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{{pp-semi-protected|small=yes}}
{{Infobox Governor
{{Infobox Governor
|image = PalinInDover-cropped2.JPG
|image = Palin1.JPG
|imagesize = 250px
|imagesize = 200px
|caption=Palin in [[Dover, New Hampshire]], October 2008.
|caption = Sarah Palin at [[Dillingham, Alaska|Dillingham]] boat harbor in June 2007
|name = Sarah Palin
|name = Sarah Palin
|order1 = 11th
|order1 = 11th
|office1 = Governor of Alaska
|office1 = Governor of Alaska
|term_start1 = December 4, 2006
|term_start1 = December 4, 2006
|lieutenant1 = [[Sean Parnell]]
|lieutenant1 = [[Sean Parnell]]
|predecessor1 = [[Frank Murkowski]]
|predecessor1 = [[Frank Murkowski]]
|order2 =
|order2 =
|office2 = Chairperson of the [[Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission]]
|office2 = Chairperson of the [[Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission]]
|term_start2 =2003
|term_start2 = 2003
|term_end2 =2004
|term_end2 = 2004
|predecessor2 = Camille Oechsli Taylor<ref>
|predecessor2 = Camille Oechsli Taylor<ref>
{{cite web
{{cite web
|url=http://www.aogcc.alaska.gov/WhoWeAre/terms.shtml
|url=http://www.aogcc.alaska.gov/WhoWeAre/terms.shtml
|title=Commissioners - Terms in Office
|title = Commissioners - Terms in Office
|date=May 15, 2006
|date = May 15, 2006
|publisher=Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, State of Alaska}}</ref>
|publisher = Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, State of Alaska}}</ref>
|successor2 = John K. Norman<ref>
|successor2 = John K. Norman<ref>
{{cite web |accessdate=2008-09-11
{{cite web |accessdate = 2008-09-11
|url=http://housemajority.org/coms/hfin/john_norman_packet_05-04-07.pdf
|url = http://housemajority.org/coms/hfin/john_norman_packet_05-04-07.pdf
|title=Biographical Information John K. Norman
|title = Biographical Information John K. Norman
|format=PDF|publisher=Alaska State Legislature}}</ref>
|format = PDF|publisher=Alaska State Legislature}}</ref>
|office3 = Mayor of [[Wasilla, Alaska]]
|office3 = Mayor of [[Wasilla, Alaska]]
|term_start3 =1996
|term_start3 = 1996
|term_end3 =2002
|term_end3 = 2002
|predecessor3 = John Stein
|predecessor3 = John Stein
|successor3 = [[Dianne M. Keller]]
|successor3 = [[Dianne M. Keller]]
|office4 = Member of the<br />[[Wasilla, Alaska]] City Council
|office4 = Member of the<br />[[Wasilla, Alaska]] City Council
|term_start4 =1992
|term_start4 = 1992
|term_end4 =1996
|term_end4 = 1996
|birth_date = {{birth date and age|mf=yes|1964|02|11}}<ref name="nga">
|birth_date = {{birth date and age|mf=yes|1964|02|11}}<ref name="nga">
{{cite web |accessdate=2008-09-07
{{cite web |accessdate=2008-09-07
|url=http://www.nga.org/portal/site/nga/menuitem.29fab9fb4add37305ddcbeeb501010a0/?vgnextoid=864bb9006da3f010VgnVCM1000001a01010aRCRD |publisher=[[National Governors Association]]
|url = http://www.nga.org/portal/site/nga/menuitem.29fab9fb4add37305ddcbeeb501010a0/?vgnextoid=864bb9006da3f010VgnVCM1000001a01010aRCRD |publisher = [[National Governors Association]]
|title=Alaska Governor Sarah Palin }}</ref>
|title = Alaska Governor Sarah Palin }}</ref>
|birth_place = [[Sandpoint, Idaho|Sandpoint]], [[Idaho]], [[United States|U.S.]]
|birth_place = [[Sandpoint, Idaho|Sandpoint]], [[Idaho]], [[United States|U.S.]]
|death_date =
|death_date =
|residence=[[Wasilla, Alaska|Wasilla]], [[Alaska]]
|residence = [[Wasilla, Alaska|Wasilla]], [[Alaska]]
|party = [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]]
|party = [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]]
|occupation = Former local news [[sportscasting]]<br />[[Business]]<br />[[Commercial fishing]]<br />[[Politician]]
|occupation = Former local news [[sportscasting]]<br />[[Business]]<br />[[Commercial fishing]]<br />[[Politician]]
|profession =
|profession =
|alma_mater = [[University of Idaho]]
|alma_mater = [[University of Idaho]]
|spouse = [[Todd Palin]] (since 1988)
|spouse = [[Todd Palin]] (since 1988)
|children = Track, Bristol, Willow, Piper, Trig
|children = Track, Bristol, Willow, Piper, Trig
|religion = [[Non-denominational Christianity|Non-denominational Christian]]<ref name="TimeInt" /><ref>
|religion = [[Non-denominational Christianity|Non-denominational Christian]]<ref name="TimeInt" /><ref>
{{cite news|first=Eric |last=Gorski|title=Evangelicals energized by McCain-Palin ticket
{{cite news|first=Eric |last=Gorski|title=Evangelicals energized by McCain-Palin ticket
|date=2008-08-30|publisher=Political Base|url=http://www.politicalbase.com/news/evangelicals-energized-by-mccain-palin-ticket/122341/|author=Associated Press
|date=2008-08-30|publisher=Political Base|url=http://www.politicalbase.com/news/evangelicals-energized-by-mccain-palin-ticket/122341/|author=Associated Press
|accessdate=2008-10-23 }}</ref><!-- Q: What church do you attend? A: Wasilla Assembly of God. -->
|accessdate = 2008-10-23 }}</ref><!-- Q: What church do you attend? A: Wasilla Assembly of God. -->
|signature = Sarah palin signature.svg
|signature = Sarah palin signature.svg
|website = [http://gov.state.ak.us/ Alaska Governor Sarah Palin]
|website = [http://gov.state.ak.us/ Alaska Governor Sarah Palin]
|footnotes= <br />
|footnotes = <br />
<center>'''More detailed articles about Sarah Palin:'''
<center>'''More detailed articles about Sarah Palin:'''
[[John McCain presidential campaign, 2008|McCain–Palin campaign, 2008]]<br /> [[Governorship of Sarah Palin|Governorship of Alaska, 2006–present]]<br /> [[Mayoralty of Sarah Palin|Mayoralty of Wasilla, 1996–2002]]<br />
[[John McCain presidential campaign, 2008|McCain–Palin campaign, 2008]]<br /> [[Governorship of Sarah Palin|Governorship of Alaska, 2006–present]]<br /> [[Mayoralty of Sarah Palin|Mayoralty of Wasilla, 1996–2002]]<br />
[[Political positions of Sarah Palin|Political positions]] {{·}} [[Electoral history of Sarah Palin|Electoral history]]<br />[[Public image and reception of Sarah Palin|Public image and reception]]</center>}}
[[Political positions of Sarah Palin|Political positions]] {{·}} [[Electoral history of Sarah Palin|Electoral history]]<br />[[Public image and reception of Sarah Palin|Public image and reception]]</center>}}


