Palin supporters have claimed that the investigation was politically motivated [AFP]

A report to the committee concluded late on Friday that a family grudge was not the sole reason for her firing of Walter Monegan, but said that it likely was a contributing factor.

Palin supporters have called the investigation politically motivated.

The inquiry looked into Palin's dismissal of Monegan, who said he lost his job because he resisted pressure to fire a state trooper involved in a bitter divorce with the governor's sister.

Palin says Monegan was fired as part of a legitimate budget dispute.

"I feel vindicated," Monegan said. "It sounds like they've validated my belief and opinions. And that tells me I'm not totally out in left field."

Stephen Branchflower, who led the investigation, told the bipartisan committee that Palin had violated a state ethics law that prohibits public officials from using their office for personal gain.

Polls 'down'

Supporters of Palin and John McCain, the Republican party's presidential nominee, had hoped results from the investigation would not be released until after November's election.

The investigation began before Palin was selected as the vice-presidential nominee for her party and McCain said he was aware of the controversy when making the choice.

Republicans, however, cautioned against making too much of the report.

Gary Stevens, a state senator on the investigating committee, said: "I think there are some problems in this report. I would encourage people to be very cautious, to look at this with a jaundiced eye."

The almost 300-page report did not recommend sanctions against Palin, nor a criminal investigation.

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