But in papers requesting the probe be transferred to the personnel board, Palin's lawyer called Wooten a "rogue trooper" who threatened the governor's family during a bitter divorce and custody battle.

CNN: Palin aides peeked into trooper's files, union says

"In the center of all of the controversy is Trooper Wooten's continued employment, " the former police commissioner said.

CNN: Palin aides peeked into trooper's files, union says

Among other things, Wooten's group worked in conjunction with NFL officials in 2003 to form the Rooney Rule, which is named after Pittsburgh Steelers chairman Dan Rooney.

CNN: In dark day for NFL diversity, Newsome shines

According to Wooten's study, ridicule helps teach teenagers what brands and styles of clothes and shoes to wear and which ones to avoid, if they want acceptance from their peers.

CNN: Researching the business world

In an ethics complaint filed Wednesday, the union names the governor and three aides, one of whom cited Wooten's records in a tape-recorded call to a state police lieutenant in February.

CNN: Palin aides peeked into trooper's files, union says

Julia Grimes, who oversees state troopers, called Wooten's conduct "unacceptable, " and accused him of a "lapse in proper judgment, " before suspending him for a series of conduct and ethics violations between December 2001 and November 2005.

CNN: Alaska investigating governor's office

In August, Palin admitted members of her administration had contacted people in Monegan's department more than 20 times regarding Wooten since she took office in December 2006.

CNN: Palin aides peeked into trooper's files, union says

Palin, now the Republican nominee for vice president, is battling allegations that she sacked her public safety commissioner in July because he refused to fire Trooper Mike Wooten, her sister's ex-husband.

CNN: Palin aides peeked into trooper's files, union says

But a spokesman for GOP presidential candidate John McCain's campaign released documents late Thursday indicating Wooten signed a waiver during his divorce that allowed his entire personnel file to be released.

CNN: Palin aides peeked into trooper's files, union says

The study, by David Wooten, an assistant professor of marketing at the University of Michigan's Stephen M.

CNN: Researching the business world

Palin has admitted that the call could be interpreted as pressure to fire state trooper Mike Wooten, who was locked in a child-custody battle with Palin's sister.

CNN: McCain taps Alaska Gov. Palin as vice president pick

"When it's all said and done it's a matter of how much it costs per mile, " said Bismarck Deputy Chief Fred Wooten.

CNN: Cops help dream up high-tech police car

Palin's office is also being investigated to see whether Palin or any of her staff pressured an Alaska public safety commissioner to fire Alaska state trooper Mike Wooten, who had been in a messy divorce and child custody battle with Palin's sister.

CNN: McCain camp says media out to get Palin