September 18, 2008
Stonewalling witnesses may stall Palin probe
Matt VolzA 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.
The Associated Press