Palin’s Parting Gift to Alaska – Another Constitutional Crisis. Gee, Thanks.
What is there to say? You do what you know. And Sarah Palin knows constitutional crises.
Let’s look back at some of the highlights…
Remember back when former Attorney General Talis Colberg suggested to state employees that it was OK to ignore legislative subpoenas in the Troopergate probe? He was really careful when questioned to say that he didn’t actually tell them not to testify, he merely pointed out that testifying was sort of an “option.” This set off a storm of protest from…well…anyone who knows anything about what a subpoena is.
At odds with the legislature, the posture of Palin’s attorney general’s office could precipitate a “little mini constitutional crisis,” Jay Ramras, a Republican representative who chairs the House Judiciary Committee, said in a phone interview.
Can a constitutional crisis be “little” and “mini?” Is that like a little mini war? Or a little mini divorce? It didn’t have a little mini-ending for Colberg who resigned under pressure.
But wait, there’s more.
Remember back when Juneau Senator Kim Elton took a job in D.C., becoming the Director of Alaskan Affairs at the Department of the Interior? That left a big gaping hole in the State Senate, which just about everyone wanted to fill with Democratic Representative Beth Kerttula. But Kerttula had actually (gasp) criticized Palin, so she would have none of that. She asked for more names from which to pick. Then she chose a guy that became a Democrat two weeks earlier, so he could be eligible for the position. When that didn’t work, she decided to change things around and have the whole Senate vote to confirm instead of just the Dems. When THAT didn’t work, she looked at the list of three names given to her….and picked someone not on the list. When THAT didn’t work, she decided to have “backwards day” and she submitted a list of three names that she came up with, including the first guy who had already been rejected, the second guy who had already been rejected, and another guy who was not even eligible to hold the seat.
Rules shmules. To make a long story short, Juneau did end up with a Senator of the Democrats’ choosing, but not before the entire state legislature had been put through the ridiculous tortured process above.
What have we learned from all this? Basically, if Sarah Palin doesn’t like a rule, she just doesn’t follow it. And then she makes up one she does like, and follows that one. Hence the fact that she’s not cut out for politics, long term jobs, …or anything else that requires adherence to rules already in place. This should make for some interesting stories down the road, but for right now, we’re faced with yet another constitutional crisis; a parting gift from the governor, which brings us to the present day.
Right now, we not only have the governor fleeing the scene, but also her Wasilla High chum Joe Schmidt, the man that lobbied for and got the position of #3 in line for the governorship. He has suddenly decided he doesn’t want the job any more. So with #2 (Lt. Gov. Sean Parnell) now moving to the vacant top spot, that leaves the #2 and #3 spots empty.
Time to enact the usual protocol. When in crisis, make up the rules. In Palin’s hasty good-bye speech, she announced that Alaska National Guard Lieutenant General Craig Campbell would “assume” his position as the Lieutenant Governor. Problem is, the legislature that confirmed Joe Schmidt hasn’t confirm Campbell. It isn’t really his position to assume yet.
Our new acting Attorney General has made a statement. He thinks it’s perfectly fine if the legislature doesn’t confirm Campbell. The legislature doesn’t.
And on top of that, the special session required to confirm Campbell is going to be a multi-day affair that also deals with Palin’s rejection of the stimulus money, and the confirmation of Campbell, who has credebility issues of his own. It’s also potentially going to cost the state hundreds of thousands of unnecessary dollars, thanks to the governor who abandoned the ship of state supposedly to save money.
Senator Bill Weilechowski, on the Shannyn Moore Show this weekend says the only way to avert the latest constitutional crisis is for the governor to stay on a little while longer. If only the solution were something more desirable, like having bamboo shoved under our collective fingernails. She’s already got her first post-gubernatorial gig booked in California for the first week in August. Any bets whether she’ll put her date with the invitation-only, no-media-allowed, Republican women love fest on hold so Alaskans can clean up the mess she made? Don’t hold your breath.
BAM Says
I have information that the illustrous General Campbell has at least 3 IG complaints against him for ethics violations.
________________
Can you elaborate more on this? What were the complaints for? I don’t want you to reveal so much that it might come back to hurt you or your case, but it would be very interesting to hear more about this.
I have information that the illustrous General Campbell has at least 3 IG complaints against him for ethics violations. I know this for a fact because one is from my husband and I. Does ALaska want another crook? He is nothing but a political hack with a phony 3rd tin star.
mlaiuppa – On Shannyn’s show Sen. Weilechowski said Schmidt had changed his mind but they said ‘thanks but no thanks’. He had lobbied for third in line, sent thank you notes to the leg then turned around and said he never wanted the job in the first place when he refused second in line, LG. They have no confidence in him now. Sen. W said he can’t change his mind now – no confidence was an issue w/third in line until the mess SP created at the time and Schmidt lobbied like a maniac.
That’s last I heard, just now catching up on posts/comments from today.
Curiouser said:
“Nothing sounds too bizarre for Sarah. Wasn’t Campbell the guy she accompanied on the overseas jaunt? They had plenty of time to plan a coup!
His appointment may be for less bizarre reasons yet still bad for Alaska if he’s the type of guy that will lie for advancement. I hope Alaskans demand a thorough vetting.”
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
yes, she went to Kosavo with him, he gave her the “clearence” if I remember her tweet correctly.
trouble is I’ve read some very concerning comment posts about him……and that there are at least 3 IG investigations going against him because of his ethics. This is just what I’ve read. there are more, but I don’t remember where I read them.
So he may have his own ethic issues, what happens with that? Is this something the legislators would be privy to? would they have access to military complaints and previous records?
btw…….Shannyn posted this update at huffpo:
“UPDATE: Lieutenant Governor, and soon to be governor, Sean Parnell signed a letter naming Lieutenant General (rank only applies in AK) Craig E. Campbell as his temporary substitute effective upon Lieutenant Governor Parnell’s succession to the Office of Governor July 26.
Parnell called it a “win-win approach to ensuring a clear and secure line of succession to the office of lieutenant governor.”
