Just simmering beneath all the Sarah Palin buzz is an investigation into her firing of state Public Safety Commissioner Walt Monegan. Last week, the state Senate approved the hiring of an independent investigator into the firing, thereby throwing some cold water on the Palin-for-VP bandwagon.

The controversy is over whether Palin, or someone close to her, pressured Monegan to fire a state trooper who got a divorce from Palin's sister. The Anchorage Daily News reported last week:

Monegan contends he did feel such pressure, and the question for the investigator will be whether Monegan might have lost his job for failing to dismiss trooper Mike Wooten.

Palin has denied applying any pressure or otherwise abusing her power as governor.

Sharon Leighow, the governor's spokeswoman, said Palin "doesn't see a need for a formal investigation," but is willing to answer questions.

"The governor has said all along that she will fully cooperate with an investigation and her staff will cooperate as well," Leighow said.

Some think this could sink Palin's VP chances no matter the outcome. Maybe. One reason it might is that with the investigation just beginning, there isn't enough time to clear Palin's name before McCain has to make a decision. Going into the fall with a running mate under investigation isn't the best move.