'''Sarah Louise Heath Palin''' ({{Pron-en|ˈpeɪlɨn}}; born February 11, 1964) is the [[List of Governors of Alaska|governor]] of the [[United States|U.S.]] state of [[Alaska]].
'''Sarah Louise Heath Palin''' ({{Pron-en|ˈpeɪlɪn}}; born February 11, 1964) is the [[List of Governors of Alaska|governor]] of the [[United States|U.S.]] state of [[Alaska]].


Palin was a member of the [[Wasilla, Alaska]], [[city council]] from 1992 to 1996 and the city's [[mayor]] from 1996 to 2002. After an unsuccessful campaign for [[lieutenant governor#United States|lieutenant governor]] of Alaska in 2002, she chaired the [[Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission]] from 2003 to 2004. She was elected [[List of Governors of Alaska|governor of Alaska]] in November 2006 by defeating the [[incumbent]] governor in the [[Republican]] primary and then defeating a former two-term [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]] governor in the general election. She is the first [[List of female state governors in the United States|female governor]] of Alaska and the youngest person elected to that position.
Palin was a member of the [[Wasilla, Alaska]], [[city council]] from 1992 to 1996 and the city's [[mayor]] from 1996 to 2002. After an unsuccessful campaign for [[lieutenant governor#United States|lieutenant governor]] of Alaska in 2002, she chaired the [[Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission]] from 2003 to 2004. She was elected [[List of Governors of Alaska|governor of Alaska]] in November 2006 by defeating [[Frank Murkowski]], the [[incumbent]] governor, in the [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] primary, and then defeating [[Tony Knowles (politician)|Tony Knowles]], a former two-term [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]] governor, in the general election. She is the first [[List of female state governors in the United States|female governor]] of Alaska and the youngest person elected governor.


Palin was the [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican Party's]] [[Vice President of the United States|vice-presidential]] nominee for the [[United States presidential election, 2008|2008 United States presidential election]] together with Senator [[John McCain]], which was won by Democratic candidates [[Barack Obama]] and [[Joe Biden]]. She was the [[List of female United States presidential and vice-presidential candidates|second female candidate]], and the first Alaskan candidate, of either major party, as well as the first female vice-presidential nominee of the Republican Party.
Palin was the Republican Party's [[Vice President of the United States|vice-presidential]] nominee for the [[United States presidential election, 2008|2008 United States presidential election]] together with Senator [[John McCain]]. The election was won by Democratic candidates [[Barack Obama]] and [[Joe Biden]]. Palin was the [[List of female United States presidential and vice-presidential candidates|second female candidate]] and the first Alaskan candidate of either major party, as well as the first female vice-presidential nominee of the Republican Party.


{{TOClimit|limit=4}}
{{TOClimit|limit=4}}
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Palin attended [[Wasilla High School]] in Wasilla, located 44&nbsp;miles (71&nbsp;km) north of [[Anchorage]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.anchorage.net/467.cfm |title=Alaska Maps and Charts |publisher=Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau |year=2008 |accessdate=2008-10-14}}</ref> She was the head of the [[Fellowship of Christian Athletes]] chapter at the school and the [[point guard]] and captain of the school's girls' basketball team that won the Alaska state championship in 1982.<ref name="Johnson"/><ref>{{cite news |url=http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/27091580/ |title=Palin was no pushover on basketball court |publisher=Associated Press |date=October 8, 2008 |accessdate=2008-11-05}}</ref>
Palin attended [[Wasilla High School]] in Wasilla, located 44&nbsp;miles (71&nbsp;km) north of [[Anchorage]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.anchorage.net/467.cfm |title=Alaska Maps and Charts |publisher=Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau |year=2008 |accessdate=2008-10-14}}</ref> She was the head of the [[Fellowship of Christian Athletes]] chapter at the school and the [[point guard]] and captain of the school's girls' basketball team that won the Alaska state championship in 1982.<ref name="Johnson"/><ref>{{cite news |url=http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/27091580/ |title=Palin was no pushover on basketball court |publisher=Associated Press |date=October 8, 2008 |accessdate=2008-11-05}}</ref>


In 1982, she enrolled at [[Hawaii Pacific University|Hawaii Pacific College]] but left after her first semester. She transferred to [[North Idaho College|North Idaho]] community college, where she spent two semesters as a general studies major. From there, she transferred to the [[University of Idaho]] for two semesters.<ref name="AP College"/><ref name="BooneSeattlePI"/> During this time Palin won the Miss Wasilla Pageant,<ref>
In 1982, she enrolled at [[Hawaii Pacific University|Hawaii Pacific College]], but left after her first semester. She transferred to [[North Idaho College|North Idaho]] community college, where she spent two semesters as a general studies major. From there, she transferred to the [[University of Idaho]] for two semesters.<ref name="AP College"/><ref name="BooneSeattlePI"/> During this time Palin won the Miss Wasilla Pageant,<ref>
{{cite news
{{cite news
|url=http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/mccain-surprises-palin-pick/story.aspx?guid={BA5FEDF2-42BA-496B-A3ED-511268BD02A1} |title=McCain surprises with Palin pick |accessdate=2008-08-29 |date=August 29, 2008|work=[[MarketWatch]]|publisher=Wall Street Journal}}</ref><ref name=StLouisPD_20080830>{{cite news
|url=http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/mccain-surprises-palin-pick/story.aspx?guid={BA5FEDF2-42BA-496B-A3ED-511268BD02A1} |title=McCain surprises with Palin pick |accessdate=2008-08-29 |date=August 29, 2008|work=[[MarketWatch]]|publisher=Wall Street Journal}}</ref><ref name=StLouisPD_20080830>{{cite news
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==City council of Wasilla==
==City council of Wasilla==
She is the governer OF Alaska.Has lost Vice Presidency along with John McCain.Has recently stared in newly released south park episode,where she resemble the idiot that she is.She acually belived Africa was a country and not a contienet.People have celebrated that she lost because if she would have won she would have sent America straight to hell.