Parnell is relying on the opinion of the acting attorney general, Dan Sullivan released last week, showing neither party understands the constitutional requirements for succession. Sullivan’s opinion is non-binding and in conflict with those of legislative legal. It makes no difference if Palin or Parnell appoints the replacement for Lt. Gov. if the legislature hasn’t voted to confirm the nomination. A third successor has yet to be named.
Potential crisis not averted by Parnell’s letter. Word of a special session is yet to be finalized.
The new, unofficial Alaska motto: Quit Happens.”
The Alaskan legislature will do nothing to Palin. They have proved time and again that they have no ballz. I feel sorry for all Alaskans that they have elected officials who are so willing to allow someone so ethically challenged to ride roughshod over them. They will simply do nothing as always.
The Troopergate investigation was absolute proof of this. The did nothing with the results of the investigation. They had to be forced by the will of the people to actually do anything about the problem regarding the subpoenas and even what they did do was more or less worthless.
The bloggers and citizens have been the ones who have gotten the truth out there, heck even the local newspapers aren’t willing to do any real investigation into proven issues. They might make a half hearted attempt to show they aren’t 100% in the pocket of the corrupt politicians, but for the most part, they simply ignore the problems, and when they do write about issues, they actually just take for gospel what the administration says. No questions asked.
The ADN has an editorial opinion piece about the “constitutional crisis” which was put up for today. Tuesday. Phil Munger made a point of commenting that others, the bloggers and even outside media had been commenting on this for several days, and how good it was to see the ADN finally get around to covering the story.
I made a response to Phil’s comment pointing out that he made good points and it should be noticed and mentioned that the ADN had the story of Sarah’s PAC donation total & release as the top story on the day it was issued.
They had previously given free advertising to the PAC showing the push for donations before the June 30th deadline and had that story in several places on the website.
That shows their priorities. Just like the legislature. Ignore the bad stuff, do a little complaining in a “fluff”” way so that you can later say you actually did make mention of it, and then move on. Not enough of them care to do the right thing, so it is at the point where people can’t take them seriously.
hmm, this is what can come out in emails….ignoring 15 calls calls from your chief of staff, not so good. Ignoring economic opportunites, not so good either.
http://www.thestate.com/154/story/862957.html?storylink=omni_popular
— The governor allowed some economic development initiatives to take a back seat during his secret trip. Sanford was invited to — but turned down — a dinner invitation June 24 with representatives from a company looking to expand its S.C. operation, according to e-mail records. The company’s name was redacted.
Sanford also declined a June 25 celebration event for a plant expansion by a S.C. business because his schedule was “just absolutely jammed this summer,” wrote a staffer in an e-mail.
Marnie Says:
July 14th, 2009 at 11:59 AM
Wonder what would happen if the Leg, or a leading Legislator or ADN or some such, directly, in writing and verbally, requested of the California group to please reschedule their date with Sarah as her actions have necessitated a crisis calling of a special session and her presence is required, as leader of the state, in order to address the crisis?
Put the PR spotlight on Palin and the Californians as see what they do.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Why Bother? Just impeach her ass…see #111
Wonder what would happen if the Leg, or a leading Legislator or ADN or some such, directly, in writing and verbally, requested of the California group to please reschedule their date with Sarah as her actions have necessitated a crisis calling of a special session and her presence is required, as leader of the state, in order to address the crisis?
Put the PR spotlight on Palin and the Californians as see what they do.
we can’t forget Bobby Jindal’s personal ties with exorcism and healing……..the media was too afraid to touch it.
http://tpmelectioncentral.talkingpointsmemo.com/2008/06/bobby_jindals_dance_with_the_d.php
“And not only did they cast out the supernatural spirit that had possessed his friend, Jindal wrote that he believes that their ritual may well have cured her cancer.
Reading the article leaves no doubt that Jindal — who graduated from Brown University in 1991, was a Rhodes Scholar, and had been accepted at Yale Law School and Harvard Medical School when he wrote the essay — was completely serious about the encounter. He even said the experience “reaffirmed” his faith.”
Oops “(a couple of years ago)”
Martha Unalaska Yard Sign (July 13th, 2009 at 10:57 PM )–and ironically, the Constitution is available as a pocket sized book that could be carried and read anywhere in case someone needed a refresher! It was published 9a couple of years ago) in that form by the Univ. in celebration of 50 years since its writing.
barbara – I totally agree!
99 London Bridges Says: Is Campbell an AIP cessationist? Is Sarah planning a military coup and cessation of Alaska and then having herself installed as Supreme Being?
While you may think this sounds bizarre or strange, it is no stranger than every other thing Sarah has done for the last 18 months.
————-
Nothing sounds too bizarre for Sarah. Wasn’t Campbell the guy she accompanied on the overseas jaunt? They had plenty of time to plan a coup!
His appointment may be for less bizarre reasons yet still bad for Alaska if he’s the type of guy that will lie for advancement. I hope Alaskans demand a thorough vetting.
bucfan (July 13th, 2009 at 8:39 PM)–I think he said this morning on the news that he would/will have to resign from all of his military positions, as they are required to be non-partisan positions and obviously being the Lt. Gov. is a partisan position.
AKM, Thanks for the most excellent crash course in Palin’s crash-and-burn governing style.
I still think there was a final straw on July 2 that royally teed her off. Palin’s governing style also includes some anger when she’s questioned or opposed and she was showing some mighty anger/anxiety on July 3.
These possibilities have been mentioned but I think they’re worth the repetition:
Did she get an unpleasant surprise from APOC regarding her exemption request to disclose Todd’s Artic Cat earnings. Hmmm…Maybe the Personnel Board was having a problem with the AFT ethics complaint. I believe Palin checked with someone re the legality of having a trust PRIOR to the trust set-up. Whoever gave their prior approval might have expected a standard legal defense fund and not the open-ended personal trust that was created. Just wondering’.
Just wondering about the balance of power, checks and balances kind of stuff and if Palin is breaking rules and laws set up by the Constitution wouldn’t it be up to the legs or the justice depart to make sure that those laws are followed? There has been plenty of talk about what the legs could, should, would do and even though the AG is caught up in this mess, wouldn’t the Chief Justice step in if the other two branches of government aren’t able to follow the law? Of course if it has to start from the AG then this question has no point or answer, but if the rules of the Constitution are being broken by the gov, lt gov, in determining who is next in line then who brings them into compliance? Who is charge of doing the right thing?
