Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin (R) denied firing the first Alaska Native public safety commissioner over a family dispute.

Walt Monegan was unexpectedly fired last week. Palin said she wanted to take the Department of Public Safety in a different direction but wouldn't elaborate.

A Republican rival of Palin, however, claims Monegan was fired because he refused to take action against state trooper Mike Wooten, who used to be married to Palin's younger sister.

The Republican, Andrew Halco, said Palin and her family -- including her husband Todd, who is Alaska Native -- pressured Monegan to fire Wooten. The troopers' labor union released documents showing the complaints made by the Palins.

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Palin denies accusation over firing of Monegan (The Anchorage Daily News 7/18)
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