Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin’s opinion of her ex-brother-in-law, Mike Wooten, an Alaska state trooper, who Palin allegedly pressured the state's top cop to fire, appears to have darkened only after his marriage to her sister failed in 2005.
When Palin was mayor of the small town of Wasilla, she had been a character reference for Wooten when the Air Force veteran was pursuing a career in law enforcement.In a Jan. 1, 2000, letter of reference, Palin wrote that if “America had more people with the grace and sincerity that mirrors the character of Mike Wooten...we would have a much kinder, gentler, trustworthy nation as a result.
…“I have witnessed Mike’s gift of calm and kindness toward many young kids here in Wasilla,” said Palin’s Jan. 1, 2000 letter written on City of Wasilla letterhead. “I have never seen him raise his voice, nor lose patience nor become aggitated [sic] in the presence of any child. Instead, Mike consistently remains a fine role model for my own children, and other young people in Wasilla.
"I believe the United States Air Force has been fortunate to have the services of Mike these past 10 years. His work ethic, his American patriotism, his obvious dedication to traditional values, and his strong faith in God and truth is witnessed in Mike's everyday living...I do not hesitate in praising this man."
Beyond the contacts from her husband and staff since she became governor in December 2006, Palin was deeply enmeshed in the divorce and custody battle between Wooten and her sister before she was sworn in as governor, according to a review of documents relating to the case.
Palin was protective of her sister, according to court documents.
When Wooten's marriage to Palin's sister soured in 2005, Palin filed several formal complaints against her ex-brother-in-law alleging he engaged in illegal behavior while on duty. But her complaints relied heavily on second-hand information, some of which was later determined to be suspect and unverifiable.
More from the Public Record.
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