In a 25-page sworn affidavit to an investigator examining abuse of power allegations against his wife and Republican vice-presidential nominee, Palin said he had repeatedly contacted senior Alaska officials to raise concerns over the conduct of his ex-brother-in-law Mike Wooten.

However, he denied that the dismissal of Alaska's public safety commissioner, Walt Monegan, was connected to his grievances with Wooten, who had been involved in an acrimonious divorce with Sarah Palin's sister.

Sarah Palin is the subject of an official investigation in Alaska which began before she was unveiled as John McCain's presidential running mate.

The inquiry was launched to probe allegations that Palin abused her position by replacing Monegan because he refused to dismiss Wooten. Monegan has said he was forced out after coming under pressure the trooper.

In his affidavit, Todd Palin revealed he had contacted several senior figures in his wife's administration over Wooten, but said his wife had later told him to "drop" the matter.

"Anyone who knows Sarah knows she is the governor and she calls the shots," Palin said in his affidavit.

"I make no apologies for wanting to protect my family and wanting to publicize the injustice of a violent trooper keeping his badge."

Palin also defended his role in his wife's career as Alaska governor.

"I have heard criticism that I am too involved in my wife's administration," he wrote.

"My wife and I are very close. We are each other's best friend. I have helped her in her career the best I can, and she has helped me."

The first results of the "Troopergate" probe could be released in Alaska on Friday when the committee that initiated the investigation convenes to receive the investigator's report.

However the investigation could be stopped in its tracks if Alaska's Supreme Court rules in favor of five Republican lawmakers who have launched a legal bid to have the inquiry halted, arguing the probe is politically motivated. The court is expected to issue a ruling later Thursday.

If the results of the investigation stand, the report is likely to be made public on Friday, Alaksa's legislative council has said.

The inquiry was launched following a unanimous bipartisan vote on July 28, and Palin had initially said she and all state employees would co-operate.

However, since her unveiling as McCain's running mate, Palin and several members of her staff have refused to co-operate, with her campaign branding the probe as "partisan and tainted."

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