{{see also|Electoral history of Sarah Palin}}
{{see also|Electoral history of Sarah Palin}}
Palin was elected twice to the [[city council]] of [[Wasilla]], in 1992 and 1995. Wasilla city councillors serve three-year terms.<ref>[http://www.codepublishing.com/AK/Wasilla/Wasilla02/Wasilla0204.html#2.04.030 Wasilla Municipal Code] section 2.04.030</ref> Palin says she entered politics because she was concerned that revenue from a new Wasilla [[sales tax]] would not be spent wisely.<ref name="nytoutsider0829">{{cite web |last=Yardley |first=William |title=Sarah Heath Palin, an Outsider Who Charms |publisher=New York Times |date=2008-08-29 |url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/30/us/politics/30palin.html?pagewanted=3&hp |accessdate=2008-08-30 }}</ref>
Palin was elected twice to the [[city council]] of [[Wasilla]], in 1992 and 1995. Wasilla city councillors serve three-year terms.<ref>[http://www.codepublishing.com/AK/Wasilla/Wasilla02/Wasilla0204.html#2.04.030 Wasilla Municipal Code] section 2.04.030</ref> Palin says she entered politics because she was concerned that revenue from a new Wasilla [[sales tax]] would not be spent wisely.<ref name="nytoutsider0829">{{cite web |last=Yardley |first=William |title=Sarah Heath Palin, an Outsider Who Charms |publisher=New York Times |date=2008-08-29 |url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/30/us/politics/30palin.html?pagewanted=3&hp |accessdate=2008-08-30 }}</ref>


Palin's first foray into politics was in 1992, when the the 28-year-old ran for Wasilla city council against John Hartrick, a local telephone company worker.<ref name="wary">{{cite news
Palin's first foray into politics was in 1992, when the then 28-year-old ran for Wasilla city council against John Hartrick, a local telephone company worker.<ref name="wary">{{cite news
|url=http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2008/09/03/palins_alaskan_town_proud_wary/
|url=http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2008/09/03/palins_alaskan_town_proud_wary/
|title=Palin's Alaskan town proud, wary
|title=Palin's Alaskan town proud, wary
Line 142: Line 141:
|title=1992 Vote Results
|title=1992 Vote Results
|publisher=City of Wasilla
|publisher=City of Wasilla
}}</ref> She won 530 votes to John Hartrick’s 310.<ref name="wary" /> On the council, she successfully opposed a measure to curtail the hours at Wasilla's [[Bar (establishment)|bars]] by two hours, which surprised Hartrick because she was then a member of a church that advocated [[Teetotalism|abstinence from alcohol]].<ref name="wary" /> After serving on the city council for three years, she ran for reelection against R’nita Rogers in 1995, winning 413 votes to Rogers' 185.<ref>{{cite web |accessdate=2008-09-12
}}</ref> She won 530 votes against John Hartrick’s 310.<ref name="wary" /> On the council, she successfully opposed a measure to curtail the hours at Wasilla's [[Bar (establishment)|bars]] by two hours. This surprised Hartrick because she was then a member of a church that advocated [[Teetotalism|abstinence from alcohol]].<ref name="wary" /> After serving on the city council for three years, she ran for reelection against R’nita Rogers in 1995, winning 413 votes to Rogers' 185.<ref>{{cite web |accessdate=2008-09-12
|url=http://www.cityofwasilla.com/Modules/ShowDocument.aspx?documentid=452
|url=http://www.cityofwasilla.com/Modules/ShowDocument.aspx?documentid=452
|title=1995 Vote Results
|title=1995 Vote Results
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|accessdate=2008-09-05
|accessdate=2008-09-05
}}</ref>
}}</ref>
In 1996, Palin defeated three-term incumbent mayor John Stein,<ref name="KizziaT">{{cite news |first=Tom |last=Kizzia |url=http://dwb.adn.com/news/politics/story/8334949p-8231037c.html |title='Fresh face' launched Palin: Wasilla mayor was groomed from an early political age. |work=[[Anchorage Daily News]] |date=2006-10-23 |accessdate=2008-09-01}}</ref> on a platform targeting wasteful spending and high taxes.<ref name="Johnson" /> Stein says that she introduced [[abortion]], [[gun rights]], and [[term limits]] as campaign issues.<ref name="nytimes090208">{{cite news|first=William|last=Yardley|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/03/us/politics/03wasilla.html?_r=1|title=Palin's Start in Alaska: Not Politics as Usual|work=The New York Times|date=2008-09-02|accessdate=2008-09-02}}</ref> Although the election was a [[nonpartisan blanket primary]], the state Republican Party ran advertisements on her behalf.<ref name="nytimes090208" />
In 1996, Palin defeated three-term incumbent mayor John Stein,<ref name=ADN_Kizzia_20061023>{{cite news |first=Tom |last=Kizzia |url=http://dwb.adn.com/news/politics/story/8334949p-8231037c.html |title='Fresh face' launched Palin: Wasilla mayor was groomed from an early political age |work=[[Anchorage Daily News]] |date=October 13, 2006|accessdate=September 1, 2008}}</ref> on a platform targeting wasteful spending and high taxes.<ref name="Johnson" /> Stein says that she introduced [[abortion]], [[gun rights]], and [[term limits]] as campaign issues.<ref name="nytimes090208">{{cite news|first=William|last=Yardley|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/03/us/politics/03wasilla.html?_r=1|title=Palin's Start in Alaska: Not Politics as Usual|work=The New York Times|date=September 2, 2008|accessdate=September 2, 2008}}</ref> Although the election was a [[nonpartisan blanket primary]], the state Republican Party ran advertisements on her behalf.<ref name="nytimes090208" />


