McPalin Family Values--Updated

Golly, we are rolling in stories over the last few days about Sarah Palin's relationship with her family and the McPalin ticket's relationships with other people's kids.

It's not a pretty picture.

First, we'll start with the blog that originally talked about at least part of the story that the National Enquirer said they "broke"...Track Palin's legal troubles and the basis for his entrance into the military.
Per "What Do I Know:"

While I trust my sources, I don't have enough independent information to nail this. So I'll drop my editorial based on this and just offer the basic allegation.

Four high school students were arrested for vandalizing school buses in Wasilla in 2005.

Troopers did not release names of the juvenile suspects, but David Coon's mother confirmed her son was one of two Burchell High School students involved in the incident. The other two boys are Wasilla High School students.

We also have this story from Detroit's Free Press:

Her oldest son, Track, lived in Portage [Michigan] during most of his senior year in high school. He played junior major hockey. During an interview at the National Governors Association conference in 2007, she told a Free Press reporter that her son went back to Alaska in March to graduate with his class.

The story I was told is that Track Palin was one of them and that he chose to enter the army rather than go to jail (or have a record?).

*****************UPDATE*********************

Progressive Alaska has deleted their "National Enquirer" post for reasons detailed in the linked article. Since my article here only uses the Track and Bristol stuff (which blogs already knew about) and my post has many parts to it of which the NE stuff is only one, I'm not going to delete this. However, I will post this as a disclaimer.

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

Then we have the Energizer Bunnies, the folks at The National Enquirer and their heartwarming story yesterday which included the Track-avoids-jail-in-the-army story, faithfully reported by Progressive Alaska:

The ENQUIRER has learned exclusively that Sarah's oldest son, Track, was addicted to the power drug OxyContin for nearly the past two years, snorting it, eating it, smoking it and even injecting it. And as Track, 19, heads to Iraq as part of the U.S. armed forces, Sarah and her husband Todd were powerless to stop his wild antics, detailed in the new issue of The ENQUIRER, which goes on sale today.

THE ENQUIRER also has exclusive details about Track's use of other drugs, including cocaine, and his involvement in a notorious local vandalism incident.

Of course, that was only the part about Track Palin, there is still the Bristol chapter:

“Bristol was a huge stoner and drinker. I’ve seen her smoke pot and get drunk and make out with so many guys. All the guys would brag that the just made out with Bristol.”

When Sarah found out the teen was pregnant by high schooler Levi Johnston, she was actually banished from the house. As part of the cover-up, Palin quickly transferred Bristol to another high school and made her move in with Sarah’s sister Heather 25 miles away!

And here's the money quote:

The friend also confided that both Bristol and Levi “broke up a few times and they definitely messed around with other people.”

Moving on from the Palin family to the McPalin family values in action...

Alaska Real's Writing Raven mentioned the Lipstick...Pig...Hypocrisy story, but I was more interested in Part II--McCain's assertion that teaching children how to escape child sexual abuse is the equivalent of "sex ed":

This latest attack takes Obama's support of preventing sexual abuse of children as "teaching sex ed to kindergartners."

I worked with young children (before they reached kindergarten!) for five years, and one of the things that was very important to teach them the difference about was "good touch, bad touch" and how to recognize predators.

McCain's assertion that they would know "sex ed" before reading, is somewhat true, but not because Obama is in support of abuse prevention. In actuality, there are far, far too many children who will be sexually abused before they learn to read, and they will know far too much, far too early. Children who know the basics of recognizing a predator are more likely to speak up, and prevent the abuse in the first place, or report an offender to prevent him from further abuse.

So does McCain think that supporting high school anatomy classes is the equivalent of promoting pornography?

Moving from child sexual abuse to disabled children, The Anchorage Press this week describes a shocked Alaska Legislature after Palin's acceptance speech:

“I pledge to you that if we are elected, you will have a friend and advocate in the White House.”

It sounded fantastic, and rang true coming from the mother of a child with a disability.

But the declaration was a revelation to some legislators who’ve worked with Governor Palin for the last 21 months.

“I can tell you she wasn’t a champion for disabled children as governor,” says state Senator Bill Wielechowski (D-Anchorage). “I was surprised to hear her say that in her speech.”

The state of Alaska has what’s called a “Developmental Disabilities Waiting List,” a list of individuals whose needs qualify them for assistance, but that the state doesn’t have adequate funding to help. At the time of the most recent report, issued in December 2007, the list had 943 individuals on it. The report estimates that it would cost nearly $45 million to provide the services those on the waiting list need. Estimates vary, but most place the state’s budget surplus at about $5 billion.

