Partisan witchhunt? Somewhat. But also part intramural scrimmage, as SDW points out. While most of us have already safely assumed that Alaskan democrats are not on Palin’s side, what far fewer realize is that Palin has managed to make enemies among GOP party insiders in Alaska.

So there are really 3 games going on. There’s the partisan opportunity for Alaskan democrats. There’s the intramural struggle for Alaskan GOP insiders Palin has pissed off.

And last but not least, there’s the giant ass-covering festival among the rank-and-file folks who just want to do their jobs, stay out of trouble, and thus KEEP their jobs. That’s one huge reason why the investigation is likely to drag out and reach no conclusions until after the election. Everyone goes by the book, everyone bumps the decision up the chain of command, everyone tries to stay out of the sh!tstorm. Make no mistake, such undertakings proceed in large part irrespective of the facts. There are the multiple political sides motivated for various outcomes, and then there are the many, many folks who are just doing their best not to get any on them.

Palin doesn’t win in Alaska with GOP Party backing, she wins with gop rank and file voters and independents.si