Investigators found vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin abused her powers as Alaska governor, dealing another blow Friday to Republican John McCain's struggling White House bid. As McCain sought to restore control over his unruly rallies which have seen a stream of invective, including a death threat, targeted at Democratic rival Barack Obama, the "troopergate" scandal threatened to torpedo his campaign.
In a long-awaited 263-page report released by Alaska's Legislative Council, investigator Steve Branchflower said Palin was guilty of violating ethics rules for public officials. He said Palin had allowed her husband Todd Palin to use the Alaska governor's office and its resources to pressure officials to fire her former brother-in-law, state trooper Mike Wooten.
"Governor Palin knowingly permitted a situation to continue where impermissible pressure was placed on several subordinates in order to advance a personal agenda, to wit: to get Trooper Michael Wooten fired," the report said. "She had the authority and power to require Mr Palin to cease contacting subordinates, but she failed to act," the report added.