NYT: Palins And Aides Pushed For Trooper Firing

The New York Times drops a hammer on the Palins' claims that they never pressured Walt Monegan to fire her sister's ex-husband, finding evidence for dozens of calls pressuring Monegan to fire the state trooper. The NYT also found that Monegan's successor was pressured as well.

Perhaps most importantly, the NYT uncovered clear evidence contradicting the Palins' claim that Monegan's own firing had nothing to do with his refusal to fire Palin's ex-brother-in-law.

Immediately after Mr. Monegan's firing, Ms. Palin said her intent was to change the department's direction. (She declined to be interviewed for this article.) She has since offered a variety of explanations for his ouster, most recently accusing him of insubordination and opposing her fiscal reforms.

As evidence, she has contended, among other things, that Mr. Monegan arranged two unauthorized lobbying trips to Washington. But according to interviews and records obtained by The New York Times both trips were authorized by the governor's office.

Can you imagine the vindictive personal drama that would ensue if Sarah Palin were ever actually elected Vice President or President?