So we're supposed to believe, Governor Palin, that the child that sprung forth from your uterus has completely changed your mind set regarding the priority of disabled children in your budget plan? Does this mean that as soon as you get the opportunity you will call an emergency session of the Legislature to make sure that $45 mil is allocated?

I'll start holding my breath now.

(Picture photoshopped and provided by Brian Little)

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?

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 is speaking...in words she never uses

(I don't hear one "cool")

6:33 PM -- Oh God...they are honoring Track Palin for going to Iraq. Anyone read Shannyn Moore's piece? I wonder if he deserved it?

6:38 PM -- "Too-Odd"--touting that Union affiliation again--so, what has Sarah done for Unions exactly?

6:41 PM -- Hockey mom and PTA--things she did for about 5 minutes each.

6:43 PM -- Hmmm, talking about working people -- "John McCain is the same man" -- who still doesn't know how many houses he has and hasn't held a real job. And Sarah is going to Washington to "serve the people of this great country"...until they piss her off. Then she'll have them all fired and say that "they serve at her pleasure."

6:46 PM -- Expected to govern with integrity..."I will carry myself in this spirit as Vice President of the United States." Stood up to the good old boys. "We put the government of our state back on the side of the people." Uh...that was the FBI... "That luxury jet was over the top...I put it on Ebay" and took a loss. "I love to drive myself to work." Without using child restraints.

"Our state budget is under control...we have a surplus." OMG...she's taking credit for oil prices?????

OMG--she's touting the oil money we're getting.

OK, getting ill now...yeah, she's "helping to lead America to energy independence"...by sending the work to Canada.

OMG--"Take it from a gal who knows the North Slope of Alaska, we've got lots of both." (Oil and Gas) Says Obama wants to "do nothing"--Jesus, so alternative energy is nothing?

6:54 PM Sarah Palin just lifted a bunch of Barack Obama's energy policy and claimed it as their own.

Wow, I don't think I've heard so many lies told at one time. They roll so easily off her tongue.

6:58 PM Obama will increase the tax burden on folks making $150,000 because of Bush's serious economic f*ck up. Lies, lies, lies...saying that he's adding tax burden to farmers

OK...I've had enough. Read Jane's liveblogging at Firedoglake

P.S. MSNBC reported that on the teleprompter, Sarah had a number of the bigger words spelled out phonetically.

So, where did she get that degree again?

Any day now, your dog will be able to get a job with the State of Alaska--another episode of the "Alaska Hillbillies."

I listened to KUDO yesterday morning (while still in bed, of course) and heard an interview Cary Carrigan did with Andree McLeod, who filed an ethics complaint against Sarah Palin (the story is in the ADN).

A former state employee and political activist filed an ethics complaint against Gov. Sarah Palin and her staff Wednesday. The charge: The governor's office used its influence to get a Palin supporter a state job.

"Executive branch employee shouldn't be getting involved in the recruitment process unless it's based on merit," said Andree McLeod, who wrote the complaint based on a series of e-mails between members of Palin's team.

Palin said the state fixed a "glitch" that prevented a qualified candidate from moving through the hiring process. In this case a longtime surveyor couldn't apply for a job because of outdated job requirements, she said.

"There were no favors done for anybody."

Within the complaint, it mentions that "Tom and Kate Lamal hosted a fundraiser for Sarah Palin at the Pagoda Restaurant in North Pole on Tuesday, June 20, 2006."

It then lists a number of emails from a number of high-level positions within the Administration celebrating Tom Lamal's appointment to a Right-of-Way Agent II position. One particularly disturbing email was from Frank Bailey to Sarah Palin, Kristine Perry and "Unknown":

"This was a long battle but Kevin pushed it through the road blocks to get Tom Lamal hired into a classified position with FAI at DOT."

A classified position...not an appointee position. Also, it's a position that is at least partially paid-for by the Feds.

As has become much too familiar the last several months, here come the catty-little-attacks against the messenger by the Governor and Sharon Leighow:

"This is the same Andree McLeod that follows us around at public events and camps herself out in our waiting area and hounds us for a job, asking us if there's a way she can go around Workplace Alaska and not have to go through the system to get a job with this administration," Palin said.

She also called her that "falafel lady."

Andrew Halcro's blog shows a big chunk-o-emails that Ms. Palin sent to Andree..."that stalker"..."that falafel lady?"

That was a great letter to the ed. this week Andree. I haven't had time to call but wanted to tell you it was, again, insightful & educational & good writing.

I'm still disenchanted with the whole issue of RR and state politics and am not even very optimistic about the call for an independent investigation. We'll see. I guess I'll believe it when I see it.

