. I mean he came to Alaska and spoke as a Libertarian and he put the Republican label on to get elected. That’s all there is to it. And anyone in your organization should be using that same practice….you should infiltrate, I know that the Christian Exodus is in favor of it, The Free State Movement is in favor of it. I don’t know if they even care which party it is. Whichever party you seem in that area you can get something done…get into that poilitical party even though, it does have its problems right now… that is one of the only avenues and when you get a few people on a city council or county board you can have some effect………………… I kind of digressed there a little bit….”

Imagine Republican/media response if Barack Obama was a former member of a group inciting Party infiltration by way of *masquerade, in addition to state secession. Just imagine the frenzy.

While I don't believe AIP affiliation alone will determine her success as a candidate, I do believe that combined with other affiliations, such as a wingnut right-wing church and their subsequent activities, her attempts to ban books in Wasilla and the firing of the librarian who would not comply, and other disturbing events now surfacing in the media may cause people to wonder about her real agenda.

It seems that she's aligned closer with George W. Bush's ideology than McCain.

Soulmate? *gag*

Can someone please remind John McCain that his "soul" does not reside (nor does it make decisions from) below the waist? (Watch him "check out" Sarah below)

Andrea and Stephanopolis knows what we know

From Talking Points Memo:



According to Stephanopolis:

“They are sending a rapid response team of about 10 people that includes lawyers up to Alaska right now. They know there’s going to be an army of investigative reporters going up there, and they want to be ahead of it.”

“Some senior Republicans operatives outside the campaign say there’s no way they could have had a complete vetting with this kind of information coming out. Democrats say… the McCain campaign didn’t even go through Gov. Palin’s local newspapers.”

McHugh Pierre tells retired U.S. Army Officer that McCain Campaign is on its way to Alaska

Barbara Bachmeier walked into the Republican Party offices Friday looking for someone else but she found McHugh Pierre. He's on leave from the Alaska Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and hand-picked by Sarah Palin to act as the Alaska Republican Party spokesperson in place of Republican Chair, Randy Reudrich.

Bachmeier walked in just as Pierre hung up the phone. She described his look as "the cat that just swallowed the canary."

Pierre: "I just got off the phone with the McCain people. They are coming in tomorrow to do their investigations."

Bachmeier (incredulously): Now???!!! This is going to be like an episode of the "Beverly Hillbillies!"

Pierre: (nods and smiles)

Bachmeier: "Do you really think she's going to win?"

Pierre: "No, but she's really going to do a lot for Alaska."

Bachmeier goes to the Republican Party office as often as she visits the Alaska Democrats. She also attended the conventions of both parties. She is a registered "non-partisan" and maintains her neutrality in all-things-political because of her roll as an advocate for woman veterans who have experienced Military Sexual Trauma (MST) and the debilitating Post Tramatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) which is the result in most cases. As an MST survivor herself, her avocation is helping others like her by starting the 501-C3 "Women Serving Women Veterans" and the "Alaska Military Veterans PAC"--the only Federally recognized veterans Political Action Ccommittee in Alaska.


As a matter of fact, Barbara inadvertantly shared her conversation with Pierre while we were discussing the progress of both organizations and the work we would do together when I got home (I was still in Denver). My personal mission is to work with veterans...especially disabled vets. I am already dedicated to one non-profit, Veteran's Aviation Outreach, and I am also going to do some work with Barbara.

It was clear when she recounted the story of her day at Republican headquarters that she didn't expect my reaction.

"Oh my GOD...YOU ARE KIDDING ME!!!!"

In my writing, I had been very careful to leave Barbara's name out of it because a) she didn't have any political agenda when she told me this information, we were just talking about veterans' issues and b) I didn't want there to be any kind of retaliation against her.

However, McHugh Pierre's insistance upon lying in the comments of the blog posts got her back up. His second comment especially irritated her:

I figured I would share the truth with you. Obviously you don't care about the truth so soldier on rumor monger!

She found it interesting that he used the term "soldier on."

"If you don't stand for something, you stand for nothing. I am a soldier and I stand for the truth," Bachmeier stated as we talked in my cramped little office. "I can't stand it when anyone is being disingenuous and I know about it."

However, she wants it known that she's not anybody's "mouthpiece."

"I have no loyalty to either party. My loyalties are with the active-duty soldiers and the veterans. Many of Alaska's veterans are in dire straits and I need everybody's help to bring about change. I just call them as I see them"

Alaska Blogs dispelling Sarah Palin myths part 2--Bristol Palin

There is quite the way-beyond-a-buzz happening on the internet over allegations that Trig Palin is not Todd and Sarah's child, but belongs to Bristol Palin and an unknown father.

That's not how I've been hearing it for the last few months at all. As a matter-of-fact, I've been hearing that Trig is very much Todd and Sarah's child while Bristol Palin is actually pregnant now.