===First term===
===First term===
{{Double image stack|right|Wasilla City Hall.jpg|AKMap-doton-Wasilla.PNG|250|[[Wasilla, Alaska|Wasilla]] City Hall|Location of [[Wasilla, Alaska]]}}
{{Double image stack|right|Wasilla City Hall.jpg|AKMap-doton-Wasilla.PNG|250|[[Wasilla, Alaska|Wasilla]] City Hall|Location of [[Wasilla, Alaska]]}}
Shortly after taking office in October 1996, Palin consolidated the position of museum director and asked for updated resumes and resignation letters from some top officials, including the police chief, public works director, finance director, and librarian.<ref name="newmayor">{{cite news
Shortly after taking office in October 1996, Palin consolidated the position of museum director and asked for updated resumes and resignation letters from some top officials, including the police chief, public works director, finance director, and librarian.<ref name="newmayor">{{cite news
|url=http://www.mceades.com/graphics/palin_article1.jpg
|url=http://www.adn.com/sarah-palin/background/story/529275.html
|title=Wasilla’s new mayor asks officials to quit
|title=New wasilla mayor asks city's managers to resign in loyalty test
|date=October 28, 1996
|date=October 26, 1996
|work=Daily Sitka Sentinel}}</ref> Palin stated this request was to find out their intentions and whether they supported her.<ref name="newmayor" /> She temporarily required department heads to get her approval before talking to reporters, saying that they first needed to become acquainted with her administration's policies.<ref name="newmayor" /> She created the position of city administrator,<ref name="nytimes090208"/> and reduced her own $68,000 salary by 10%, although by mid-1998 this was reversed by the city council.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.adn.com/sarah-palin/background/story/521874.html |title=Palin wins Wasilla mayor's job |date=1996-10-02)|last=Komarnitsky|first=S.J.|work=TPM Election Central|date=October 2, 1996|accessdate=2008-09-21}}</ref>
|work=Alaska Daily News}}</ref> Palin stated this request was to find out their intentions and whether they supported her.<ref name="newmayor" /> She temporarily required department heads to get her approval before talking to reporters, saying that they first needed to become acquainted with her administration's policies.<ref name="newmayor" /> She created the position of city administrator,<ref name="nytimes090208"/> and reduced her own $68,000 salary by 10%, although by mid-1998 this was reversed by the city council.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.adn.com/sarah-palin/background/story/521874.html |title=Palin wins Wasilla mayor's job |date=1996-10-02)|last=Komarnitsky|first=S.J.|work=TPM Election Central|date=October 2, 1996|accessdate=2008-09-21}}</ref>


According to Wasilla librarian Mary Ellen Emmons, Palin inquired two or three times in October 1996 as to how Emmons would handle any request to remove books from the library.<ref name="pressure">
According to Wasilla librarian Mary Ellen Emmons, Palin inquired two or three times in October 1996 as to how Emmons would handle any request to remove books from the library.<ref name="pressure">
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|pages=1B
|pages=1B
|accessdate=2008-08-31
|accessdate=2008-08-31
}}</ref> Following expressions of public support for Emmons and a personal meeting, Palin rescinded the firing of Emmons the next day,<ref name="pressure" /> stating that her concerns had been alleviated, and adding that Emmons agreed to support Palin's plan to merge the town's library and museum operations.<ref name="firings" /> Stambaugh, who along with Emmons had supported Palin's opponent in the election, filed a [[wrongful termination]] lawsuit alleging that his termination violated his contract, reflected [[Occupational sexism|gender discrimination]], and was for political reasons.<ref name=Toomey>{{cite news |author=Toomey, Sheila |url=http://www.adn.com/sarah-palin/background/story/521942.html |title=Firing suit in Wasilla hits court |date=1997-02-22 |work=Anchorage Daily News |date=September 10, 2008}}</ref> He said, for example, that he had opposed a bill in the state legislature, supported by Palin, that would "permit [[concealed weapon]]s in schools and bars."<ref name="Isikoff-lawsuit"/> In fact, the bill stated that "a permitee may not carry a concealed handgun into or possess a concealed handgun within [...] or on school grounds."<ref>[http://www.legis.state.ak.us/BASIS/get_bill_text.asp?hsid=SB0177H&session=19 SB 177] (1996). The bill was subsequently vetoed by Governor Tony Knowles, and [http://www.legis.state.ak.us/BASIS/get_jrn_page.asp?session=19&bill=SB177&jrn=4402&hse=S his veto message] mentioned the opposition of Wasilla's police chief.</ref> The federal judge who heard the case dismissed Stambaugh's lawsuit, ordering Stambaugh to pay Palin's legal fees,<ref name="Isikoff-lawsuit"> {{cite web
}}</ref> The next day, following expressions of public support for Emmons and a personal meeting, Palin rescinded the firing of Emmons, <ref name="pressure" /> stating that her concerns had been alleviated, and adding that Emmons agreed to support Palin's plan to merge the town's library and museum operations.<ref name="firings" /> Stambaugh, who along with Emmons had supported Palin's opponent in the election,<ref name="turb"/> filed a lawsuit alleging [[wrongful termination]], violation of his contract, and [[Occupational sexism|gender discrimination]]. In the trial, the defense further alleged political reasons;<ref name=Toomey>{{cite news |author=Toomey, Sheila |url=http://www.adn.com/sarah-palin/background/story/521942.html |title=Firing suit in Wasilla hits court |date=1997-02-22 |work=Anchorage Daily News |date=September 10, 2008}}</ref> Stambaugh said that he had opposed a bill in the state legislature that Palin supported.<ref name="Isikoff-lawsuit"/> The bill, SB 177, would have permitted [[concealed weapon]]s in banks, bars, colleges, and other public places.<ref>[http://www.legis.state.ak.us/BASIS/get_bill_text.asp?hsid=SB0177A&session=19 Alaska Statute 11.71.900 as it was to be amended by SB 177]</ref><ref>[http://www.touchngo.com/lglcntr/akstats/Statutes/Title11/Chapter71/Section900.htm AS 11.71.900 Definitions] Includes definition of 'school grounds' used by SB 177</ref> Governor Tony Knowles' Senate Journal entry announcing his veto of SB 177 mentioned the opposition of, among other parties, the City of Wasilla.<ref>[http://www.legis.state.ak.us/BASIS/get_jrn_page.asp?session=19&bill=SB177&jrn=4402&hse=S Alaska Senate Journal] Notes veto of SB 177</ref> The federal judge who heard the case said in the decision that the police chief serves at the discretion of the mayor, and can be terminated for nearly any reason, even a political one, and dismissed Stambaugh's lawsuit<ref name="lawsuit"> {{cite web|last=Komarnitsky|first=S.J. |date=March 1, 2000 |url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=AS&p_theme=as&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0F793D42B8AA7008&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM| |title=Judge Backs Chief's Firing |work=Anchorage Daily News
|accessdate=2008-09-01 }}ADN precis of the decision</ref> ordering Stambaugh to pay Palin's legal fees.<ref name="Isikoff-lawsuit"> {{cite web
|last=Isikoff
|last=Isikoff
|first=Michael
|first=Michael
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|date=September 13, 2008
|date=September 13, 2008
|url=http://www.newsweek.com/id/158738
|url=http://www.newsweek.com/id/158738
|accessdate=2008-10-07}}</ref>
|accessdate=2008-10-07}}</ref> ruling that the mayor had the right to fire city employees for any reason, including a political one, or for no reason at all.<ref name="lawsuit"> {{cite web|last=Komarnitsky|first=S.J. |date=March 1, 2000 |url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=AS&p_theme=as&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0F793D42B8AA7008&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM|title=Judge Backs Chief's Firing |work=Anchorage Daily News
|accessdate=2008-09-01 }}</ref>


