Investigator Seeks Subpoenas for 13 in Palin Probe

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — The investigator looking into whether Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin abused her power in trying to fire her former brother-in-law is asking state lawmakers for the power to subpoena 13 witnesses and the phone records of a key Palin aide. The probe has taken on new significance since Republican presidential candidate John McCain picked Palin as his running mate. Retired prosecutor Stephen Branchflower made the request of the state House and Senate judiciary committees, which are expected to approve the request. His inquiry focuses on whether Palin fired her public safety commissioner because he had refused to dismiss state trooper Mike Wooten. Wooten went through a messy divorce from Palin’s sister. (link)