Lawyer: Todd Palin won't testify in 'Troopergate'
Matt VolzTodd Palin is refusing to testify in an abuse-of-power investigation into his wife, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin.
Palin had been subpoenaed to appear Friday before Alaska lawmakers to testify as to whether Public Safety Commissioner Walt Monegan was fired because he refused to dismiss a state trooper who had gone through a bitter divorce with Sarah Palin's sister.
McCain-Palin spokesman Ed O'Callaghan said Thursday that Todd Palin no longer believes the Legislature's investigation is legitimate.
A key lawmaker says the stonewalling of witnesses is likely to stall the probe until after Election Day.
Sarah Palin at first welcomed the investigation but opposes it now as the Republican candidate for vice president.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — A key lawmaker says uncooperative witnesses are stalling the investigation into Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, delays that could last until after Election Day.
Sen. Bill Wielechowski, a Democrat from Anchorage, said Thursday that subpoenaed witnesses who are refusing to testify can continue to do so for months without penalty.
Wielechowski, a member of the panel that summoned the witnesses, says court actions to force the witnesses to appear is unlikely.
Subpoenas were approved for 13 potential witnesses, including Palin's husband Todd. The investigation is trying to determine whether Palin improperly fired her public safety commissioner in July after he refused to fire her ex-brother-in-law.