Palin appointed<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.codepublishing.com/ak/wasilla.html |title=Wasilla Municipal Code |publisher=CodePublishing.com |date= |accessdate=2008-11-09}}</ref> [[Mayoralty of Sarah Palin#Police matters|Charles Fannon]] to replace Stambaugh as police chief. Fannon later opposed a state law preventing police departments from billing rape victims or their health insurance for evidence collection kits.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.frontiersman.com/articles/2000/05/23/news.txt |title=Knowles signs sexual assault bill |publisher=Frontiersman |first=Jo C. |last=Goode |date=May 23, 2000 |accessdate=2008-11-09}}</ref> Fannon said that the Wasilla police had sometimes billed victims' health insurance in the past; Stambaugh said that under his tenure the city had paid.<ref name="CNN Rape kit tory"> {{cite web
Palin appointed<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.codepublishing.com/ak/wasilla.html |title=Wasilla Municipal Code |publisher=CodePublishing.com |date= |accessdate=2008-11-09}}</ref> [[Mayoralty of Sarah Palin#Police matters|Charles Fannon]] to replace Stambaugh as police chief. Fannon later opposed a state law preventing police departments from billing rape victims or their health insurance for evidence collection kits.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.frontiersman.com/articles/2000/05/23/news.txt |title=Knowles signs sexual assault bill |publisher=Frontiersman |first=Jo C. |last=Goode |date=May 23, 2000 |accessdate=2008-11-09}}</ref> Fannon said that the Wasilla police had sometimes billed victims' health insurance in the past; Stambaugh said that under his tenure the city had paid.<ref name="CNN Rape kit tory"> {{cite web
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|date=September 22, 2008
|date=September 22, 2008
|url=http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/09/21/palin.rape.exams/index.html
|url=http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/09/21/palin.rape.exams/index.html
|accessdate=2008-11-01}}</ref> An investigation by the ''St. Petersburg Times'' found no evidence that Palin had explicitly supported or opposed the policy.<ref>{{cite news |work=PolitiFact |URL=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/article/2008/sep/22/palin-rape-kit-controversy/ |title=The Palin 'rape kit' controversy |first=Bill |last=Adair |date=September 22, 2008 }}</ref>
|accessdate=2008-11-01}}</ref> An investigation by the ''St. Petersburg Times'' found no evidence that Palin had ever commented on the policy at all.<ref>{{cite news |work=PolitiFact |URL=http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/article/2008/sep/22/palin-rape-kit-controversy/ |title=The Palin 'rape kit' controversy |first=Bill |last=Adair |date=September 22, 2008 }}</ref>


During her first year in office, Palin kept a jar with the names of Wasilla residents on her desk, and once a week she pulled a name from it and picked up the phone; she would ask: "How's the city doing?"<ref name="turb"/> Using income generated by a 2% sales tax that was enacted before she was elected to the city council,<ref name="WasCity">[http://www.cityofwasilla.com/index.aspx?page=136 City of Wasilla Document Central] Links to official announcements and budget items
During her first year in office, Palin kept a jar with the names of Wasilla residents on her desk, and once a week she pulled a name from it and picked up the phone; she would ask: "How's the city doing?"<ref name="turb"/> Using income generated by a 2% sales tax that was enacted before she was elected to the city council,<ref name="WasCity">[http://www.cityofwasilla.com/index.aspx?page=136 City of Wasilla Document Central] Links to official announcements and budget items
</ref> Palin cut [[property tax]]es by 75% and eliminated personal property and business inventory taxes.<ref name="urlAs Mayor of Wasilla, Palin Cut Own Duties, Left Trail of Bad Blood - washingtonpost.com">
</ref> Palin cut [[property tax]]es by 75% and eliminated personal property and business inventory taxes.<ref name="urlAs Mayor of Wasilla, Palin Cut Own Duties, Left Trail of Bad Blood - washingtonpost.com">
{{cite web |url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/09/13/AR2008091302596.html |title=As Mayor of Wasilla, Palin Cut Own Duties, Left Trail of Bad Blood - washingtonpost.com |format= |work= |accessdate=2009-09-16}}</ref><ref name="Fresh face">
{{cite web |url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/09/13/AR2008091302596.html |title=As Mayor of Wasilla, Palin Cut Own Duties, Left Trail of Bad Blood - washingtonpost.com |format= |work= |accessdate=2009-09-16}}</ref><ref name=ADN_Kizzia_20061023/> Tapping municipal bonds, she made improvements to the roads and sewers, and increased funding to the Police Department.<ref name="nytimes090208"/> She also oversaw new bike paths and procured funding for storm-water treatment to protect freshwater resources.<ref name=ADN_Kizzia_20061023/> At the same time, she reduced spending on the town museum and blocked construction of a new library and city hall.<ref name=ADN_Kizzia_20061023/> Palin ran for re-election against Stein in 1999 and won, with 74% of the vote.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://cityofwasilla.com/Modules/ShowDocument.aspx?documentid=41
{{citation
|last=Kizzia |first=Tom
|title='Fresh face' launched Palin
|newspaper = Anchorage Daily News
|date=October 23, 2006
|url=http://dwb.adn.com/news/politics/story/8334949p-8231037c.html
}}</ref> Tapping municipal bonds, she made improvements to the roads and sewers, and increased funding to the Police Department.<ref name="nytimes090208"/> She also oversaw new bike paths and procured funding for storm-water treatment to protect freshwater resources.<ref name="Fresh face"/> At the same time, she reduced spending on the town museum and blocked construction of a new library and city hall.<ref name="Fresh face"/> Palin ran for re-election against Stein in 1999 and won, with 74% of the vote.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://cityofwasilla.com/Modules/ShowDocument.aspx?documentid=41
|title=October 5, 1999 Regular Election; Official Results
|title=October 5, 1999 Regular Election; Official Results
|accessdate=2008-09-01
|accessdate=2008-09-01
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Governor Murkowski appointed Palin to the [[Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aogcc.alaska.gov/WhoWeAre/terms.shtml|title=Commissioners - Terms in Office|date=May 15, 2006
Governor Murkowski appointed Palin to the [[Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aogcc.alaska.gov/WhoWeAre/terms.shtml|title=Commissioners - Terms in Office|date=May 15, 2006
|publisher=Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, State of Alaska}}</ref> She chaired the Commission beginning in 2003, serving as Ethics Supervisor.<ref name="explains" /> Palin resigned in January 2004, protesting what she called the "lack of ethics" of fellow Republican members.<ref name="Johnson">
|publisher=Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, State of Alaska}}</ref> She chaired the Commission beginning in 2003, serving as Ethics Supervisor.<ref name="explains" /> Palin resigned in January 2004, protesting what she called the "lack of ethics" of fellow Republican members.<ref name="Johnson">
{{harvnb |Johnson |2008 |p=80}}</ref><ref name="Rebel">
{{harvnb |Johnson |2008 |p=80}}</ref><ref name=ADN_Kizzia_20061024>{{cite news
|last=Kizzia|first=Tom |date=October 24, 2006
{{cite web
|last=Kizzia|first=Tom
|date=October 24, 2006
|url=http://dwb.adn.com/news/politics/elections/story/8337406p-8233470c.html
|url=http://dwb.adn.com/news/politics/elections/story/8337406p-8233470c.html
|title=Rebel status has fueled front-runner's success
|title=Rebel status has fueled front-runner's success |work=Anchorage Daily News
|accessdate=September 1, 2008}}</ref>
|work=Anchorage Daily News
|accessdate=2008-09-01}}</ref>


