Todd Palin: I Did Try to Have Trooper Fired

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Oct 9, 2008 3:28 AM CDT

(Newser) – Todd Palin tried to convince several Alaska officials to support firing a trooper who was divorcing his sister-in-law, reports the Anchorage Daily News. But in a sworn statement, he denies interfering with his wife's job as governor and says he played no role in the firing of a safety commissioner who refused to ax the trooper. The governor and commissioner had a history of bad blood, including an erroneous complaint from the official that his wife failed to place their infant in a safety seat, said Palin.

Palin defended his role as advisor to his wife. "Anyone who knows Sarah knows she is the governor and she calls the shots," Palin wrote to investigators. "I make no apologies for trying to protect my family and to publicize the injustice of a violent trooper keeping his badge." The Troopergate probe into alleged abuses of power is expected to make its findings public tomorrow.

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This Oct. 21, 2006 file photo shows Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin standing beside her husband, Todd Palin, in Anchorage, Alaska. (AP Photo/Al Grillo, file)

Sarah Palin, right, holds hands with her husband, Todd Palin, as they walk to board the campaign charter to leave Dallas, Friday, Oct. 3, 2008. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

Republican vice presidential candidate, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, waves as she arrives with her husband Todd Palin at Love Field in Dallas, Friday, Oct. 3, 2008. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

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I have heard criticism that I am too involved in my wife's administration. My wife and I are very close. We are each other's best friend. I have helped her in her career the best I can, and she has helped me. - Todd Palin

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