Jerry Brown investigates Sarah Palin speaking event at CSU Stanislaus

Sarah Palin 

Sarah Palin's June 25th, $500-a-plate speaking engagement at California State University Stanislaus caught the attention of California Attorney General Jerry Brown, who's launching an investigation into California State University Stanislaus's refusal to turn in requested records. According to the Attorney General's press release, Brown wants to know what the money raised was used for. Jerry Brown said:

Jerry Brown

"This is not about Sarah Palin. She has every right to speak at a university event, and schools should strive to bring to campus a broad range of speakers. The issues are public disclosure and financial accountability in organizations embedded in state-run universities. We're not saying any allegation is true, but we owe it to the taxpayers to thoroughly check out every serious allegation."

The Sarah Palin speaking engagement controversy started when Cal State University students found a shredded copy of the five-page speaking contract issued to Palin in a dumpster, according to The San Francisco Chronicle. California State Senator Leland Yee's inquiries into what CSU Stanislaus was fiscally up to were resisted and Yee learned that CSU Stanislaus hid an email about Sarah Palin's speech, so he asked Brown to step in.

The contract, which ABC News posted and you can download with a click here > SARAH PALIN CONTRACT) is with the Washington Speakers Bureau.

Sarah Palin is signed exclusively with the Washington Speakers Bureau, which reports that it is "connecting with the World's greatest minds." Her profile reads about what one would expect: Governor of Alaska (2006-2009) and 2008 Republican Vice-Presidential Nominee. It also reports that her fees - which have gained her an estimated $12 million since July 2009 - vary with travel distance. But this quote could not be passed up:

Palin is a fearless, resilient and independent voice who stands firm by the principles and values for which she holds dear. Whether working to protect taxpayers from wasteful spending or advancing the cause of special-needs children, Palin speaks passionately on her experiences confronting the issues of our time.

Does that include wasteful spending by the taxpayer supported CSU Stanislaus?

Stay tuned.