After resigning, Palin filed a formal complaint against Oil and Gas Conservation Commissioner Randy Ruedrich, also the chair of the state Republican Party,<ref>{{cite web
After resigning, Palin filed a formal complaint against Oil and Gas Conservation Commissioner Randy Ruedrich, also the chair of the state Republican Party,<ref>{{cite web
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|title=Randy Ruedrich defiant, still employed
|title=Randy Ruedrich defiant, still employed
|last=Zaki |first=Taufen|last2=Dennis |first2= Stephen
|last=Zaki |first=Taufen|last2=Dennis |first2= Stephen
|date=March 14, 2008
|date=March 14, 2008 |work=Alaska Report
|accessdate=September 3, 2008}}</ref> accusing him of doing work for the party on public time and of working closely with a company he was supposed to be regulating. She also joined with Democratic legislator [[Eric Croft]]<ref name="weeklystandard">{{cite news|url=http://weeklystandard.com/Content/Public/Articles/000/000/013/851orcjq.asp?pg=1|title=The Most Popular Governor|date=2007-07-16|publisher=''The Weekly Standard''|accessdate=2008-10-07}}</ref> to file a complaint against Gregg Renkes, a former Alaskan [[Attorney General]],<ref>{{cite web
|Work=Alaska Report
|accessdate=2008-09-03}}</ref> accusing him of doing work for the party on public time and of working closely with a company he was supposed to be regulating. She also joined with Democratic legislator [[Eric Croft]]<ref name="weeklystandard">{{cite news|url=http://weeklystandard.com/Content/Public/Articles/000/000/013/851orcjq.asp?pg=1|title=The Most Popular Governor|date=2007-07-16|publisher=''The Weekly Standard''|accessdate=2008-10-07}}</ref> to file a complaint against Gregg Renkes, a former Alaskan [[Attorney General]],<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.sitnews.us/0205news/020605/020605_resignation.html
|url=http://www.sitnews.us/0205news/020605/020605_resignation.html
|title=Attorney General Gregg Renkes Resigns
|title=Attorney General Gregg Renkes Resigns
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Palin declared that top priorities of her administration would be resource development, education and workforce development, public health and safety, and transportation and infrastructure development.<ref name=bio /> She had championed ethics reform throughout her election campaign. Her first legislative action after taking office was to push for a bipartisan ethics reform bill. She signed the resulting legislation in July 2007, calling it a "first step", and declaring that she remained determined to clean up Alaska politics.<ref>{{cite news|last=Halpin |first=James |title=Palin signs ethics reforms |publisher=Anchorage Daily News |date=2007-07-10 |url=http://dwb.adn.com/news/government/story/9120051p-9036359c.html |accessdate=2008-09-12 }}</ref>
Palin declared that top priorities of her administration would be resource development, education and workforce development, public health and safety, and transportation and infrastructure development.<ref name=bio /> She had championed ethics reform throughout her election campaign. Her first legislative action after taking office was to push for a bipartisan ethics reform bill. She signed the resulting legislation in July 2007, calling it a "first step", and declaring that she remained determined to clean up Alaska politics.<ref>{{cite news|last=Halpin |first=James |title=Palin signs ethics reforms |publisher=Anchorage Daily News |date=2007-07-10 |url=http://dwb.adn.com/news/government/story/9120051p-9036359c.html |accessdate=2008-09-12 }}</ref>


[[Image:Sarah Palin Kuwait 14.jpg|thumb|left|Palin tries out the [[Engagement Skills Trainer]], July 24, 2007.]]Palin has sometimes broken with the state Republican establishment. For example, she endorsed Sean Parnell's bid to unseat the state's longtime at-large U.S. Representative, [[Don Young]].<ref name="WSJ">{{cite news |first=Jim |last=Carlton |title=Alaska's Palin Faces Probe |url=http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121746477267499109.html |work=Washington Post |publisher= |date=2008-08-31 |accessdate=2008-09-05}}</ref> Palin has publicly challenged Senator [[Ted Stevens]] to come clean about the ongoing federal investigation into his financial dealings. Shortly before his July 2008 indictment, she held a joint news conference with Stevens, described by ''[[The Washington Post]]'' as needed "to make clear she had not abandoned him politically."<ref name="palin-stevens-527 " />
[[Image:Sarah Palin Kuwait 14.jpg|thumb|left|Palin tries out the [[Engagement Skills Trainer]], July 24, 2007.]]
Palin has sometimes broken with the state Republican establishment. For example, she endorsed Sean Parnell's bid to unseat the state's longtime at-large U.S. Representative, [[Don Young]].<ref name="WSJ">{{cite news |first=Jim |last=Carlton |title=Alaska's Palin Faces Probe |url=http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121746477267499109.html |work=Washington Post |publisher= |date=2008-08-31 |accessdate=2008-09-05}}</ref> Palin has publicly challenged Senator [[Ted Stevens]] to come clean about the ongoing federal investigation into his financial dealings. Shortly before his July 2008 indictment, she held a joint news conference with Stevens, described by ''[[The Washington Post]]'' as needed "to make clear she had not abandoned him politically."<ref name="palin-stevens-527 " />