Hope you're doing well, staying warm & staying on top of all these state issues I'm hearing about on the news!

Love,
SP

He has many more quotes from Sarah to Andree listed. Is Sarah in the habit of regularly emailing and complimenting stalkers?

Andree's FOIA request targeted a specific time period, which is not surprising.

McLeod said she worked for the state off and on for decades, most recently as Alaska Workforce Investment Board manager. She was appointed to the job by former Gov. Frank Murkowski, she said.

It's a good bet that she knew something fishy was going on when she worked there. When she found out Lamal got the job in Feb of this year, she sent in the FOIA.

Having worked for the Feds for 15 years, I encountered a number of "issues" that were more-than-questionable but not provable without a ton of research. If I was pissed off enough to expend the time and energy on all of that research (i.e. if Sarah Palin had led me on with the promise of a job, like she did to SO MANY folks she got lots of free work out of, only to stiff them later on) does it really matter if that was the motivation?

Survey says?

Just as interesting was the information Kyle Hopkins posted on the ADN Blog last night:

Kevin Brooks, the deputy commissioner of Administration, just sent some paperwork related to yesterday's ethics complaint against the Palin administration.

Once again: Palin, some of her staffers and Brooks are accused in a complaint saying they helped Palin supporter Tom Lamal get a state job. The job was a right-of-way agent post in Fairbanks, and Palin says Lamal is a qualified surveyor who wasn't able to go through the hiring process because of outdated requirements for the job.

Those requirements were changed. Lamal was able to get the job.

HERE are the Right-of-Way requirement changes.

When I saw that Kevin Brooks put out this information, I thought that it would definitively show there was nothing to the charges. Then I started comparing.

The Right-of-Way Assistant position (currently hiring) and the Right-of-Way Agent I (ROWA I) are the ONLY right-of-way jobs that even MENTION college in the "updated" minimum requirements. I applied for a few jobs with the State while working for the Feds but I perused Workplace Alaska regularly. I can tell you I've NEVER seen high-level positions like that without college requirements.

And the ROWA II has a SIGNIFICANT drop in the minimum requirements--Lamal is a ROWA II:

Prior to December 2007:

Five years experience in governmental, public, or commercial acquisition or management of real property involving appraising, negotiation, title examining, land recordation, relocation, surveying, cartography and/or drafting, at least one year of which must have been at the level of Right-of-Way Agent I with the State of Alaska or the equivalent elsewhere.

College education in the fields of public land management, real estate, law, business administration, geology, forestry, geography, cartography, or engineering may be substituted for the required nonspecific experience on a year-for-year basis.

Post December 2007:

One year of trainee-professional experience learning to acquire land for construction of highways, airports, buildings or other public facilities through negotiation or eminent domain action; to provide relocation assistance to displaced persons; and to manage State owned right-of-way property. This experience is met by service as a Right of Way Agent I with the State of Alaska, or the equivalent elsewhere.

OR

Two years of professional experience in any of the following: searching, analyzing, and evaluating real property titles; preparing legal land descriptions; appraising real property; acquiring, managing, or disposing of commercial real estate; as an agent for personal or commercial real property transactions, or in surveying or engineering.

Rumor has it that starting for a ROWA II is Range 16A--that equals $3,697.00. One year of trainee/professional experience acquiring land is worth $44,364.00 a year?? That means that an 20-year-old who worked in their parent's Real Estate business could get that job.

I can almost hear those banjos a-playin'!

Obama Campaign Energy Teleconference--"Alaska features prominently in the Obama energy plan"

Sen. Obama's initial comments on his energy policy August 6th from Elkhart, Indiana

I'm a little teleconference-happy today.

9:00 AM Alaska time we had one with Diane Benson (as you can see in my previous post).

Then at 11:00 AM, we had one with two heavies in the Obama for America campaign: Pete Rouse, Senior Advisor for the Campaign (and Former Chief of Staff, Alaska Lt. Gov. Terry Miller) and Heather Zichal, Director of Energy Policy for the Campaign.

Heather started by describing the plan Barack Obama has been unveiling over the last several days in Michigan, Indiana and Ohio.

Zichal listed an "aggressive" set of measures both in the short-term and the long-term to "make the investments we need to break our addiction to oil". We can't solf this overnight but we need to start now. Short-term: This begins with the "emergency energy rebate" of $1,000.00 per family, because "American consumers need direct assistance and need it now," stop putting oil in the strategic petroleum reserve and "crack down on speculators." (During later questioning, Zichal clarified that the $1,000 rebate will be capped at families that make over $150,000 and will be paid for by a proposed windfall profits tax.)

