Gov. Sarah Palin has commissioned Attorney General Talis Colberg to launch an inquiry into the firing of Public Safety Commissioner Walt Monegan. With a special investigation being carried out by Alaska lawmakers, Palin is tasking Colberg with this assignment before the Legislature's special investigator has a chance to view the relevant materials.

State public safety officials will be interviewed by Colberg as part of his investigation.

Review of the Attorney General's office began after Sen. Hollis French was quoted in The Wall Street Journal in late July. The senator was quoted as saying the governor could be impeached as a result of the probe.

The governor's office responded by questioning how impartial the Legislature's investigation would be.