Palin unlawfully abused power, says Troopergate inquiry

John McCain's running mate Sarah Palin unlawfully abused her power as Alaska's governor by trying to have her former brother-in-law fired as a state trooper, US officials said.

Stephen Branchflower, the chief investigator of an Alaska legislative panel, found Mrs Palin in violation of a state ethics law that prohibits public officials from using their office for personal gain.