Zichal focused on three points that are at the center of the plan:

1) Increasing automobile standards - 1 mil hybrids on the road 2015 increase investment commit to 36 bil gallons advanced biofuels by 2012. As Senator Obama described it in Indiana:

First, we’ll commit ourselves to getting one million 150 mile-per-gallon plug-in hybrid cars on our roads within six years. And we’ll make sure that the cars of tomorrow are built not just in Japan or China, but right here in the United States of America.

2) 25% renewable energy by 2025

Second, we’ll double the amount of our energy that comes from renewable sources by the end of my first term. That means investing in renewables like wind and solar power, and we’ll also invest in the next generation biofuels.

3) Efficiency standards-15%

Third, I will call on businesses, government, and the American people to meet the goal of reducing our demand for electricity 15% by the end of the next decade. This is by far the fastest, easiest, and cheapest way to reduce our energy consumption – and it will save us $130 billion on our energy bills.

In the interim, the Obama Adminstration would continue with our domestic supply of natural gas and oil.

Also, resources are available that need to be developed and Zichal restated Obama's support for the Congressional Dems "use it or lose it" policy, as there are 68 million existing leases that need to be developed now.

Zichal also stated that a "cornerstone of the plan is a commitment from Fed gov't to build AK natural gas pipeline and bring resources on line."

Pete Rouse came on-line specifically addressing the energy plan as it effects Alaska and wanted to emphasize several points:

1) AK features prominently in the Obama energy plan (which was acknowledged by Governor in a press release earlier in the week).

2) There is a "sense of urgency in Barack's approach to the natural gas issue." While demand for gas is skyrocketing, gas development has been flat from 2000-2007. There is a great "potential for natural gas" as motor fuel, etc...

3) Barack Obama's understanding of the issue pertaining to Alaska has increased greatly through discussions with prominent Alaskans.

- He met one-on-one with Mark Begich in Miami and came back from that clearly on his mind that it needed to be highlighted even more.

- In the January op ed by Gov. Hickel, his "enthusiasm was not lost on Senator Obama."

- Tony Knowles is a good friend and close advisor to Sen. Obama--he has talked for several years to Senator Obama on this issue and will continue to do so.

Rouse also emphasized that the Obama Administration would look for a Federal Partnership with the State of Alaska to help move the pipeline project forward. (In response to my later question--establishing whether they were proposing to only work with the pipeline licensed by the state vs. competing lines--- Rouse stated that the idea was to first work with Governor Palin -- start from the leadership at the top we believe we can make real progress) He believes that Alaskans should share in benefits of project, which would include jobs and a reduction in the huge cost of energy in Alaska. According to Rouse, high energy prices in Alaska is "a fact underrecognized in the lower-48."

In a brilliant move on the part of the Obama Campaign, Rouse stated that in this "Federal partnership" with Alaska over the gas line, "Exxon should not have a disproportionate influence over the timetable for construction of this important national project." Rouse stated that Obama wants to move the project forward as what is best for Alaska and nation. Also, Rouse pointed out that "McCain opposed tax incentives to build the pipeline."

In response to the question as to whether Barack Obama will be visiting Alaska, Pete Rouse said that it is "still on the planning docket here and we hope that it happens."

HERE is the text of the remarks that Sen. Obama presented at the beginning of the Town Hall Meeting.

HERE is a link to the YouTube contributor with the eight videos of the entire Elkhart, Indiana Town Hall (starting in backwards order with Evan Bayh's introduction).

New Public Safety Commissioner--Kenai Police Chief Charles "Chuck" Kopp replaces Walt Monegan

Anchorage Politics Blog links to this announcement from the Governor:

Governor Palin Names New Public Safety Commissioner

July 14, 2008, Anchorage, Alaska – Governor Sarah Palin today named Charles “Chuck” Kopp, chief of the Kenai Police Department, as Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety.

“Chuck has dedicated his career to public safety and shares my commitment to strengthening our communities and combating drug and alcohol problems in rural Alaska,” Governor Palin said. “He is a person of great integrity and I am confident that he will provide excellent leadership and direction to the Department of Public Safety.”

Kopp, 43, has 21 years of policing and public safety experience and has worked for the Kenai Police Department since 1989. He currently serves on the Alaska Judicial Council and has served on the Alaska Police Standards Council.

“I embrace this great opportunity and look forward to advancing Governor Palin’s public safety initiatives,” said Kopp. “I am committed to strengthening the services the department provides to the people of Alaska.”