Palin promoted oil and natural gas resource development in Alaska, including in the [[Arctic National Wildlife Refuge]] (ANWR). Proposals to drill for oil in ANWR have been the subject of a [[Arctic Refuge drilling controversy|national debate]].<ref name="ANWR">{{cite news|url=http://www.ontheissues.org/Governor/Sarah_Palin_Environment.htm|title=State of the State Address Jan 17, 2007 |date=2007-01-17|accessdate=2008-09-01}}</ref>
Palin promoted oil and natural gas resource development in Alaska, including in the [[Arctic National Wildlife Refuge]] (ANWR). Proposals to drill for oil in ANWR have been the subject of a [[Arctic Refuge drilling controversy|national debate]].<ref name="ANWR">{{cite news|url=http://www.ontheissues.org/Governor/Sarah_Palin_Environment.htm|title=State of the State Address Jan 17, 2007 |date=2007-01-17|accessdate=2008-09-01}}</ref>
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===Budget, spending, and federal funds===
===Budget, spending, and federal funds===
[[Image:Sarah Palin Germany 3 Cropped Lightened.JPG|right|thumb|upright|Governor Palin in Germany, July 2007]]In June 2007, Palin signed a record $6.6&nbsp;billion operating budget into law.<ref name="Shinohara">{{cite news
[[Image:Sarah Palin Germany 3 Cropped Lightened.JPG|right|thumb|upright|Governor Palin in [[Germany]], July 2007]]
In June 2007, Palin signed a record $6.6&nbsp;billion operating budget into law.<ref name="Shinohara">{{cite news
|url=http://dwb.adn.com/opinion/story/9137864p-9054054c.html
|url=http://dwb.adn.com/opinion/story/9137864p-9054054c.html
|accessdate=2007-12-27
|accessdate=2007-12-27
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In her [[State of the State Address]] on January 17, 2008, Palin declared that the people of Alaska "can and must continue to develop our economy, because we cannot and must not rely so heavily on federal government [funding]."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cagw.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=11244 |title=Citizens Against Government Waste: Alaska Begins to Grow Up |publisher=Cagw.org |author=Tuesday, January 29, 2008 By: Leslie K. Paige |date= |accessdate=2008-09-15}}</ref> Alaska's federal congressional representatives cut back on [[pork-barrel]] project requests during Palin's time as governor; despite this, in 2008 Alaska was still the largest per-capita recipient of federal [[Earmark (politics)|earmarks]], requesting nearly $750 million in special federal spending over a period of two years.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26611103/ |title=McCain, Palin criticize Obama on earmarks - John McCain News - MSNBC.com |publisher=Msnbc.msn.com |date=September 8, 2008 |accessdate=2008-09-16}}</ref>
In her [[State of the State Address]] on January 17, 2008, Palin declared that the people of Alaska "can and must continue to develop our economy, because we cannot and must not rely so heavily on federal government [funding]."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cagw.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=11244 |title=Citizens Against Government Waste: Alaska Begins to Grow Up |publisher=Cagw.org |author=Tuesday, January 29, 2008 By: Leslie K. Paige |date= |accessdate=2008-09-15}}</ref> Alaska's federal congressional representatives cut back on [[pork-barrel]] project requests during Palin's time as governor; despite this, in 2008 Alaska was still the largest per-capita recipient of federal [[Earmark (politics)|earmarks]], requesting nearly $750 million in special federal spending over a period of two years.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26611103/ |title=McCain, Palin criticize Obama on earmarks - John McCain News - MSNBC.com |publisher=Msnbc.msn.com |date=September 8, 2008 |accessdate=2008-09-16}}</ref>


While there is no sales tax or income tax in Alaska, state revenues doubled to $10 billion in 2008, For the 2009 budget, Palin gave a list of 31 proposed federal earmarks or requests for funding, totaling $197 million, to Alaska Senator [[Ted Stevens]].<ref>{{cite web|publisher=Seattle Times|title=Palin's earmark requests: more per person than any other state|url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2008154532_webpalin02m.html}} See also: {{cite web|publisher=Associated Press|last=Taylor|first=Andrew|url=http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2008/09/02/1817859-palins-pork-requests-confound-reformer-image|title=Palin's pork requests confound reformer image|accessdate=2008-10-23}}</ref> Palin’s decreasing support for federal funding has been a leading source of friction between herself and the state's congressional delegation; Palin has requested less in federal funding each year than her predecessor Frank Murkowski requested in his last year.<ref>Bolstad, Erika. [http://www.adn.com/news/alaska/story/516743.html "Palin's Take On Earmarks Evolving"], Anchorage Daily News, ([[2008-09-08]])</ref><!--The cited source says: "One thing is clear: Palin has increasingly distanced herself from earmarking since she made her first trip to Washington D.C. to lobby Congress for money in 2000. And over the past year, it has been the leading source of tension between Palin and the state's three-member congressional delegation….For the 2007 federal budget year, the administration of former Gov. Frank Murkowski submitted 63 earmark requests totaling $350 million, Palin's staff said. That slid to 52 earmarks valued at $256 million in Palin's first year. This year, the governor's office asked the delegation to help them land 31 earmarks valued at $197 million."-->
While there is no sales tax or income tax in Alaska, state revenues doubled to $10 billion in 2008. For the 2009 budget, Palin gave a list of 31 proposed federal earmarks or requests for funding, totaling $197 million, to Alaska Senator [[Ted Stevens]].<ref>{{cite web|publisher=Seattle Times|title=Palin's earmark requests: more per person than any other state|url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2008154532_webpalin02m.html}} See also: {{cite web|publisher=Associated Press|last=Taylor|first=Andrew|url=http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2008/09/02/1817859-palins-pork-requests-confound-reformer-image|title=Palin's pork requests confound reformer image|accessdate=2008-10-23}}</ref> Palin’s decreasing support for federal funding has been a leading source of friction between herself and the state's congressional delegation; Palin has requested less in federal funding each year than her predecessor Frank Murkowski requested in his last year.<ref>Bolstad, Erika. [http://www.adn.com/news/alaska/story/516743.html "Palin's Take On Earmarks Evolving"], Anchorage Daily News, ([[2008-09-08]])</ref><!--The cited source says: "One thing is clear: Palin has increasingly distanced herself from earmarking since she made her first trip to Washington D.C. to lobby Congress for money in 2000. And over the past year, it has been the leading source of tension between Palin and the state's three-member congressional delegation….For the 2007 federal budget year, the administration of former Gov. Frank Murkowski submitted 63 earmark requests totaling $350 million, Palin's staff said. That slid to 52 earmarks valued at $256 million in Palin's first year. This year, the governor's office asked the delegation to help them land 31 earmarks valued at $197 million."-->