More than one Alaska blogger has received tips, emails, comments, etc...alleging that Bristol Palin has been pregnant since last spring, when she was moved out of the Valley to Anchorage to continue high school (allegedly away from the father of her unborn child). A commenter at Alaska Mudflats called Sue Williams who claims to be a neighbor of the Palins gives this story:

During this period is when Bristol, Sarah’s sixteen year old daughter, turns up pregnant. So, it’s kind of interesting to note that the Republican Vice Presidential Nominee and her sixteen year old junior in high school unwed daughter were carrying babies at the same time. Once Bristol’s condition became more obvious this summer, she was whisked out of sight and hasn’t been seen in public until yesterday in Ohio. This is why Trig’s blanket was strung across her entire abdomen and torso, but, when she walked down the stairs from the stage, in a profile shot, it was very clear to see she is well into her third trimester of her pregnancy.

It has come out in the past couple of days that she and her high school boyfriend had a quickie wedding and that she is home schooling her senior year.

The Anchorage Daily News has known about this for months - and haven’t touched the story. But I can’t imagine the national press or the Democratic Party will be as willing to turn a blind eye.

I can attest that versious of this story have been around for months, at least in the Alaska blog world, and no one has been willing to come forward with it due to lack of folks "in the know" willing to discuss it on the record one way or the other.

However, John McCain's daughter Meghan may have inadvertantly "kicked it up a notch."

In a post on her blog "McCain Blogette.com", Meghan posts a gazillion photos of all of them at the introduction of Sarah Palin as the VP choice in Dayton, Ohio. These two pictures were part of the bunch:





In both pictures Bristol looks like she may be quite pregnant. On the picture below, I noticed how extremely conspicuous the blanket looked covering practically down to her thighs when the baby was on her shoulder.



While I commend bloggers and other media who are doggedly pursuing an issue, I believe they are currently working on the wrong issue. Considering how many ethics and legal questions are swirling around the Palin's, questions about a pregnant daughter seem a little silly.

***UPDATE***

a) I'm posting this because I've received many emails on the topic. This is my answer.

b) Other than the "hypocrite" value, I really don't think that Bristol Palin being pregnant at the moment is a primary issue with Sarah Palin's VP candidate selection...there is too much that is potentially illegal and unethical going on to focus on this.

c) I don't believe that the "Trig is her grandson" story is true and I think it could end up decimating the credibility of those folks who continue to push it.

d) This will be the one and only post on this subject.

McHugh Pierre makes a CYA comment

McHugh Pierre said...

Thanks for the plug, but could you please pick a better picture of me! ; )
I never said McCain folks are coming to Alaska to investigate Palin and "Troopergate"! That is hilarious!

What I did say is that Obama political snoops just came up to Alaska to dig dirt on Palin and were going to be looking into the "Troopergate" allegations and anything else they can find.

Good luck running down more rumors and gossip.

Hey, McHugh, thanks for stopping by! I'm guessing you're doing so because your unguarded remarks got you in a whole lot of trouble!

You and I both know that the phone call was from the McCain folks. You and I both know that you said (yesterday) they were coming "tomorrow" not that they had already arrived. You and I both know that they are now forced to do belated vetting because they didn't do it beforehand.

You seemed to have thought as carefully about your cover-your-ass response as McCain did about his VP pick...your explanation is idiotic. How could you have said yesterday that Obama had "just sent up" folks to "dig dirt" on Palin when the announcement was just made yesterday? Also, why would the Obama Campaign need to send folks up here at all since THEY ALREADY HAVE 5 FULLY-STAFFED OFFICES (SOON TO BE 7) AND HUNDREDS OF VOLUNTEERS ACROSS ALASKA! This has been the case for weeks.

Nice try, though...

Besides, the comments by Gail Phillips in the ADN betray the reality...

Former House Speaker Gail Phillips, a Republican political leader who has clashed with Palin in the past, was shocked when she heard the news Friday morning with her husband, Walt.

"I said to Walt, 'This can't be happening, because his advance team didn't come to Alaska to check her out," Phillips said.

Phillips has been active in the Ted Stevens re-election steering committee and remains in close touch with Sen. Lisa Murkowski and other party leaders, and she said nobody had heard anything about McCain's people doing research on his prospective running mate.

"We're not a very big state. People I talk to would have heard something."

Also, ABC News had an interesting story on the (lack of) vetting process for Palin:

The campaign secretly flew Palin into Dayton last night. She and McCain met privately for a couple of hours. McCain concluded she would "shake up the system" and was "a maverick," qualities he believed Lieberman would have brought to the ticket. But she also would appeal to conservatives -- which Lieberman most certainly would not have done.

After their meeting, McCain concluded he was comfortable with his choice. He notified Pawlenty this morning that he was going in a different direction.

Feel free to comment on my blog anytime, Hugh. You are always entertaining!

P.S. I have mad Google skills but seemed to have problems finding a decent picture of you. I think this one is better. However, I promise, I'll post whatever picture you send me of yourself.