Palin did not write the WaPO piece nor would she understand it but her name is now attached to it and it will be fun to see her questioned on her op-ed writing and she’ll give that deer in the headlights look and then stammer into her usual nonesence of stupidity.
Imagine this Nut Case as the president (or vice-president) of the US.
WE would, most definitely, have the III World War.
I said before, don’t let her out of the hook. She took the bait, now she CAN’T cost the great state of Alaska ANYMORE money.
Seat down Sarah and do your work… than you can leave.
That will cost her the money she’s going after.
I thought Schmidt reversed himself and said he’d go ahead and serve as Lt. Governor when Parnell moved up.
Does anyone else remember reading this?
If so, it would completely negate the need for a special session (unless they’re going to overide the stimulus veto and impeach Palin.)
Kajo posted a great comment on Phils blog, I would like to post it and I hope Kajo doesn’t mind, but its great and I think if they are going to have a special session…well, hey “only dead fish go with the flow, doncha know”….
KaJo said…
She hasn’t left YET.
I think a state supreme court justice should direct the state troopers to put her under house arrest until these matters are settled.
Then determine how much of these special session costs can be directly attributed to her decisions, then impeach her, then prosecute her for nonfeasance, misfeasance, and malfeasance.
“Misfeasance is determined in relation to privity of contract.
When a contract creates a duty that does not exist at common law, the parties can do one of three things: (1) perform the duty fully; (2) perform the duty inadequately or poorly; or (3) fail to perform the duty at all.
When a party fails to perform at all, it is nonfeasance.
When a party performs the duty inadequately or poorly, it is misfeasance.
Malfeasance is used to denote outright sabotage which causes intentional damage.”
July 13, 2009 2:45 PM
Gotta love this broad, with all the drama and baggage she bring and slings!
Wouldn’t the best deal be to wait out the rest of the month, and then work with the new Governor on appointing a Lt. Gov.? Personally, I think we would best be served by doing what a lot of employers do when offered 2 weeks. Say thanks very much, you can leave now.
Someone put her on a plane heading south, pronto.
i can’t imagine that there’s anyone left who would claim that this woman loves alaska, loves the USA, or loves anything but whatever it is that satisfies her greed. she is truly despicable. what a damn shame for AK. and since i comment very rarely, let me take this opportunity to say i love this blog.
Please Google John Shadegg from AZ: Prior to the last election, Mr. Shadegg announced he was quitting (he is a rabid Republican here in Arizona). The people in his District quite literally begged him to stay (he says) so he un-retired and ran again and won.
Do NOT count your chicken. Methinks the lady wants to be begged to stay to prove her power and majesty.
No way she wrote this Washington Post article, http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/13/AR2009071302852.html
That too without Caps Lock 🙂
AKM, excellent post once again. This should be on Huff Po. It’s a great overview of GINO’s ethics-challenged behavior in very specific terms related to her style of governance (nothing about Arctic Cat or Trust Funds). One hopes that such stark facts would help to open the eyes of some of the star-struck followers (probably wishful thinking, but we can but hope).
The legislature should have it up to their eyeballs with her antics. The public should let them know they too are done with her. This is nothing short of ridiculous. Her opinion on anything at this point should be considered comic fodder.
Quitter-gate
Impeach her for abandonment of duties. There should be consequences for irresponsible selfish decisions. She slid by on troopergate. Put a stop to this infantile behavior. The state of Alaska deserves better than this, she should have given the reigns to Parnell 11 months ago.
Quit enabling her. Impeach Sarah Palin.
To bad the national media isn’t reading Mudflats. They’d change their tune I think. As for the women enamoured….gosh is there the possibility of sending some eye wash?
What a CF, pardon me, and then the options for replacing her are, well, not so great.
This issue needs to be aired around the nation…I wonder how much it has cost to replace other folks around the country, too.
I saw Snoksred’s post that we should discuss the WaPo article elsewhere, but one quick question…is she forming some sort of new political party, she and Liz Cheney?
Lee323 #92 – I agree re: Impeach. When Sen. Weilechowski was on w/Shannyn discussing the Constitutional Crisis and Leg Special Session I wanted to call in and ask if he could add Impeach Palin to the Leg “To Do” list.
Mudflats Alaskans have sent numerous emails to the legislature in the past. If ever there was a time for a call to action it’s now. Ask them to Impeach for Dereliction of Duty and gross indifference to the state of Alaska!
Send out those emails before it’s too late!
I think that it is important to point out that Palin has been positioning people all along with the knowledge that she was going to quit. I seriously doubt that Parnell is going to change anything, he will be Palin-lite, but Palinish nonetheless, which is why he is keeping all of Palin’s people in place.
I would not expect anything different or better from him. I expect he will keep his head down, avoid anything that might lead to an ethics complaint, and keep pushing the Palin plan.
If he does this, then Palin can come back and go,…”See, it was all about attacking me, and all of those things I wanted accomplished got done, so I was right in my decision to step aside, and I have proven that it wasn’t anything I was doing wrong, it was all about those people who just didn’t like me attacking me for partisan reasons”.
Been doing a bit of traveling this summer so sort of out of the loop, but i’m back now and i have to say, this woman never ceases to amaze me. She’s now on some “poor poor pitiful me” tour and actually has convinced many people that she has been hounded, maligned, and just treated miserably by the MSM. What does it take for the 71% of republicans that would vote for her to get the real picture? I’m literally dumfounded by the ignorance and yes, stupidity of a major part of this country’s population.
Ok, i’ll get down off my soapbox now….Nice to be back!
Is Campbell an AIP cessationist? Is Sarah planning a military coup and cessation of Alaska and then having herself installed as Supreme Being?
While you may think this sounds bizarre or strange, it is no stranger than every other thing Sarah has done for the last 18 months.
I agree with AKM when she says that if Palin doesn’t like the rules, she makes up her own. This fits with how George W. performed as president. George W. completely reshaped the presidentcy, insisting that as president he could do whatever he wanted. This had roots in the Nixon presidency, where Dick Cheney worked. Nixon said that the president could do whatever he wanted and that it wasn’t illegal if the president did it. Then George W. took the same view, coached by Cheney.
