Palin won't release Troopergate deposition

ANCHORAGE, Alaska, Dec. 5 (UPI) -- Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin says she will not release a transcript of her testimony in an ethics probe into her dismissal of Alaska's top law enforcement officer.

At issue was whether the former Republican vice presidential nominee violated state ethics laws when she fired Walt Monegan, the state's public safety commissioner, for his refusal to fire her ex-brother-in-law from the state police, the Anchorage Daily News reported Friday.

Investigators looked into whether Palin and several top aides pressured Monegan to fire Trooper Mike Wooten, who was engaged in a bitter divorce and child custody dispute with Palin's sister. Palin later fired Monegan.

A legislative investigation concluded that Palin acted legally in firing Monegan but violated state ethics law in pressuring him to fire Wooten. However, a state Personnel Board report released the day before the November election cleared Palin of charges she violated state ethics law.

Palin spokeswoman Sharon Leighow said the matter is closed.

"We see no public purpose in artificially prolonging this controversy," she said. "Two investigations concerning this matter have been conducted and concluded; we are not going to relitigate this in the media now."

The governor's office also refused to release a transcript of the deposition by Palin's husband, Todd.