DA clears Cal State Stanislaus in document drama

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The Stanislaus County District Attorney has cleared a California State University Stanislaus (CSUS) of intentionally destroying documents about an upcoming speech by Sarah Palin.

CSUS officials have maintained all along that the contract between the CSUS Foundation and Gov. Palin's agents, the Washington Speakers Bureau (WSB), forbids the university from disclosing the speakers fee WSB collects for the 2008 GOP vice presidential candidate.

Meanwhile, Gov. Palin's scheduled speech at CSUS continues to draw attention, which has been good for ticket sales:

University officials say the June 25 event has been generating interest and ticket sales in the mostly conservative San Joaquin Valley community.

"It's very clear that Palin has a lot of interest in our community," said Matt Swanson, president of the Cal State Stanislaus Foundation, which is hosting the event. "We have our usual donors involved, but more than 50% of them are new donors. It's not our intent to alienate anybody, but in this day and age, new money is the most prized thing of all."

But critics say Palin should not make the speech and are criticizing the secrecy surrounding it. The Times revealed earlier this week that the 2008 vice presidential candidate would receive $75,000 for the talk.

Cal State Stanislaus officials said the $500-a-plate event, which will accommodate about 400 people, is expected to net $150,000 to $200,000 for the foundation. Sponsored tables are selling for $5,000 to $50,000. They have stressed that no public funds are being spent and that costs will be covered by money raised specifically for the gala.

Curious how the critics continue to ignore the fact that the revenue CSUS will clear after expenses from the event is in dire need by the cash-strapped institution. But the left never lets facts get in the way when it's trying to tear down Sarah Palin.

- JP