Palin is almost an idiot savant. She really does seem to have a natural political gift. She seems to intuitively understand that she can do whatever she wants. So far, she has been able to. who is going to stop her?
The Alaska legislature declined to censure her even after they determined that she broke state ethics laws in troopergate.
She can ignore the rules, ignore the law and do whatever she wants. It has already catapulted her onto the national stage. She is pandora herself, released from the box. Woe betide the country.
Tryin’ to play by the rules here ……
Over on the open thread, I just posted a comment about the gravel problem in Eagle – and also a plea to help the guy here who has been doing so much for us since Yukon’s breakup.
Hopefully, here is the link to the comment (if I got it right):
https://themudflats.net/?p=5347#comment-98524
thanks flatters,
YBG
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SameOld Says:
July 13th, 2009 at 11:31 PM
She was able to publish at WAPO because the editorial board is right of Louis XIV. They are so bad they hired Kristol, her BFF.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The WAPO readers tore XGINO to shreds in their comments. Some of the Wingnuts were the harshest.
No wonder she’s willing to campaign for Dems…and now she’s going to Seamy Valley Girls Club with a sign around her neck that says “Will Quit for Food”.
I wonder if there will be anyone old school GOP there willing to call her bullshyte?
I just googled Ivana Trump – Palin’s idol – Interesting, Palin has the same hairstyle! So, now Palin is off to be televised, media-ized, and glamor-ized. … and idol-ized.
We really need to reinforce President Obama to have a successful first term, now that Palin is a Repub pawn – as evident from the Washington Post article that someone else wrote.
She was able to publish at WAPO because the editorial board is right of Louis XIV. They are so bad they hired Kristol, her BFF.
“Any bets whether she’ll put her date with the invitation-only, no-media-allowed, Republican women love fest on hold so Alaskans can clean up the mess she made?”
Well. Since you asked the question. She’ll go with media every time. If there are camera crews flying into Juneau on that day, she’ll be there, too. Also.
It will not shock me a bit, if she actually puts everybody through this, they decide on a special session, and then she appears anyway.
AKM: “To make a long story short, Juneau did end up with a Senator of the Democrats’ choosing, but not before the entire state legislature had been put through the ridiculous tortured process above.”
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Everything in Alaskan politics lately has been a “ridiculous tortured process”……because of SP.
Impeach the twit. It makes eminent sense for the state and the whole country to set this fraud back on her naughty monkey heels. A good defense against this politician’s destructive effects on the whole country is a good offense starting in Alaska. Wouldn’t look too good on her resume that the home folks impeached her, eh? (using the term “resume” very loosely here)
Reasonable people could then carry on with the succession process. It might not be a walk in the park but wouldn’t be the aforementioned “ridiculous tortured process.”
Cause of impeachment? Dereliction of duty and gross indifference to the state. After all….besides Eliot Spitzer and Jim McGreevy, no other governor has just up and quit like Palin in a first term out of about 1200 governors since 1900. By her own admission, she’s been thinking of quitting since last fall and has certainly been chasing that national spotlight with a vengeance since the fall election loss…..to the detriment of her state and constituents.
https://themudflats.net/2009/07/09/first-term-quitters-hall-of-fame/
AKM, you did a great job summarizing the mess. It is beyond frustrating to know this woman is going to be turned loose on America. She is Evil.
valleyindependent, if you google Craig Campbell Alaska state defense force disarmed then you will find a link to the adn that talks about it. I would provide the link but I haven’t been doing so well in that area lately
What a mess, but not really surprising. It’s hard to see how SP could have screwed this up any worse. I don’t see her as a George Bush as much as a Dick Cheney type. She likes to sound so patriotic even while she smirks and undermines her own system of government. Only someone who doesn’t believe in democracy would try to bend the rules this way.
You know what’s funny, and yet not? When Sarah was running for governor, she LOVED to reference Alaska’s constitution as being wonderful, and for the people, blah blah blah. She continued this on into her governorship, but I don’t think she read the damn thing – EVER. She USED it as a tool to sound good to potential voters and made her sound all cuddly about state government.
She USED our constitution for her own benefit, without understanding a thing about it. Sound familiar?
ah crap I left the : out after the first //
Strangelet, found the answer. Had to go all the way to the last line of this article to get it but her you go
http//www.newsminer.com/news/2009/jul/12/craig-campbell-ready-alaska-lieutenant-governor-jo
#80: Ok. Guess it is up to your sense of humor. I have a vivid one and an imagination that soars.
Thanks for your response.
🙂
Strangelet, I have gone back several AG’s and every AG in Alaska as well in other states I have looked at, have also been heads of the states Department of Military and Veteran Affairs. So I won’t assume that it the same person has to occupy both positions, so if anyone knows if there is anything in the Constitution or state law that stipulates one way or the other, I would love to know.
You know, when Palin resigned, I wondered what would happen to this site. It appears that AKM will be in business for a long long time.
Palin has an oped in the WA post slamming Obama’s cap and trade. I wonder if she actually wrote it herself. It doesn’t sound like her.
I asked this question somewhere else, but if it was answered, I missed it. Isn’t Campbell the guy that disarmed the Alaska State Defense Force?
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bucfan Says:
July 13th, 2009 at 10:18 PM
Who knows what Schmidt was thinking. This was a guy who received an overwhelming vote of no confidence from his employees yet she felt he was good enough to be third in line. Who lobbied hard for the job, sent thank you notes, then when it came his time, ran like hell in the other direction. And I would think that even if he didn’t want the job permanently, he could fill it temporarily, someone could be Corrections commissioner on an interim basis, then when Parnell decided on a permanent choice for Lt Gov, Schmidt could slide back to his commissioner job. But now who knows.
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Thank you notes………hmmmmmmm……….I wonder if GINO was the ghostwriter for those, thank you notes are one of her trademarks. And sharp objects in the back. Also. Too.
seattlefan Says:
July 13th, 2009 at 10:13 PM
Hello Dr. Chill…..You posted the same time I did. Can you do my fantasy photoshop with the Time Mag Cover? I truly think that Yoga pose would be hilarious. Just a thought.
====
It doesn’t sound hilarious. I’ll look at it, and see if I can see the joke.
