Trooper Gate Cover-up

Five Republican state officials have filed suit to halt the investigation into the firing Walt Monegan, who refused to dismiss Palin's ex-brother in-law from Alaska's state police force. Monegan claims that he repeatedly came under pressure from Palin to dismiss the officer, who was engaged in a bitter custody dispute with Palin's sister at the time. Monegan feels he was dismissed for not firing the trooper.

Palin initially welcomed a full investigation but has since appeared reluctant to let it run its course. Todd and Sarah Palin have been accused of pressuring the then-Public Safety Commissioner to fire the trooper and of having him dismissed when he refused. Palin claims Monegan was dismissed over budget disputes and "egregious insubordination".

Before the GOP allies filed this latest suit, the Senate Judiciary Committee issued subpeonas to Todd Palin and 10 members of Palin's administration. The initial probe gained bi-partisan support in the AK Legislative Council but has recently been deemed "partisan" and "tainted" by McCain camp officials who seem intent on stalling or halting it altogether.

We'll keep close tabs on the story as it unfolds, but at this point, Palin's reluctance to allow the investigation to run its course does seem curious.