John McCain selected a "maverick" but it turns out Sarah's about as much a "maverick" as McCain himself. The AP just reported the Troopergate verdict and its not good for Palin: "Panel finds Palin abused her power in safety official's firing." Now both candidates on the Republican ticket have an ethically questionable mark on their political resume. No longer can they pretend to carry the baton for reform.

The McCain campaign's response by Meg Stapleton:

"Today's report shows that the Governor acted within her proper and lawful authority in the reassignment of Walt Monegan. The report also illustrates what we've known all along: this was a partisan led inquiry run by Obama supporters and the Palins were completely justified in their concern regarding Trooper Wooten given his violent and rogue behavior. Lacking evidence to support the original Monegan allegation, the Legislative Council seriously overreached, making a tortured argument to find fault without basis in law or fact. The Governor is looking forward to cooperating with the Personnel Board and continuing her conversation with the American people regarding the important issues facing the country."

There's just one problem with spinning this as a partisan result: "The council include[d] 10 Republicans and four Democrats." I also watched a little analysis on FOX News. They continually pointed out that the trooper Palin wanted to fire tasered a ten year old. This is a truthful statement but does not in anyway counter the findings of the report. The council ruled that Palin's dismissal of Monegan was "proper and lawful," but this was not the principal result of the conviction. Palin "knowingly...permitted Todd Palin to use the Governor's office and the resources of the Governor's office," in direct violation of state's ethical codes.

How many times has Obama or Biden been convicted of ethical violations? Zero. Case closed. Today the Republican Party lost.