I have not read the Alaska Constitution cover to cover, so some of my remarks are speculative. But that’s never stopped me before, so:
1. No matter what, Palin cannot “appoint the next Lt. Governor.” That office is currently occupied, and will be until after she actually resigns, at which point she will have no appointing authority.
2. She can, at this point, nominate someone to be third in succession. The one piece of the Constitution I’ve seen on this says that this nomination must be confirmed by the Legislature. Now, there is a line of argument that she is empowered to make recess appointments “to offices that normally require Legislative confirmation”. For example, AG Sullivan.
The tricky bit to me is that the #3 succession designation is not really an “office” in the same sense that AG, or Director of Corrections, or Commissioner of Mil Vet, are. The person assigned to the #3 slot remains in his/her existing position until such time as the Lt Gov job goes vacant.
Another issue is: do recess appointments eventually have to be confirmed? If so, then there would be a real problem in this case when the Legislature came to consider the matter, because the individual would now be Lt. Gov., which is not a position subject to Legislative confirmation.
This may be a case where the legality hinges on the intent of the writers of the succession law/clause/whatever it is. This complexity is why it is called a constitutional crisis. I think many Alaskans would like to see a little more detailed analysis from the AG than “Oh, just go ahead”.
3. Regarding Campbell, I’m pretty sure that if he acceded to the Lt Gov-ship, he would have to stop being Commish of Mil-Vet. They are two separate positions in the executive branch (I assume that’s why Schmidt backed out). Conceivably he could continue as Adj Gen, although I don’t know what the upper Guard brass would think — it would be awkward if he had to go active for an extended period.
Impeach Palin……as a parting gift.
tizzielish Says:
July 13th, 2009 at 9:47 PM
I agree with those who suggest that Palin could not have written the op-ed in Tuesday’s Washington Post. it is coherent. It doesn’t say too much. . . but overall, it is coherent.
I wonder why she chose the Washington Post? If she hates the media so much, why does she stoop to use it?
=========
Coherent- thats the tip-off.
She loves the media, as long as it makes her look good.
She’s using them, like they are using her. See #59
This is how Palin gets to do a brain/literacy makeover.
Tweet quotes of Plato, Thomas Pane, Lincoln and Gomer Pyle.
Claim credit for writing something.
Sound credible, and blame her critics for making her look bad in Alaska.
Attacking her family etc …
It took Nixon years to recycle himself into the new Nixon, Now may I present, the REAL Sarah Palin …
(She reads, you know… and she’s got a new best seller…)
My fantasy:
Selling 100,000 copies to SarahPac the RNC and to C4 pee doesn’t get her on the NYT best seller list, ever!
Straight to the Discount rack…
Who knows what Schmidt was thinking. This was a guy who received an overwhelming vote of no confidence from his employees yet she felt he was good enough to be third in line. Who lobbied hard for the job, sent thank you notes, then when it came his time, ran like hell in the other direction. And I would think that even if he didn’t want the job permanently, he could fill it temporarily, someone could be Corrections commissioner on an interim basis, then when Parnell decided on a permanent choice for Lt Gov, Schmidt could slide back to his commissioner job. But now who knows.
Can someone clarify for me? Did I read somewhere that they/Leg only have 5 days from now – to meet the deadline in order to overcome the veto and receive the Stimulus funds?
If they can’t even meet re: the Lite Gov confirmations, doesn’t that mean the end to the rest of AK Stimulus money $arah dumped down the drain? All those “strings attached” weren’t put into place to play Girlie Games with Govs, I would imagine.
Hello Dr. Chill…..You posted the same time I did. Can you do my fantasy photoshop with the Time Mag Cover? I truly think that Yoga pose would be hilarious. Just a thought. Perhaps a couple of those shots would fit in.
Thanks….
Chaim Says:
July 13th, 2009 at 9:50 PM
As I understand it, SP remains GINO until the 26th
==
Yes yes yes.
Let Parnell be sworn in, ask HIM for his nomination, do the state’s business and never look back at Palin.
Sarah’s parting gift includes a Constitutional Crisis and a freaking Time Magazine Cover. I just saw my Time Mag and the cover says “Renegade”
Can you photoshoppers here please do the Time Cover with the pic of Sarah in her Runner World Photo Shoot. The one I envision on the cover of Time with the Title “Renegade” is the one of her doing her yoga pose on one foot with her posed smile. I think it would be hilarious! PLEASE…someone do it.. I don’t know how but it would be a hoot.
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Chaim Says:
July 13th, 2009 at 9:50 PM
As I understand it, SP remains GINO until the 26th. Would it be possible for the Legislature to delay the special session until after Parnell is sworn in as Governor, treat SP’s unconfirmed appointments as having lapsed, and let Parnell name an interim Lt. Governor and Attorney General for the Legislature to confirm? Why should the Legislature spend the time in an expensive special session vetting and debating these appointees that Parnell may not even want?
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I believe Parnell and Palin are orchestrating this to stack the Alaskan govt and Parnell is following Palins instructions faithfully and loyally. All indications are that Parnell does want the Palin appointments to be approved.
One might speculate that Palin & Parnell are even attempting to create such a deep crisis that the Fed can’t help but step in, giving the States Rights wingnuts a reason to revolt? Why did Schmidt step out after lobbying for the position….perhaps so he COULD back out creating such a crisis?
Some believe Sarah Palin’s true agenda is to try to divide the USA and foment a civil war. But that’s just a rumor….or is it?
Please pass the tinfoil, I needs it. Or do I?
Chaim – Your idea makes perfect sense!
@tizzilish
you are thinking exactly as I am. She is running right now and not exactly as a republican. she is using the same tactic/strategy she used in the governors race in Alaska. An outsider! Fight Corruption, Reformer, keeping your tax dollars, lower taxes on business especially small ones.
What if the Legs vote No on Dan S. Sullivan for AG? And then No on Campbell? And YES to impeach Parnell?
At what point can the Leg step up and have the top Legislator assume the duties of the Governor like we do for the POTUS in the case the VPOTUS also cannot serve in the absence of the POTUS?
