In an unusual Saturday hearing, retired Superior Court Judge Winston Burbank ruled that the public's right to know about candidates outweighed Miller's right to privacy.
Burbank ordered no release until Tuesday afternoon, however, to allow for the decision to be appealed to the Alaska Supreme Court.
The judge said at least some documents being sought would not be released, and some would be redacted.
The case was brought by a group of Alaska news media organizations, who have been trying since summer to see borough documents concerning Miller's employment as a part-time borough attorney.
Miller, the Republican nominee for Senate in a tight three-way race, fought the lawsuit, arguing that any release of personnel records violated his privacy rights.
Miller's lawyer, Thomas Van Flein, said after the ruling that he was unsure whether it would be appealed.
Sweet! Perhaps finally we will learn just what is in this personnel file that has Joe Miller is a state of panic.
Here is a video of an interview with Jim Whitaker, the ex-mayor of the Fairbanks North Star Borough, that might give you some idea as to just why Miller is working so hard to keep the public from gaining access to this file. (H/T to Progressive Alaska.)
It's quittin' time, Joe.
ReplyDeleteThere was a time when politicians were eager to talk to the press. They'd get off a plane, bus -- whatever -- and home-in on the cameras.
ReplyDeleteNo matter what their views were they were willing to discuss and defend them, perhaps because they really believed what they were saying ... brvsidr they would eat their own dog food, walk their own talk.
These teabaggers are a different breed. They're hiding something.
So, how's that privacy, running away from the press thing workin' out for ya Joe?
ReplyDeleteI thought so.
Call Matt Felling at KTVA TV. He's interviewing all three senate candidates next week and is asking for questions. Some of us are encouraging him to ask Joe about his "disability."
ReplyDeleteMatthew T. Felling
Anchor/Reporter
KTVA -- CBS 11 Anchorage
p) 907-273-3157
Just more of the same from Joe Miller, coming Tuesday:
ReplyDeleteDeny, Deny, Deny....Admit
Has a single 'rumor' or 'innuendo' or 'slander' been disproven yet? Can anyone name one?
sweet! let's hope that there is plenty in the file to give people pause, and that there is enough time before election day to get the word out, but not enough time for joe to cover up and parse and walk back what is found in that file.
ReplyDeleteand gryphen, please do tell what other surprises we have in store about joe the miller!
I'm not pro Miller and have already voted for McAdams via absentee ballot, but why in the hell wasn't Palin gone after like what we've seen on a day-to-day basis with Miller?
ReplyDeleteI certainly hope this much investigation is done to her should she run for President. In my opinion she is far, far worse than Miller ever thought of being!
Her husband, Toad, should also be included in investigation matters -as they relate to Alaska. I would suggest past employment records, actual proof of a college degree from Idaho, income tax returns, PACs information/records, medical records, more investigation as to the suits that were filed against her and saying no merit to them by the Personnel Board when she was governor and after she quit, non qualified classmates being appointed to her administration, discrimination as to the first people of Alaska and black folks and on and on and on.
stick a fork in him he is DONE
ReplyDeleteHey Joe Miller for Senate: Andrew Halcro is claiming that you and your team of Boroughgate lawyers wanted to take a statement from him about your employment in Anchorage, or something related to that. Based on his post it does not seem that he is cowed, or that he will be very cooperative either.
ReplyDeletePerhaps you might want to reevaluate this idea?
This whole concept of suing to keep things secret combined with conducting investigations or even just attempting to do so seems kind of strange, especially for someone who claims to be running for election. In any case is it really working to stifle the discussion?
Now if there is something really bad in those records then everyone will understand why you are doing this. But why would anyone think that? After all both you and your father have already told us what happened. And it doesn't really seem that unusual. Everyone does things like that after all. Especially if they are running for student council president, and are not that well liked.
The press and voter reaction on this latest 'idea' may be similar to that of: the 'arrest' of Tony Hopfinger, your line in the sand, the unconstitutional unemployment benefits received, and some other recently festering issues.
Just to be sure that it is not all in my head I googled the three words Joe Miller hypocrisy.
Google reports 334,000 results for this- I checked the first 20. All 20 did have content related to Candidate Joe Miller, along with things such as farm subsidies, unemployment benefits, some troopergate lawsuit?! and so on.
I started to make a list of how many of the 20 referred to each, but it quickly became obvious that they each referenced a different collection of events. There are many events to choose from- according to various sources. The number of possible combinations of things used to illustrate hypocrisy is totally off the hook.
There were 19 different sites listed in the 20 returns. Most of these appear be outside. They probably will soon be aware that you might have some questions for them- and will be waiting for your call. I say call because I can't imagine that you'd send DropZone or similar on any out of state missions. Unless the Koch boys have been stuffing your stocking more than we know yet.
Now just like building a wall on the nations border (as East Germany did) the most totalitarian approach to these bad press and blog incidents might be a combination of arrests- (give DropZone a call?), and shutting down the tv, newspapers, and the internet. Not that I think you'd try that. Otherwise I wouldn't post it where your staff will read it.
