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Palin Threatens Defamation Lawsuits

By Mat Probasco,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 5, 2009 7:47 AM CDT

(Newser) – Why Gov. Sarah Palin has chosen to leave office well before the end of her term is anyone's guess; but watch what you say, reports the Anchorage Daily News. An attorney for the soon-to-be-ex-governor threatened yesterday to sue anyone publishing "defamatory" stories about Palin—including rumored criminal investigations into her administration.

The lawyer singled out a pesky Alaskan blogger who has suggested Palin quit because of a federal investigation, telling MSNBC the Alaska governor's resignation speech was "damage control for news that's coming up later." Rumors have long dogged Palin that she steered contracts for the 2003 construction of the Wasilla Sports Complex when she was town mayor, which the press has implied may be linked to the financing of her $532,500 home.

Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin appears at an event with two of her children.
Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin appears at an event with two of her children.   (AP Photo/Al Grillo, File)
Thomas Van Flein, attorney for Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, has threatened legal action against anyone defaming her.
Thomas Van Flein, attorney for Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, has threatened legal action against anyone defaming her.   (AP Photo/Al Grillo)
Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin announces that she is stepping down from her position as Governor in Wasilla, Alaska.
Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin announces that she is stepping down from her position as Governor in Wasilla, Alaska.   (AP Photo/The Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman, Robert DeBerry)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 35 comments
Derni
Jul 6, 2009 12:24 PM CDT
will she ever just go away-she is sad and so is the media-she is a nobody that the Republicans-are they still a party?-anyway-that they put on a stage-she didn't have experience and her lack of political ability shows more and more each day-would she go away and would the news medai leave it alone-we have more important issues out there
SBS
Jul 6, 2009 12:12 PM CDT
Hopefully someone can answer a question for me. If, and I am only saying if, there is an investigation of corruptness what difference does her resignation make? If she committed a crime could she still not be investigated for it and if found guilty be sentenced regardless of if she is still in office?
Newser001
Jul 6, 2009 3:42 AM CDT
The Alaskan Sate Attorney General stated, it would be extremely difficult to loack such assertions, as Palin is a person of public stature and pursuant to the right of such scrutiny. The threats must be pursued privately, not with public funds, and would be, in the end, pointless - Pouring money into a black-hole. It's likely those making the assertions will receive financial backing, if challenged in the court of law.

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