The Alaska Supreme Court has refused to halt an investigation into Governor Sarah Palin's firing of the state police chief, paving the way for the release of the findings today.
The Supreme Court dismissed the case brought by five state Republican legislators who sought to stop the investigation, claiming it was unconstitutional and tainted by partisan politics.
The investigation, known as Troopergate, took on national importance after Republican presidential nominee John McCain picked Ms Palin as his running mate.
The Alaska Legislative Council, a bipartisan committee of 14 lawmakers that conducts business when the legislature is not in session, voted unanimously on July 31st to investigate the governor's July 11th firing of Alaska Public Safety Commissioner Walt Monegan.
The commissioner said he was dismissed for refusing to fire state trooper Mike Wooten, who was involved in a divorce and custody battle with Ms Palin's sister. The governor has said she didn't pressure Mr Monegan and dismissed him because of budgetary disagreements.
The Legislative Council's independent investigator is scheduled to deliver his findings Friday morning in Anchorage.
The state Supreme Court said it will issue an opinion later explaining its dismissal of the challenge.
In a sworn written statement to the investigator, Todd Palin, the governor's husband, said Mr Wooten was a danger to the Palin family and public. The police officer threatened to kill the governor's father, he said.
Mr Palin also acknowledged in his statement that he spoke to numerous state officials, including Mr Monegan, about wanting Mr Wooten fired. He said he didn't pressure Mr Monegan to fire the trooper.
Bloomberg