JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — A federal judge has struck down claims in a lawsuit alleging that former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin acted to silence an activist who complained about traffic around the governor's mansion in 2009.
U.S District Judge Timothy Burgess on Thursday granted Palin's request for summary judgment. Her attorney, John Tiemessen, says the ruling means that no valid claims stand, and should lead to dismissal of the case.
The lawsuit was brought by activist Chip Thoma, who alleged that Palin undertook an effort to punish, embarrass, discredit and silence him while governor after he complained about tour bus traffic around the mansion following her failed 2008 vice presidential bid.
Burgess said Thoma failed to provide the evidence necessary to support his claims.