The last thing that was nearly forgotten-
Wonkette did not appear in the first 20 search returns. IIRC there are a few posts there the links are- well you can google them yourself if you wish. Perhaps Wonkette Miller runs screeching?
Gryph everytime I see this picture of ole Joey it reminds me of someone out on about a 4 day bender trying to explain himself.... never works for a drunk either Joe...
ReplyDeleteWonder if ole Joe is going to show up tomorrow at the debate?
ReplyDeleteI get more than a little agitated when a judge makes a ruling a ruling like this one. For their part they try to act like the socially conscious arbitrator and make it sound like the people actually won a great victory when in fact the give the fish a huge huge hole in the net of justice to swim through.
ReplyDeleteFirst Von Fleabag and Hobo Joe have until Tuesday to appeal which they surely will and tie the matter up till after the election. Second if they decide to allow some information to be released it could be so seriously redacted that it sheds little to no light on the issue.
No matter Hobo Joe has been broadsided by the bloggers and lamestream media to the point that his candidacy is in serious jeopardy of sinking with its master at the helm.
Even if he does win this ruling and subsequent information might be grounds to have him recalled.
Keep up the good work Gryphen and all the others who are trying to tip Hobo Joes canoe over.
Gryphen, please check your e-mail.
ReplyDeleteMiller the LIAR (appearing on CNN)is trying to justify that he used the borough computers on his lunch hour (as if THAT makes it ok, lol) - BUT, Miller HAD no lunch hour (his shift started at 2 p.m.).
Remember - just a few days ago, he said the records could not be released because the borough would not give permission? Then, as soon as they said they were "ok" with it, Joe tried to stop the release himself.
LIE ATOP LIE ATOP LIE -
At this point, the cover-up is likely worse than the "crime."
anon @ 6:30 - no worries, it is surely a done deal (by Rove and Romney) by now, IMO.
ReplyDeleteThey've had 2 years to finally vet the Palins, and I suspect their files are thick and juicy.
I read that and there are things that can be kept out-- any idea what they are?
ReplyDeleteWhat if Joe has just been grandstanding to hide nothing? I seriously doubt it, but the laugh will be on us if the important stuff is kept out or just never existed.
How much you want to bet the bots go after Burbank, accusing him of being an advocate judge for Obama?
ReplyDeleteIt's true, people who knew what public service stood for and whether their mettle, fortitude and baring could measure up - they ran for office and conduct themselves in the manner appropriate.
ReplyDeletePalin, her gang of thugs and the Joe/setta Six Packs she's inspired to run in her example run for one purpose only, they can't wait to have power. They can't wait to have access to the power structure and resources to go after people. Joe's one litigious bastard, crying to the troopers, police and courts at any chance.
He's trouble, he reeks of paranoia and self-importance. Can you imagine a Senator Joe pointing his high powered paranoia at you, Private Alaska citizen?
To think Sarah thought she was worthy for a Senate appointment once. . .
ReplyDeleteOl Joe's being put through the ringer. Perhaps the lesson has been learned and Alaska is not going to take this unvetted shit anymore. Maybe she's actually done us a favor?
And maybe, maybe these sobering developments (and his resignation from the race or a resounding loss) may put a damper on Sarah's escalating rhetoric about plowing down the door to run for POTUS.
Response to Phil Munger @ 6:09
ReplyDelete(I am having trouble posting at your "Progressive Alaska" blog):
Here is an e-mail address for Matt Felling, for those who want to submit the Joe Miller questions.
mfelling@ktva.com
By the way, Matt seems to have excellent credentials. I look forward to Matt asking Miller the right questions (although I suspect Miller will cancel or find a way to put Matt in handcuffs).
from Matt Felling's bio at KTVA site:
"Matt Felling serves KTVA and Anchorage as the 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. anchor and general reporter. He also serves as the host of KTVA's "Alaska's View from the Hill". The Washington Post named him one of "Alaska's Best Political Reporters" in 2009, and the only broadcaster.
He joined CBS 11 after a decade of news reporting, commentary and analysis inside the Washington, D.C. Beltway. Before heading north, he was the Editor of CBSNews.com's "Public Eye" section, a regular guest host WAMU's "Kojo Nnamdi Show" and Media Director of the non-profit, non-partisan Center for Media and Public Affairs. His writings have been published in the American Journalism Review, Christian Science Monitor, San Francisco Chronicle, Atlanta Journal-Constitution and the San Diego Union-Tribune."
OT.
ReplyDeleteAs I've always said, Palin is a useful idiot for the Republicans, and they will take her down as soon as they don't need her. They will either give the goods to an unwitting dem or the lsm. Steve Schmidt is still my guess as the GOP operative discussed in the Politcialusa.com article quoted below. I've always thought this was obvious when Romey hired him. They will Sarah attack Obama left and right, and then take her down with the information. In will ride the reasonable guy (anyone is reasonable compared to Palin), Romney!
This is one of the most accurate depictions about Sarah that I've seen...
http://www.politicususa.com/en/misunderestimating-sarah-palin
Here is the money quote from the politicalusa.com story about Palin. Steve Schmidt anyone? The following will be Sarah's demise.
