GOP Plays Down Book-Ban Controversy

Sarah Palin’s inquiries into book-banning were hypothetical and entirely appropriate, a McCain campaign spokesman said today, trying to clamp down on the growing online controversy. As mayor of Wasilla, Palin on three occasions asked the head of the library if she’d have a problem with banning books. The librarian said she would, and Palin soon fired her, saying she didn’t feel she had her “full support.”

Palin reinstated the librarian the next day after a public outcry, according to newspaper reports at the time. “Sarah Palin has never asked anyone to ban a book, period,” said the campaign spokesman, saying that she had inquired because a patron had asked the library to remove a book the year before. Library records show no such challenges.   (More censorship stories.)