Palin pleads her case in abuse-of-power inquiry

The US Republican vice-presidential candidate took time out from campaigning to give her side of the 'Troopergate' controversy to Alaska's Personnel Board. Sarah Palin has already been chastised by one inquiry for abusing her position as governor, by trying to get her former brother-in-law fired as a State Trooper after a messy divorce from Palin's sister. She is hoping this latest investigation will clear her of any wrongdoing. The Republican presidential candidate John McCain, in the battleground state of Colorado, concentrated on trying to paint his opponent as someone who will raise taxes. He said: "The answer to a slowing economy is not higher taxes, but that is exactly what is going to happen when the Democrats have total control of Washington. We can't let that happen." Michelle Obama was holding the fort for the Democrats' candidate at Columbus in Ohio. Her husband had also taken time-out from the campaign. He was visiting his ill grandmother. Observers say that could help voters see a more personal side of Obama, who has been criticised for appearing aloof. Urging people to use their vote, Mrs Obama said they were taking no notice of the favourable polls, which give her husband a 9 point lead over McCain. She said he would continue to campaign in the final days as though he were 20 points behind. Polls show Obama likely to win all the states won by John Kerry last time, plus a few that went to Bush.

EuroNews | October 25, 2008

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