As I understand it, SP remains GINO until the 26th. Would it be possible for the Legislature to delay the special session until after Parnell is sworn in as Governor, treat SP’s unconfirmed appointments as having lapsed, and let Parnell name an interim Lt. Governor and Attorney General for the Legislature to confirm? Why should the Legislature spend the time in an expensive special session vetting and debating these appointees that Parnell may not even want?
About teleconferencing the legislative session – legislation is like soup … many ingredients that aren’t always visible to the naked eye. They need to talk to each other where they feel safe to reach compromises. It would never happen on the phone and teleconferencing.
I agree with those who suggest that Palin could not have written the op-ed in Tuesday’s Washington Post. it is coherent. It doesn’t say too much. Her ghostwriter stuck to Palin’s main talking points. The ghostwriter slipped in God and personally slams the president. .. the tone is pure Palin, snarky and pious at the same time. . . but overall, it is coherent.
I wonder why she chose the Washington Post? If she hates the media so much, why does she stoop to use it?
Lori, did you note that Parnell expects the legislature to “give its blessing” to Campbell? What a way to speak!
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Aussie Blue Sky Says:
July 13th, 2009 at 9:16 PM
Parnell thinks he has it in hand, but his language is straight out of $arah’s lying mouth.
http://www.ltgov.state.ak.us/news.php?id=4264
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
A non-confirmed AG ruling that a non-confirmed Lt. Gov. can be assigned a role in the chain-of-command succession in the Executive?
I think that future ethics complaints against Parnell may rival those filed against Palin…..
AKM: Palin has an Op-Ed piece in Tuesday’s Washington Post (tomorrow). . . .she comes out against the recent cap-and-tax bill, staking her territory as some kind of energy expert. I guess Palin is not done with politics after all. It looks like she intends to become a national politician and to speechify and write to demonstrate she understands some policy.
She is scary. The phenomenon behind her is scary. Let’s face it. There are people with money who know hot to create a show. They turned George W. into a Manchurian candidate and there are people with power and money who think they can do it again with Palin . . . and, let’s face it, people vote based on superficial stuff.
She’s gonna run for president. She’s running already. And apparently she thinks she is running against Obama.
AKPetMom Says:
July 13th, 2009 at 8:49 PM
Hello, she’s just freakin’ out now because it’s become national news that the lower 48 has enough gas to take care of itself, plus ship more overseas!
If she truly thought about Alaska and Alaskans she’d have paid attention last winter when the news went out that there were a few brow wiping moments in our own Southcentral Alaska gas supplies and suppliers weren’t certain that they would not have to begin a rationing program.
Pipe the gas to Alaskansor to the Bush which suffers through having to heat and fuel their homes with expensive propane takes. Pipe the gas to urban areas THAT ARE RUNNING OUT OF SOURCES!
Energy expert my butt. The article that detailed her leaving the Oil and Gas Commission post that Frank M made for her in lieu of giving her his Senate seat speaks volumes about her knowledge of energy, whether in AK or elsewhere.
I’d love to know who wrote the WaPo article, but actually many of us on this website could have done it for her as many here have much more knowledge of the issues facing this state and country than she does.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I am trying top locate the article you mention above…..link please?
Parnell does say “the legislature’s rights and responsibilities to confirm General Campbell remain intact.” So Campbell will be temporary appointment. Let’s hope (IF this sticks) that the Legs will vet Campbell and vote NO on confirmation asap.
No sooner does Palin quit her responsibilities in AK, leaving her still moving train wreck behind, but now she’s going after the opposing ‘team captain.’ Geez !
Her comfortable analogy of basketball team sport is just too right for her.
She’s drop– uh passed the ball, and is shouting insults from the side lines…
I think this is a tip-off of what is to come. Palin reads the talking points. (SEE ! Even Palin thinks so!) but
if Palin goes off script – She’s not ours… she’s Mavericky.
She’ll try to use the GOP they’ll use her. This risks dividing the GOP base.
Democrats will be tempted to support her for this reason.
Palin will point to her rise in popularity as an indication of something authentic.
Stop her now, unless you want the parties to engage in the high risk game that may weaken and divide the GOP and will be too distracted to engage in an intelligent debate on real issues.
We need real debate on real substantive issues, and not distractions.
Parnell thinks he has it in hand, but his language is straight out of $arah’s lying mouth.
http://www.ltgov.state.ak.us/news.php?id=4264
But…..she just raised almost a million dollars not including the defense fund.
I guess we should not be surprised by Sarah’s popularity. GW was an idiot too, yet popular and elected twice by our fellow American’s.
One day, god willing, she will be exposed for the fraud that she is…….Oops, I thought the same thing about GW. God help us all.
Hi everyone..
Can we try and keep comments on topic, please?
WaPo stuff belongs in the open thread –
https://themudflats.net/2009/07/13/open-thread-home
No need to apologise and thus add more off topic comments – just do me, your fellow commentors, and AKMuckraker a massive favour and post them in the right place next time.. 😉
I see the Palins selling their home, and moving out of Alaska by 2010. She and Todd will buy a house in either Virginia or West Virginia….but only in the Pro-America part of those states. The Wasillabillies will fit right in.
The oil problem is more complicated than Sarah is putting forth. She sees only the cap and trade, but one of the big issues has been insider trading, and manipulation of the price of oil. There is a huge investigation going on in England now in regard to this, and they have people in custody.
You will notice that we have all the oil we need in the lower 48 at a reasonable price now. This is a problem for Alaska being able to market a more expensive fuel product. The whole thing is more complicated now, and she knows what she wants, and can’t get her head around the fact that it won’t work now.
My pleasure Dr. P.
I’m posting a lot that I’ve found about the WaPo opinion piece on the open thread…..
Hello, she’s just freakin’ out now because it’s become national news that the lower 48 has enough gas to take care of itself, plus ship more overseas!
If she truly thought about Alaska and Alaskans she’d have paid attention last winter when the news went out that there were a few brow wiping moments in our own Southcentral Alaska gas supplies and suppliers weren’t certain that they would not have to begin a rationing program.
Pipe the gas to Alaskansor to the Bush which suffers through having to heat and fuel their homes with expensive propane takes. Pipe the gas to urban areas THAT ARE RUNNING OUT OF SOURCES!