The Danger: Losing sight of the issues in the dazzle of Sarah Palin

These were comments on my Sarah Palin/VP Candidate thread from a blogger I deeply respect, Radical Catholic Mom:

Diva,

First: This is historic. She is the second female to run for office since 1984.

Second: I worked the polls when Sarah was elected. Dems voted for her, Independents voted for her, and non-voters voted for her.

Third: Both hubby & I worked on her campaign. Last night we were Obama supporters. Now? We are going to have to REALLY decide. This is going to be very tough for us.

Fourth: Don't underestimate her or dismiss her because of whatever. That would be a mistake and not persuasive for undecideds.

8/29/2008 8:29 AM

*************************************

Radical Catholic Mom said...
Correction: VP run for office (excuse me! I sound like an idiot)

8/29/2008 8:48 AM


**************************************
Here's my reply:

CelticDiva said...

Hey, RCM...

I know that the Pro Life folks worked very hard on her campaign...my bro in law did as well.

However, don't lose sight of the issues here because our dazzling Gov. has stepped into the fray.

John McCain proved through the Georgia incident that he will be quick to commit our troops to another war whether we have the troops to spare or not.

John McCain has voted with Bush 90% of the time.

The Republican Party has now yanked drilling in ANWR off the Platform, yet Sarah Palin, the champion of drilling in ANWR is now on the ticket. How much do you really think she's going to have a say in a McCain Administration?

If you honestly look at the Palin Administration...she had nothing to do with "reforming Alaska" other than expose Randy Ruedrich. All of the other "exposure of corruption" was attributable to Ray Metalfe and the FBI.


Additionally, I'd like to add that our economy is failing, health care is at critical mass, the Arctic is melting, we have a hurricane bearing down on a city that still has not gotten the gov't help it needs from the first one...none of these are issues that John McCain and Sarah Palin will fix.

Lord help us all, Sarah Palin is the VP pick--UPDATE

UPDATE: It's official.

For all of those who need more information about Sarah and her scandals, I have written extensively on the issue. The link to those posts is HERE.

I will be doing a lot more writing on all of this but that reading should tide you over as well as the linked posts to Andrew Halcro's blog...the blog that broke a lot of these stories. Bear with me...I didn't get back from Invesco Field last night (due to transportation mismanagement, which I'll discuss later) until quite late and it's only 10:00 am Denver time (8:00 AM Alaska time). I still haven't posted on the Obama speech, which I think is rather important and I refuse to be completely sidetracked by this Republican media grab.



She's under investigation.

Her Lt. Gov is in the political fight of his life.

She said she wouldn't leave Alaska.

Selfish much?

7:15pm MST - Fairbanks Mayor Whittaker!

The Alaskan delegation got up and started cheering as soon as they announced Mayor Whittaker.

He was very eloquent with his speech - saying that he wasn't here to say bad things about McCain, but:

"I'm a registered Republican, and I cast my vote for Barack Obama!"

5:50pm MST - Regular Americans and what the delegates are doing

It was pretty rough listening to this guy - Robin Golden. He is one of the chosen regular Americans to speak, and he'd just lost his job, can't pay for diabetes treatment. He was introduced just after Sweeney, the AFL-CIO president.

Alaskan delegates Patti Higgin and Blake Johnson make the Alaska pole "better."

Alaska Delegate Ryan Buchholdt on his experience at the convention:

"It's exciting and energetic - surreal at times."

On what he's been doing at the convention:

"Network - I was up on stage yesterday. I was able to meet Chairman Dean three times. I met Donna Brazile and Nancy Pelosi yesterday."

On hearing Hillary Clinton's address later today:

"I'm very excited - the Clintons have done a lot for the party. It's good that they were able to have such prominent speaking roles."

One kind of funny note - they took a commemorative photo just now, a panaromic shot. The lady announcing has been doing a great job of doing so, but stumbled over the pronounciation of "commemorative" on her first announcement. The second time around:

"We are now going to take the commem... comm.....

Thank you."

4:30pm MST - Who's the rock star?

Who got the whole crowd on their feet?













It's Kucinich!

No doubt he will get overshadowed in the news by Hillary, coming on in prime time, but his "Wake up America!" sure got everyone fired up. If you can, find a YouTube video of his speech.

The Black Caucus led the memorial moments for Tubbs-Jones, the congresswoman who recently died. Although the whole time was meant to highlight those who passed away in the past year, Tubbs-Jones was given some special moments of her own.

The Alaskan delegates have been pretty popular here. Pictures, requests for interviews, or just shouts of, "Hey! You from Alaska??" are heard round the room.

Alaskan press!

We didn't think there were any members of the mainstream Alaskan press here - just bloggers! - but Tim from Cordova showed up. He heard of someone from the Juneau Empire showing up, but hasn't seen a trace yet.

Know why it's not televised?

There's no one here.

All right - not totally true - most delegates are networking, finding out schedules, coordinating who knows what. It's filling up slowly, but the cameras tend to angle it so all these empty seats don't show up.