The Alaska Legislature voted to spend up to $100,000 to investigate the firing of the state's first Alaska Native public safety commissioner.

Walt Monegan was fired unexpectedly by Gov. Sarah Palin (R) earlier this month. He said was being pressured to fire a state trooper who was married to Palin's sister.

Palin has denied asking for the trooper's dismissal. But her husband, who is also Alaska Natives, and members of her administration repeatedly pressed Monegan on the issue.

Monegan's replacement is causing more trouble for Palin because he failed to disclose that he was reprimanded for harassment against a female subordinate.

Get the Story:
Hired help will probe Monegan dismissal (The Anchorage Daily News 7/29)
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Lawmakers formally call for investigation into Palin's Public Safety firing (AP 7/28)

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