...but Republicans say it's OK because of a minor technicality:
Note that the Republicans aren't trying to deny that she behaved in a reprehensible manner - they just say that she shouldn't be held to account for it, according to their interpretation of the law.
Given that she's in the running for a job that puts her one heartbeat away from control of the most powerful nation in the world, and its nuclear arsenal, should we not be expecting a high degree of probity? Or is "I did it, but you can't make the charges stick" good enough to govern the USA? That strikes me as an East LA crack dealer's defence.
Not that I expected anything better from that mob, but they seem to be getting more shameless by the day
(Also note the careful choice of words: he conflates "some personal gain" with "financial gain". Does the relevant statute require financial gain, or does getting a feeling of smug self-satisfaction from screwing over somebody who you regarded as interfering with your personal vendetta constitute personal gain? Knowing American lawyers, this one will run and run...)
"I find that Governor Sarah Palin abused her power by violating Alaska Statute 39.52.110 (a) of the Alaska Executive Branch Ethics Act," investigator Steve Branchflower concluded in the panel's 263-page report.
But Mrs Palin's lawyer said that the report had not been conclusive.
"In order to violate the ethics law, there has to be some personal gain," said Thomas Van Flein.
"Mr Branchflower has failed to identify any financial gain."
But Mrs Palin's lawyer said that the report had not been conclusive.
"In order to violate the ethics law, there has to be some personal gain," said Thomas Van Flein.
"Mr Branchflower has failed to identify any financial gain."
Note that the Republicans aren't trying to deny that she behaved in a reprehensible manner - they just say that she shouldn't be held to account for it, according to their interpretation of the law.
Given that she's in the running for a job that puts her one heartbeat away from control of the most powerful nation in the world, and its nuclear arsenal, should we not be expecting a high degree of probity? Or is "I did it, but you can't make the charges stick" good enough to govern the USA? That strikes me as an East LA crack dealer's defence.
Not that I expected anything better from that mob, but they seem to be getting more shameless by the day
(Also note the careful choice of words: he conflates "some personal gain" with "financial gain". Does the relevant statute require financial gain, or does getting a feeling of smug self-satisfaction from screwing over somebody who you regarded as interfering with your personal vendetta constitute personal gain? Knowing American lawyers, this one will run and run...)
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