ReplyDelete"Sitting in the dark corner of a DC bar is a Republican political operative who has the goods on Palin. He’s just waiting for his phone to ring with the word, “Go.” If Palin weren’t such a poisonous person, I’d almost feel sorry for her. She has no idea what’s coming her way."
I have no idea what your Alaska laws are if Miller wins, then is recalled. Is it possible that Sister Sarah could be named to take over his Senate seat? I know, I know, would mean she'd have to give up $$$ but she wanted the Senate seat once...just saying...
ReplyDeleteAlaska didn't go after Palin because she was one of them. Alaska likes publicity and will circle the wagon around one of their own. I lived in Alaska many years and knew the Palins. Even good Dems in the valley have a place in their heart for one of their own. It's not that they are afraid of her, she is just one of them
ReplyDeleteSo Joe Miller is running for a PUBLIC office but thinks his privacy is more important that his job and work history? Well, then he shouldn't be running for a PUBLIC office. Why do people you HATE the government, want to receive a check from the same institution? As well as his medicaid for his family of 10, huge farm subsidies and unemployment for his wife....all gub'ment money???
ReplyDeleteMark Sumpter, I had similar thoughts, but I'm not sure Miller's lawyers can tie it up with an appeal unless the AK Supreme Court cooperates. Is there an AK lawyer in the house?
ReplyDeleteMiller can appeal, but because Miller seems to have filed some kind of counterclaim, Judge Burbank's ordering the release of Miller's file probably doesn't dispose of the whole case, making the appeal of this order an interlocutory appeal. The AK Supreme Court may have discretion not to hear the appeal, or may be able to deny it summarily -- saying that the public gets to know what's in the file, and if the court determines the information defames Miller, he can ask for damages.
It's a case of "irreparable harm" on both sides -- if the released information is false and costs Miller the election, he has no adequate remedy, but the public has no adequate remedy if he stonewalls the truth and wins. Judge Burbank balanced the equities and ruled in favor of disclosure, and particularly since Miller has vaguely admitted misconduct, I doubt the AK Supreme Court would see it differently. Is there an AK lawyer who can fill us in on procedure, and the likelihood-- which I suspect is negligible -- that the AK Supreme Court would sympathize with Miller?
The public really needs to see Joe Miller's records on his disability. Until proven otherwise, I'm guessing the guy was diagnosed with some label which corresponds with "mentally unfit for duty."
ReplyDeleteGood! I think it will just confirm that they would have fired him, but thought that his work on the non-existent pipeline needed to be done. However, there may be more there. One of his coworkers had a messed up computer after he went through it... he may have done more than erase the history and clear the cache.
ReplyDeleteMore important, IMHO, is his complete service record. We need to know exactly WHAT is his "severe disability". If it is psychological, such as PTSD, he will have a difficult time in the pressure-cooker of DC. (Yes, there are loonies in Congress, but McCain is one of the few with a *dangerous* temper, and we don't need more.) What percentage disabled? How much disability payment per month (NINE dependents)? The contents of his final review and the reason he managed to duck out of service early are of interest as well. Why did he only serve 4 months in Kuwait? He was a paratrooper... did he ever jump? Does his disability have anything to do with his paranoia???
I am with anon@6:30 PM.
ReplyDeleteI agree with 8:16 PM. The GOP is totally going to filet Sarah. My bet is she'll be the whipping girl should the GOP not win the Senate.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I think Sarah has gotten to like the taste of fame and I think a lot of her fans are fans of hers first, and Republicans second. My feeling is Sarah will start a third party, and that she'll be delusional enough to think that she could be Barack Obama AND a Republican to be named later. Let her, I say. Go ahead, Sarah, do it, you'll be a great president. You can't let those big mean Republicans boss you around. You're too smart, awesome and not-at-all thin-skinned and nutty to be president. And don't worry about all those extremely low approval numbers. 20 percent of the people think you have the ability to be president. So what! That's just the lamestream media making you feel bad about yourself because they're jealous. And they know how powerful you are. And because your hair is sooo pretty. And because they want your shoes and your (ahem) hot husband. You're Esther, the North Star. You HAVE to run for president...
(and otallytay akemay uresay arackbay insway otheranay ermtay).
I want to know.
ReplyDeleteWhat did sarah know and when did she know it?????
Wish that judge would have ordered Hobo Joe to take a shower and shave. He is nasty looking.
ReplyDeletehttp://community.adn.com/adn/node/153890
ReplyDeleteAnother "private" but yet "invite everyone" and another escort to the door.
Thank you, anon 8:16 and 8:18: this is a terrific article, summing up so very well everything we know to be true. --Amy1
ReplyDeletehttp://www.politicususa.com/en/misunderestimating-sarah-palin
some really nice commentary:
ReplyDelete"This is why the woman the GOP thought was going to be their puppet is in fact the tail waging the dog."
it's at http://www.politicususa.com/en/misunderestimating-sarah-palin
7:48 - I like Matt too. I've stopped watching Channel 2 (find them too pro Republicans/Murkowski especially)and have moved to Matt.
ReplyDelete