Palin: No more comments on 'Troopergate'

ANCHORAGE, Alaska, Sept. 24 (UPI) -- Republican U.S. vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin says she will no longer discuss the so-called Troopergate probe with the media.

The state investigation into Palin's move as the governor of Alaska to fire its public safety commissioner will now be regarded as a "confidential" at the request of the new lead investigator, a Palin spokeswoman told CNN Tuesday.

The Alaska state Personnel Board has hired Anchorage attorney Timothy Petumenos to lead its inquiry into whether Palin fired former Alaska Public Safety Commissioner Walt Monegan for refusing to help her settle a personal score her ex-brother-in-law, an Alaska state trooper. Palin spokeswoman Meg Stapleton said the nominee is cooperating with Petumenos.

"The governor waived confidentiality and Mr. Petumenos has just stated as of this moment that he would like for things to remain confidential," Stapleton said. "So that is why we are telling you as of today, we are no longer going to be discussing aspects of this as directed by Mr. Petumenos."

Palin, however, has dropped a pledge to cooperate with a Troopergate probe being conducted by Democrats in the Alaska Legislature, which she says has been tainted by partisan politics.