Gabler Cleared In Car Fire-Bombing Incident

State ethics board says governor acted appropriately

PARKINS, CEA--Ceona Governor Christine Gabler (NAT) has been cleared by the state ethics commission, regarding an incident that occurred during the 2008 gubernatorial campaign.

On the evening of April 19, 2008, a vehicle owned by Todd Larich was fire-bombed and found abandoned and burning in rural Wilmington County in central Ceona. At the time, Larich was a top aide to former Governor Don Parkins (CNS), who was running against Gabler in the 2008 election. Larich's vehicle, a 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe, was covered with pro-Parkins and anti-Gabler bumper stickers. At the time of the incident, Mr. Larich was on the campaign trail, staying at a hotel in the nearby town of Olan Springs.

The Wilmington County Sheriff's Department, which had jurisdiction over the case, determined the vehicle was stolen from the parking lot of the Olan Springs hotel, where Mr. Larich was staying, and driven approximately 13 miles southwest to an empty gravel pit along Highway 19. It was then fire-bombed and abandoned, and later found by a concerned motorist. Evidence left at the scene, including anti-Parkins graffiti and pro-Gabler campaign literature, suggested Mr. Larich's vehicle was targeted because he worked for Governor Parkins.

Authorities immediately began investigating the campaign of rival candidate Christine Gabler, believing an over-zealous campaign worker or volunteer may have been responsible for the fire-bombing. Gabler was questioned, as were her top aides, and although they were never believed by officials to have been involved in the crime, critics, including Parkins supporters, charged Gabler and her staff were less than forth-coming with the release of campaign records and information.

"This is a crime that was politically motivated, and the best thing Christine Gabler and her friends could do is hand over their campaign records and information. But they won't do that. The governor is holding out for some reason and she is not cooperating," Randi Atwen, Ceona's Conservative party chairman said.

Police still believe the crime was motivated by politics. However, Gabler has cooperated, they say.

"We believe this was a politically-motivated crime, absolutely," Sgt. Jim Durbin told GNN. "Where we disagree with Mr. Atwen is on the cooperation of Governor Gabler. She has been fully and completely cooperative with our department and we believe she had nothing to do with this."

Despite allegations of a cover up, Gabler was cleared by investigators and was not charged with any crimes.

Following the criminal investigation, the state's ethics commission opened an inquiry into Gabler's conduct during the criminal investigation. During the eight-month-long investigation, ethics commissioners were able to find no misuse of public office or other ethics violations.

"We conclude today that Governor Christine Gabler has acted within reason and within the law during and after the aforementioned crime and subsequent investigation took place," Commissioner Sten Scott said at a hearing in Parkins Monday.

Gabler's office celebrated the news, telling reporters the commission's ruling is a vindication for the governor.

"The governor is obviously delighted. She feels vindicated. She feels like the truth has finally been confirmed," spokesman Todd Wright said. "This should put to rest the rumors and allegations that she acted unreasonably during this ordeal."

Officially, the fire-bombing incident is still unsolved. Police still maintain the crime was politically motivated, though they believe the goal of the crime was vandalism and intimidation, not physical harm against Mr. Larich.

Larich, and former Governor Parkins, who was defeated by Gabler in the 2008 election, are considering taking legal action against the governor and her aides, arguing that Gabler is still witholding information that may lead to the solving of the crime. A spokesman for Parkins, as well as a spokesman for Larich, would not comment on possible legal action.