By Kerry Picket John McCain had yet to announce Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as his running mate, when MSNBC began flashing a graphic of informational stats on Palin. These were her age, her 80% approval rating, and she is "facing a state investigation." The graphic was continuously shown at different times during the broadcast, and the state investigation graphic remained without comment until later. The Washington Times reported on the investigation. According to the article: ...aides to the Alaska Governor say they welcome a prosecutor's probe into whether her administration improperly sought the firing of a state trooper who had divorced the governor's sister. Mrs. Palin has denied any connection to the divorce. She said Mr. Monegan was being dismissed for not adequately filing state trooper vacancies and because, in her judgment, he "did not turn out to be a team player on budgeting issues." The Washington Times also points out that Palin offered her sister's ex-husband a job at the Alaska Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, which he turned down. Unfortunately, the MSNBC graphic made Governor Palin look mired in corruption. While Andrea Mitchell finally brought up the state investigation during one segment, Palin's side of the story was still twisted around. Palin was shown as using her power as a high ranking state official to punish a government worker who was hurting her sister. While the McCain Palin campaign is unconcerned about the charges, this story will still find its way around the networks.