Palin’s lawyer is at it again… Remember him? Thomas Van Flein? Last time I wrote about him, I talked about my irresistable urge to pronounce his name with an accent. It’s such a good villain name. Well now, not only am I typing his name with an accent, but in light of his new shenanigans, I’ll add a thin twirly moustache. So what have you been up to now….Van Fleinnn??

After his last attempt to derail the ethics investigation into Palin’s firing of Public Safety Commissioner Walt Monegan falied, he’s trying again. This time, instead of Senator Hollis French, he’s going after retired prosecutor turned special investigator Stephen Branchflower.

“Steve Branchflower is a highly respected prosecutor and public servant,” said Sen. Hollis French, D-Anchorage. “If there were wrongs committed, he will find them. If there were not, he has the professional experience and good judgment to say so.”

Apparently Mr. Van Flein has another opinion. He says that both Hollis French, and Stephen Branchflower are friends of Walt Monegan, but didn’t say upon what he was basing that statement. He also requested copies of all emails having to do with the hiring of Branchflower, and emails among the legislative council to Branchflower and French.

In July, Palin said she did nothing wrong and that she welcomed an investigation. Now, after becoming McCain’s running-mate, and with the outcome of the investigation set to come on October 31, just 5 days before election day, any roadblock will do. No more welcome wagon.

So far, the Legislature has successfully dodged attempts to delay the investigation. Will they be able to fend off Van Flein’s latest diabolical scheme? Stay tuned.