Lawmakers: McCain campaign blocking probe

ANCHORAGE, Alaska, Sept. 26 (UPI) -- Republican presidential candidate John McCain's campaign is attempting to block an inquiry into Alaskan Gov. Sarah Palin, lawmakers allege.

Lawyers for Alaskan Sen. Hollis French, D-Anchorage, and attorney Stephen Branchflower, the individuals behind the inquiry, allege in court filings that the Republican vice presidential candidate is being protected regarding the firing of her public safety commissioner, CNN reported Friday.

"Indeed, recent events demonstrate that witnesses or participants who want to stonewall Mr. Branchflower's fact-finding inquiry can count on plenty of assistance from lawyers and McCain campaign operatives," the lawyers allege.

The accusation comes after a number of top aides and advisers to the Alaskan governor honored subpoenas and appeared before a state Senate committee panel.

Former Public Safety Commissioner Walt Monegan has accused Palin of firing him because he refused to fire her former brother-in-law from the Alaska State Police. Palin has denied the accusation.

CNN said Palin supporters have struck back against the lawmakers behind the probe, filing a lawsuit that names the Alaska Legislative Council and its chairman, state Sen. Kim Elton, D-Juneau, as co-defendants.