Ethics Report Zeroes in on Todd Palin

First Dude had 'significant influence' over state politics

By Jess Kilby, Newser User

Posted Oct 12, 2008 5:45 AM CDT

(Newser) – Sarah Palin is back in the headlines with official findings that she abused her power as governor of Alaska—but her husband is the main character in the 300-page tome issued by the state legislature last week, reports AP. Alaska's “First Dude” spent half his time in Palin’s office and had “significant influence” over state affairs, including the firing of a public official that led to the ethics investigation.

In addition to the dozens of conversations Todd Palin had with state officials during his campaign to get his former brother-in-law fired from his state trooper job, Palin was also copied on official emails about various state issues. The McCain campaign defended Palin's role as a political spouse, comparing him to first wives Eleanor Roosevelt and Hillary Clinton.

[Images (2)]

[Quotes (2)]

Todd Palin attends the Grass Drags and Water Crossing snowmobile event in Fremont, N.H., yesterday. (AP Photo/Cheryl Senter)

Todd Palin and four-time Iditarod winner Martin Buser greet McCain supporters yesterday at a barbecue at the Moosehead Trail Trading Post in Palmyra, Maine. (AP Photo/Joel Page)

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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's affidavit to state investigators

Any time I needed to get information to the governor, I would always go through Todd.
- Gary Wheeler, a member of Gov. Palin's security detail

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Ethics Report Zeroes in on Todd Palin