Document reveals Palin approved Washington trip for Troopergate probe funds

New York, Sept.22 A new twist has been introduced to Sarah Palin's involvement with the "Troopergate" probe.

Previously, it was stated that Palin had fired her Public Safety Commissioner Walt Monegan for disobeying her orders on not going to Washington to seek federal funds for pursuing sexual assault cases.

It was also repeatedly stated that Palin fired Monegan not over the status of Trooper Mike Wooten, but over budget disagreements, and specifically a trip Monegan planned to Washington, which she said was unauthorized.

The "last straw," the McCain campaign said, was the Washington trip.

Now, a document has surfaced that suggest that Palin originally agreed to participate in the investigation, authorized in July by the Republican-controlled legislature.

It also appears that Palin's chief of staff did authorize Monegan's travel to Washington.

A travel authorization document signed by Palin's Chief of Staff Mike Nizich on June 18 approved Monegan's trip to Washington for the purpose of meeting Senator Lisa Murkowski.

ABC News first reported the document's existence on Friday.

Monegan told ABC that the travel authorization was explicitly to pursue funding for the anti-sexual-violence program, though the document does not state that as a reason for the trip.

The revelation came on the same day that several individuals subpoenaed to testify in Troopergate refused to appear as ordered.

Those who refused to answer their subpoenas (including Todd Palin, the Governor's husband; Randy Ruaro, the governor's deputy chief of staff; and aide Ivy Frye) will be referred to the full Senate for contempt, said Sen. Hollis French, who is heading the investigation.

ANI