Anchorage, Alaska (AP) It's unclear what impact the so- called “Troopergate” investigation in Alaska may have on the presidential election.

A report from a state legislative committee says Governor Sarah Palin violated Alaska’s ethics laws and abused her power by trying to get her former brother-in-law fired as a state trooper. But the committee has no authority to sanction Palin, and is not recommending a criminal investigation.

The next step, if any, is up to Alaska's state personnel board. If it were to decide Palin violated ethics law, it could refer the matter to the senate president for disciplinary action. But it's unlikely all that could happen before the election.

The real impact of the committee's investigation could be whether voters believe the committee's report. The McCain campaign has dismissed it as politically motivated.