Kopp holds a bachelor’s degree in justice from the University of Alaska Anchorage and is a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy, among many other professional certifications. He resides in Kenai with his wife and three children.

Hmmmm..."shares my commitment to strengthening our communities and combating drug and alcohol problems in rural Alaska."

Kopp replaces Walt Monegan, who was fired on Friday "out of the blue" according to Monegan.

There was more information on KTVA Channel 11 over the weekend:

Monegan was appointed by Governor Sarh Palin to be the head of the Department of Public Safety a few years ago, but Friday she asked him to take a lower job inside DPS as the executive director of the Alcohol Beverage Control Board. Monegan told CBS 11 News Saturday on the phone that he turned that job down.

Monegan said he was told that the governor wants to, "take DPS in a different direction" and that the request for him to step down was a, "bit of a shock."

Monegan says he respects the decision of the governor to make changes in her cabinet, but did not want to take the job with the ABC.

So is the Rural focus going to be solely on Alcohol and Drugs now and away from sexual assault and DV? Inquiring minds...

Also, Chief Kopp is not a stranger...he was her Transition Team Public Safety Leader. So 10 points for those folks who said she'd bring in a "buddy."

The Ted and Sarah Show...conspiracy theories, misinformation...so many "gold nuggets," so little time.

Ted Stevens should never speak...never. I can just imagine how the Begich Team's mouth must have started watering when they saw the latest diatribes on ADN's Alaska Politics and Dennis Zacki's "Alaska Report" and Blog.

One tidbit was in regards to Alaska Democrats:



Watching this made me flash immediately onto Grandpa Simpson.



The Democrats won this round of "Rock 'em, Sock 'em Robots":

Anchorage, AK – The Alaska Democratic Party (ADP) reacted today to Senator Ted Stevens and called his recent allegations conspiracy theories. Yesterday, Stevens refused to answer tough questions about his record on oil speculation, which has caused gas prices to skyrocket leaving Alaska families behind. He then accused the ADP of being controlled by outside interests. The ADP issued the following statement in response:

"Senator Stevens continues to refuse to answer Alaskans’ tough questions. Instead, he dodges and distracts the public with conspiracy theories. It's absurd to think that anyone other than Alaskans run the Alaska Democratic Party. This is becoming a pattern – Stevens hiding behind expensive lawyers and national politics instead of answering questions about the FBI investigation and how he’s paying his legal bills. We expect Senator Stevens to answer hard questions and take responsibility for his record."

-- Kay Brown, spokeswoman for the Alaska Democratic Party.

If Ted's behavior remains consistent, I believe our rightful expectations will be disappointed.

Once again, Stevens speaks on ANWR:



Dennis's Blog as well as two excellent pieces by Phil Munger on Progressive Alaska covers Steven's and Palin's proclamations regarding ANWR and oil prices nicely.

Phil's comment here slices right to the heart of Steven's primary tactic during the last few years of his political career...and the reason for his success:

Robert Dillon, a very knowledgeable reporter, covered Stevens' full-frontal assault on the truth this week, by telling readers it was a sign that Stevens is ready to hit back at Begich, and hit hard. No, Robert, it is a sign that only when he has to, as a last resort, do something - his bullshit "energy blueprint" plan is in competition with 18 other bills dealing with this - he'll do as little as possible and make the most out of it he can. Trusting, all the time, that you'll help him tell his fucking lie his way.

This is the same point (though more eloquently stated) that I've been trying to make about Steven's alleged "support for the Veterans"...especially regarding the GI Bill. When Stevens can depend on a lack of research from the Mainstream Media and has a lacky like former aide Ric Davidge using pretty red, white and blue pastels to shade the truth, why would he need to exert any effort on behalf of Alaskans?

Phil is absolutely dead-on when he talks about Ted's deteriorating communication skills (which were pretty poor in the beginning) and when he questions whether blatant inaccuracies are purposeful lies or merely a signal of a fading memory. Even the accusations of alleged wrongdoing which sparked the FBI investigation, if true, seem to signal a desire to benefit from past accomplishments and associations...calling in markers at the end of a long career.

It makes one wonder if the rational part of him is begging for retirement while the "pit bull" part just can't stop fighting?

I think that there is a distinct possibility that Sarah Palin will be offered the VP slot

John McCain is wooing Hillary Clinton supporters tonight.

If he's going to all of that trouble, short of having Clinton on the ballot, he's going to need a woman on the ticket to pull them in. It's going to have to be a woman with charisma.

I just watched MSNBC present Sarah Palin as being "on the short-list," along with Kay Bailey-Hutchinson.

This is getting very interesting...