Energy expert my butt. The article that detailed her leaving the Oil and Gas Commission post that Frank M made for her in lieu of giving her his Senate seat speaks volumes about her knowledge of energy, whether in AK or elsewhere.
I’d love to know who wrote the WaPo article, but actually many of us on this website could have done it for her as many here have much more knowledge of the issues facing this state and country than she does.
Seagull Junker Palin @ 39
Thank you as well for your answer. I did not get to hear Shannyn’s show.
And I think I finally figured out what is going on with Sarah, in 2004 an entry was place in the Urban Dictionary for Word Salad: An incoherent jumble of words, normally refers to speech observed in schizophrenia” Well? And something else about regarding Campbell; he was Director of Anchorages Office of Planning, Development and Public Works for 2000 to 2003 (under George Wuerch now head of KABATA) until Murkowski put him in his present position. Think George can count on his support for the Knik Arm Bridge? And frankly as a retired Army Officer, I have a real problem with what he did last September when he changed his story. He showed himself more as a politician than an Air Force Officer. He should have just kept his mouth shut. And I am assuming if Campbell has to give up his AG job, Parnell will pick his replacement.
Glenda @ 45 You are making an enormous assumption that $arah wrote that article and/or that she has any level of comprehension regarding cap and trade, energy or the economy.
Yukonbushgrma@42 That’s cool. Maybe they could do it. I guess I am just wondering about their comfort level when they don’t have access to their offices etc. Maybe they would actually be happier to go home at night!
WaPo editorial info s/b on the open thread – I’ve posted some good quotes/opinions there. Thanks!
@Glenda:
“If she is so opposed to a ‘cap and trade’ system nationally, why wasn’t she opposed to it for Alaska?”
======
Good question. I think she wants to have the best of both worlds — but you can’t have that when the speeches you give are diametrically opposed to one another.
She always uses her words to serve herself. Bottom line.
Ok, from what I have been able to research, the Adjutant General of the Alaska National Guard has also held the civilian post of Commissioner of Military and Veteran Affairs. Does Alaska state law prescribe that the same person holds both titles? If so, then if Campbell becomes Lieutenant General, even on an interim basis, does he have to resign as State Adjutant General? He can hold both titles now because technically the Commissioner position is his civilian job, while the AG job is considered a regular reservist position (weekend a month, two weeks in the summer) athough he can put himself on active duty anytime he wants. And while Sarah promoted him to Lieutenant General after he changed his story about her experience leading the Guard during the presidential election, he is still only recognized as a Major General at the federal level.
In regards to the Washington Post Editorial written by ex-Governor Sarah Palin that has been mentioned by earlier commentators, I’m very confused. She says, “I am deeply concerned about President Obama’s cap-and-trade energy plan, and I believe it is an enormous threat to our economy. It would undermine our recovery over the short term and would inflict permanent damage.” Why wasn’t she concerned when under her Governorship Alaska became an observer in the Western Climate Initiative? Which by its own statement is “The centerpiece of the WCI strategy is a regional cap-and-trade program.” (For more info: http://www.westernclimateinitiative.org/index.php). In fact, with Administrative Order #238 one goal is: ” 13. the opportunities for Alaska to participate in carbon-trading markets, including the offering of carbon sequestration”, which is cap and trade. If she is so opposed to a ‘cap and trade’ system nationally, why wasn’t she opposed to it for Alaska?
Why does the Queen get to name who will be Lt. Gov? Shouldn’t Sean have that choice? And THEN the Legislature confirm or not? Campbell is a $arah clone. Sean should get rid of half of all those commissioners. He won’t gain any votes by just continuing along Sarah’s path.
@Doc:
“I think they should have the special session and address all of the confirmations, the stimulus money and do their duty to investigate whether Walt Monegan or $arah Palin committed perjury in the Troopergate investigation. Someone committed perjury and Alaskans deserve to know who.”
=======
AB-SO-TOOT-LY !!!
@35 Dr. Patois:
July 13th, 2009 at 8:24 PM
“Who knows whether there are teleconference facilities available in all of the places the legislators live and they may not live in the same place that their support staff lives etc. etc.”
========
I live in a town of 120 in bush AK, and we have teleconf capabilities. I’m sure that all the legislators and their staff could find a way ……
They could do it.
I think that I have hit on the right diagnosis for $arah, as inspired by multiple personality movies such as “Three Faces of Eve.” I see at least Two Faces of $arah: the crazy breathless lady making the lakeside speech and the brilliant op-ed literate $arah who can write a discourse on energy. I hope that they have camera at the Republican Women Thing; there may be a third face of $arah, perhaps the family-values-mother-who-can-multi-task-and-twitter-at-the-same-time.
John@33 Thanks. I was just wondering how Sullivan gets to decide whether it is okay to appoint Campbell when Sullivan himself has not been confirmed.
Dr. – No, I don’t believe so. The Senator W. on Shannyn’s show said that what he is giving is an opinion, nothing more, and the Senator does not feel it will be followed by the Legislature.
If Sarah BarraQuitter wrote that WaPo opinion piece, I’ll eat my X-traTuffs.
Good call-Doc
Who knows whether there are teleconference facilities available in all of the places the legislators live and they may not live in the same place that their support staff lives etc. etc.
I think they should have the special session and address all of the confirmations, the stimulus money and do their duty to investigate whether Walt Monegan or $arah Palin committed perjury in the Troopergate investigation. Someone committed perjury and Alaskans deserve to know who.
(Laptop keys sabotaged me ….. )
She’s bitter – and deranged.
Dr. Patois: Sullivan has not been confirmed as we was nominated after the legislature adjourned. There is a procedure in the Constitution and state law for making a recess appointment. Not sure if Governor followed that proceedure. It is the same one that could be used to appoint Campbell as third in line, if she followed the procedure.
@29 Micheal Says:
July 13th, 2009 at 8:14 PM
twitter:
rambodoc: RT @DianaHsieh: RT @TreyPeden: RT @pourmecoffee Playing Palin Scrabble. Not a lot of fun. We just make stuff up, get challenged and quit.
————-
YIKES!!!
I’m not a Twitterer (or a twit, I hope…) — but did she really say that?
Would be interesting to read the twits she’s replying to …….
