Palin critic files ethics complaint alleging misuse of office by former aides of ex-governor

Critic files complaint against Alaska officials

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — A longtime critic of Sarah Palin on Friday filed an ethics complaint alleging past aides of the former Alaska governor misused state resources during her run as the Republican vice presidential candidate.

Andree McLeod filed her complaint with the state attorney general’s office.

Five other ethics complaints filed by McLeod against Palin or her staff have been dismissed, although one included a recommendation that ethics training be provided for a staffer who made questionable comments in e-mails. A sixth complaint by McLeod is pending.

In the latest grievance, McLeod maintains eight staffers in the former governor’s office violated the Alaska Executive Branch Ethics Act by using state time, property and resources to benefit the campaign of presidential hopeful John McCain and running mate Palin.

Judy Bockmon, an assistant attorney general and the state’s ethics attorney, said ethics complaints being investigated are confidential and she cannot comment on their status or whether they even exist.