Thursday Morning Comment: Footnote

July 22, 2009: It was a footnote, but it lept off the page as big as the findings in bold type.

One of the most interesting tidbits tucked into a finding of probable cause that Governor Sarah Palin's legal defense fund violated state ethics laws, was the footnote at the bottom of page 8.

The report written by independent investigator Tom Daniels, found that because there wasn't an exception in the state's ethics codes for legal defense funds, as it stood, there was probable cause to believe the creation of the fund violated the provision against a governor using their office to enrich their position, in this case by paying off Palin's personal legal bills.

The finding of probable cause means the case can be moved to the next phase of the investigation, which includes greater information gathering. Both the governor and her attorney, Thomas Van Flein, have said they plan to follow the process to the end.

But again the footnote on page 8.

"I would note here that the state hired outside counsel to represent Governor Palin in her official capacity with respect to the Legislative Council investigation concerning the firing of Public Safety Commissioner Monegan. The governor's counsel later advised he was terminating the contract because of his efforts relating to the claims against the governor alleging personal misconduct. The attorney general advised that it expected to be billed for representation of the governor in her official capacity, but the attorney general has not received a billing from the governor's private attorney."

The governor's private attorney hadn't sent in a bill to be reimbursed by the state, for work he did ten months ago?

But yet these folks are begging cash off fixed income seniors in Iowa through their legal defense fund?

It sounds like Van Flein doesn't need more billable hours, sounds like he needs a billing clerk. 

And just a few questions; is the amount that the state has already agreed to reimburse Van Flein part of the $500k in fees his clients owe him? And how much of his $500k in bills includes the first dude's share?

Lets face it with Todd Palin grousing about his former brother in law to everyone who would give him three minutes; his impact on Troopergate legal fees must have been staggering. Think about it; no Todd Palin would mean no depositions from Bitney, Tibbles, Monegan, Glass, Bailey, Frye, and four thousand other state employees who had to endure Todd Palin's obsession with State Trooper Mike Wooten.  

Seems to me it would be nice for to see an itemized bill but then again if public money isn't paying a dime, it's a personal expense.

Maybe that's why Van Flein hasn't invoiced the state.

That can't be because...we were told this was not politics as usual. And this is definitely not politics as usual...no way....uh huh.   

Our friend at Mudflats has a take:
http://www.themudflats.net/2009/07/22/alaska-fund-trust-who-knew/