Politico covers the unprecedented number of ethics complaints against Sarah Palin.

The complaints run the gamut, ranging from the governor’s use of state funds and staff to the workings of her political action committee and even to a jacket she wore to a snow machine race involving her husband.

It’s difficult to pinpoint exactly how many complaints have been filed because the state doesn’t keep count and the complaints are kept confidential by the attorney general’s office unless the state moves forward with a public accusation of wrongdoing. But in total there have been more than a dozen, and most of those have surfaced in the last seven months. (I believe it is now up to 14.)

That much is clear because the complainants have a habit of notifying the media and bloggers each time they lodge a grievance. It’s evidence, say Palin’s defenders, that there is a clear political component to them. (That is true.)

“As we've been saying, the number of ethics complaints filed against the governor and her staff — as well as the tortured logic they contain — continue to constitute the most disturbing trend in Alaska politics,” said Palin spokeswoman Sharon Leighow in a recent statement after one ostensibly confidential complaint was sent to the Anchorage Daily News and other news outlets. 

“In the past several months, we have seen an orchestrated effort by the governor’s opponents to make differences of opinion and ideology almost criminal,” said Mike Nizich, the governor’s chief of staff, in a statement. “Governor Palin has spent a considerable amount of time and money fighting ethics complaints – and no charge has been substantiated. I hope that the publicity-seekers will face a backlash from Alaskans who have a sense of fair play and proportion. I served six previous governors, and I’ve never seen anything like the attacks against Gov. Palin.” 

You know that is an interesting point.  Why are there more "attacks" against Sarah Palin, than there were against previous governors?  I will admit that she has been the subject of a lot more scrutiny and negative press than Murkowski, Knowles, Hickel, Cowper, Sheffield, Hammond, and Egan all rolled together.  And obviously she has been the recipient of FAR more ethics complaints.

Why?

I think that some part of the reason must be attributed to her stint as John McCain's running mate.  She essentially left her post and than became the living breathing symbol of Alaska to the lower 48 as well as the rest of the world.  And that would not have been so bad if she was not so completely incompetent.  She was a national embarrassment to our country, to the GOP, and especially to Alaska.

And she left with an ethics charge, that she filed,  pending against her over the firing of Walt Monegan.  She could hardly have done more to leave a bad taste in our mouths.

So she came back to increased scrutiny and a lot of negative feelings.

I think many Sarah supporters would like us to believe that it is because she is a woman.  But that is a cop out. 

As Progressives, we are the most compassionate and accepting of the female politician, being a woman is not Sarah's cardinal sin on our eyes. It is being deceptive.

You see Governor Palin came to power by promising to clean up Alaska politics.  She supposedly had gone up against the hard line Republicans and was offering a new and more transparent kind of politician. 

But those were just words, she is anything BUT transparent.  As a matter of fact she may be the most blatantly duplicitous politician since Bill Clinton, and at least as big of a liar as Rod Blagojevich. You see this is not a strictly partisan issue either.  I recognize that the Democrats have a number of ethically challenged members as well, and would support somebody filing charges against them if there were a need.

But Governor Palin is OUR ethically challenged politician and therefore it is up to us to hold her accountable.  And I can tell you that there are definitely more problem coming her way from a variety of sources. 

You know just between you an me, sometimes i feel a little sorry for Sarah Palin.  I would love it if she would leave politics and simply pursue a career in broadcasting or entertainment or something.  I might even be able to bring myself to say some positive things about her.  No really.

And do you know what?  I would like to sit down with the Governor for a no holds barred interview.  No public relations people.  No Bill McAllister staring at her butt, or Meg Stapleton staring at mine, just the Governor and I having a frank conversation.  

She might not hate it.  I am actually getting kind of good at it.  My last one went quite well and the lady I interviewed left with a smile on her face.  

Come on Governor, the blogger meets the Governor?  Sounds like a winner to me.  Besides it is not like we have not talked before.