She’s b
Nope, Buttercup did not write the editorial for WaPO. It was too cohorent and legible, which Buttercup could never be. You cant fool us Buttercup!
AKM, has Sullivan been confirmed?
twitter:
rambodoc: RT @DianaHsieh: RT @TreyPeden: RT @pourmecoffee Playing Palin Scrabble. Not a lot of fun. We just make stuff up, get challenged and quit.
Great opportunity to send letters to the editor of Time mag for the screw up that is Gov Iquitarod.
Hate to be slightly off-topic, but I’m really annoyed that Time magazine has our soon-to-be ex-Governor on its cover – talk about rewarding bad behavior. This “renegade,” as Time magazine proclaims, is about to cost Alaska a huge amount of money so that the Legislature can clean up her Constitutional mess and get things back to something resembling normalcy. And she’s off fishing, giving photo-ops and softball interviews, and having ghostwriters submit editorials to the Washington Post under her name. Un-freaking-believable.
This statement sums it up perfectly! (from AKM above)
“What have we learned from all this? Basically, if Sarah Palin doesn’t like a rule, she just doesn’t follow it. And then she makes up one she does like, and follows that one. Hence the fact that she’s not cut out for politics, long term jobs, …or anything else that requires adherence to rules already in place.”
I would add that she obviously doesn’t feel compelled to be accountable to anyone, and relies on Twitter to “communicate” with the world because there is no face to face confrontation, she doesn’t have to elaborate (140 word limitation) and there is no visible push back on Twitter.
I guess in her mind she didn’t have to return phone calls or coordinate her movements and intentions with anyone because she was “tweeting” her actions, thoughts and “accomplishments” (lol!) for the world to see.
You know, with our history of natural disasters, we could do without the disaster known as the Grifter Quitter Gov.
I wonder who will be doing the actual writing of her “serious Op-ed” in WaPo. If SP actually does, there’s no fear of anything written being taken seriously!
11 Jay Says:
July 13th, 2009 at 7:37 PM
Sarah is already getting “serious” in a new WaPost Op-Ed on Obama’s Cap and Trade Plan. Of course she injected God and the mean’n nasty media into an otherwise boilerplate “slam” of the plan, failing again to rise above personal criticism.
************************she may have signed off on it but I don’t think she wrote it. I could understand it, to coherent for her writing
And her legacy continues up there in youcantmakethisupistan… (Credit goes to MUYS. I STILL laugh my ass off each and every single time!)
Link to Jay’s post (#11) –
Sarah is already getting “serious” in a new WaPost Op-Ed on Obama’s Cap and Trade Plan. Of course she injected God and the mean’n nasty media into an otherwise boilerplate “slam” of the plan, failing again to rise above personal criticism.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/13/AR2009071302852_pf.html
So…
– “serious” op-ed in the WaPo.
– big speech in California
Guess she is entering the competition for another, grander “title”
we’ve got a mudpuppy who has had a long muddy road getting to chat but CG is there now! Come join us for a bit so CG’s journey was worth the long haul to get there!
I agree with you a military person as Lt Governor is not a good thing and youi just have to know Cheney had advice to give to Palin as it showed she talked to him.
yukonbushgrma, I was wondering the exact same thing. It could easily be done and would save tons of money. It probably would be expensive, but not nearly as expensive as flying everyone in and paying per diems.
Has Palin or any of her spokes people even addressed this problem today?
oops “Comfortable” – fingers do nt spell good.
I am not at all comforable with a Nat Guard general as Lt. Gov. who got “paid off” with a 3rd star. He IS a tool that we do not need.
I never thought I would say this about ANYONE, but Campbell makes Palin look like a pootie cat. The Legs need to vet him (do not give “pass” because he is military). It may be WAR all over again. And longer time in special session for Legs if they decide (hopefully) not to confirm him as Lt. Gov. Where do these people come from?
Schmidt didn’t want the job after being spurned by her pick of Campbell to replace Parnell at the Lt. Gov. spot… geeze it really IS like high school with her bunch, isn’t it?
-Laz
Thats simple sarah for ya! Scr*w Alaska on the way out. Betcha that not a door she wants to plow through again.
Sarah is already getting “serious” in a new WaPost Op-Ed on Obama’s Cap and Trade Plan. Of course she injected God and the mean’n nasty media into an otherwise boilerplate “slam” of the plan, failing again to rise above personal criticism.
oops, I see you linked to Campbell’s “credibility issues” in your post. sorry AKM.
I have reason to believe General Craig Campbell is another SP. Lies and alienates others. I sent you an -mail AKM, in case you want to do a post warning Alaskans what they are getting with this guy (should he ever take the reins of Gov.) – You may have to go through another WAR all over again, but this Campbell guy may not be good for AK.
$arah would have a big hissy fit if she has to stay, she’s losing money, and power, and all the media attention she needs.
We’ll see just how much she loves her beloved Alaska. Nope, I won’t hold my breath.
Why would it occur to her that she is supposed to work? Didn’t I hear her say that the job’s “just no fun anymore!”? She’s already done, just milkin’ the state for those last two weeks of lameduckitude…
If they have to hold a special session (and it appears that just might be a good idea) — why don’t they do it by teleconference?
Is there any state law/reg saying they can’t do that?
Seems like that might save the state a few bucks …..
Yes, I agree with Village Reader…She would love to be asked to stay. It would never occur to her that she was supposed to work during that time, though. FOr her, it would be photo op time and time to get out those progressing statements re how great she is! woo hoo!
It’s not difficult to understand why Bill Kristol is Palin’s staunchest supporter in Washington – he’s never gotten anything right either.
13 days and counting.
She would look at the request to stay on as proof (in Sarah world) that Alaska really couldn’t do without her. She is that delusional.
But it would give her a chance to un-resign, which follows a familiar pattern… also too winky wink.
How can Sarah Palin legally promote General Campbell to yet another unconstitutional position? Doesn’t the Legislature have to make that decision? What’s more, I know for a fact that he has at least 3 ethics violations being investigated by the IG from the Pentagon. He is basically a political vulture who will do anything for power. She gave him the 3rd tin star which was unprecedented and now this illegal promotion. Does Alaska need another crook in the State House?