Relations between Gov. Sarah Palin and top Republican legislators are deteriorating as battles over acceptance of federal stimulus money grow.
Senate President Gary Stevens, R-Kodiak, called Sarah Palin’s statements “absolutely false” that legislators would not meet with her to discuss acceptance of stimulus money.
Legislators have expressed frustration that they could not find out from Palin’s staff about her goals for the stimulus money.
Palin said she “has made her position clear on stimulus funds.”
She left Juneau in the midst of the stimulus debate, but said it was legislative leaders who canceled a meeting with her.
“Governor Sarah Palin was scheduled to participate telephonically in a meeting with legislative leadership today when legislative leaders canceled the meeting to host their own press conference,” Palin said in a press release.
Stevens said that was not true. “I am sorry the governor put this out,” he said.
Palin’s legislative liaison, Jerry Gallagher, declined to comment.
Stevens said Gallagher said Palin declined to meet with them, but instead offered to have staff available instead.
That wasn’t acceptable to legislators, who have been meeting regularly with the governor’s staff.
Palin’s staff, Stevens said, “apparently often have trouble answering questions or making decisions or letting us know the intentions of the administration.”
Oh dear, things are hotting up in Juneau!
Full report: Juneau Empire
Better report: Politico.com
Sarah Palin's press release
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