====Bridge to Nowhere and Knik Arm Bridge====
====Bridge to Nowhere and Knik Arm Bridge====
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{{see also|Gravina Island Bridge|Knik Arm Bridge}}
{{see also|Gravina Island Bridge|Knik Arm Bridge}}
{{see also|Sarah Palin#2008 Vice-presidential campaign|l1=Use of "Bridge to Nowhere" in 2008 campaign}}
{{see also|Sarah Palin#2008 Vice-presidential campaign|l1=Use of "Bridge to Nowhere" in 2008 campaign}}
In 2005, before Palin was elected governor, Congress passed a $442-million [[Earmark (politics)|earmark]] for constructing two Alaska bridges as part of an [[omnibus spending bill]]. The [[Gravina Island Bridge]] was proposed to connect [[Ketchikan]] to sparsely populated [[Gravina Island]] where an international airport serves over 200,000 passengers per year and the existing ferry carries 400,000 passengers per year.<ref name="APbridge">{{cite web |url=http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/09/22/alaska.bridge.ap/ |date=2007-09-22 |publisher=CNN.com |title='Bridge to nowhere' abandoned|author=Associated Press|accessdate=2008-09-17}}</ref> The [[Knik Arm Bridge]] (also known as "Don Young's Way" after Alaska's Congressman [[Don Young]]) was to provide an alternate link between heavily-populated [[Anchorage, Alaska|Anchorage]] and Wasilla, 44 miles away.<ref name="Garance">Burke, Garance. [http://community.adn.com/node/131399 “Palin and the Knik Arm bridge”], Associated Press via ‘’[[Anchorage Daily News]]’’ ([[2008-09-16]]).</ref> The Gravina Island Bridge proposal became nicknamed the "Bridge to Nowhere" because of the island's population of fifty people.<ref name="APbridge"/> More rarely, the term "Bridges to Nowhere" has been applied to both bridge proposals.<ref name="Tumble">{{cite news|last=Hulse|first=Carl|title=Two 'Bridges to Nowhere' Tumble Down in Congress |work=New York Times|date=November 17, 2005|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2005/11/17/politics/17spend.html}}</ref> Critics of the two bridge proposals gave them national attention as symbols of [[pork-barrel]] spending, and [[United States Congress|Congress]] responded to the intense criticism by stripping the earmark from the bill before final passage in November 2005 and instead giving the $442 million to Alaska as transportation money with no strings attached.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/09/22/alaska.bridge.ap/|date=[[2007-09-22]]|work=CNN|title='Bridge to nowhere' abandoned}}</ref>
In 2005, before Palin was elected governor, Congress passed a $442-million [[Earmark (politics)|earmark]] for constructing two Alaska bridges as part of an [[omnibus spending bill]]. The [[Gravina Island Bridge]] was proposed to connect [[Ketchikan]] to sparsely populated [[Gravina Island]] where an international airport serves over 200,000 passengers per year and the existing ferry carries 400,000 passengers per year.<ref name="APbridge">{{cite web |url=http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/09/22/alaska.bridge.ap/ |date=September 22, 2007|publisher=CNN.com |title='Bridge to nowhere' abandoned|author=Associated Press|accessdate=September 17, 200}}</ref> The [[Knik Arm Bridge]] (also known as "Don Young's Way" after Alaska's Congressman [[Don Young]]) was to provide an alternate link between heavily-populated [[Anchorage, Alaska|Anchorage]] and Wasilla, 44 miles away.<ref name="Garance">{{cite news|last=Burke|first=Garance|url=http://community.adn.com/node/131399 |title=Palin and the Knik Arm bridge|agency=Associated Press |work=[[Anchorage Daily News]]|date=September 16, 2008}}</ref> The Gravina Island Bridge proposal became nicknamed the "Bridge to Nowhere" because of the island's population of fifty people.<ref name="APbridge"/> More rarely, the term "Bridges to Nowhere" has been applied to both bridge proposals.<ref name="Tumble">{{cite news|last=Hulse|first=Carl|title=Two 'Bridges to Nowhere' Tumble Down in Congress |work=New York Times|date=November 17, 2005|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2005/11/17/politics/17spend.html}}</ref> Critics of the two bridge proposals gave them national attention as symbols of [[pork-barrel]] spending, and [[United States Congress|Congress]] responded to the intense criticism by stripping the earmark from the bill before final passage in November 2005 and instead giving the $442 million to Alaska as transportation money with no strings attached.<ref name="APbridge"/>


[[Image:palin nowhere.jpg|thumb|left|Sarah Palin holds up a t-shirt reading "Nowhere Alaska 99901" while visiting Ketchikan during her Gubernatorial campaign in 2006; the [[zip code]] for the area is 99901.]]
[[Image:palin nowhere.jpg|thumb|left|Sarah Palin holds up a t-shirt reading "Nowhere Alaska 99901" while visiting [[Ketchikan]] during her Gubernatorial campaign in 2006; the [[zip code]] for the area is 99901.]]


In 2006, Palin ran for governor with a "build-the-bridge" plank in her platform,<ref name="Stance">{{cite news | url=http://www.adn.com/politics/story/511471.html | title=Palin touts stance on 'Bridge to Nowhere,' doesn't note flip-flop | work=Anchorage Daily News | author=Tom Kizzia | date=2008-08-31 | accessdate=2008-09-08}}</ref> saying she would "not allow the spinmeisters to turn this project [...] into something that's so negative."<ref name="Palin backed">{{cite news | url=http://www.gannettnewsservice.com/?p=2448 | title=Palin backed ‘bridge to nowhere’ in 2006 | work=Gannett News Service | author=Dilanian, Ken | date=2008-08-31 | accessdate=2008-09-08}}“We need to come to the defense of Southeast Alaska when proposals are on the table like the bridge, and not allow the spinmeisters to turn this project or any other into something that’s so negative, Palin said in August 2006, according to the Ketchikan (Alaska) Daily News.</ref> Palin criticized the use of the word "nowhere" as insulting to local residents<ref name="Stance"/><ref>{{Citation | title = Where they stand (10/22/2006)| newspaper = [[Anchorage Daily News]] | date = August 29, 2008| url = http://www.adn.com/sarahpalin/story/510378.html}}</ref> and urged speedy work on building the infrastructure "while our congressional delegation is in a strong position to assist."<ref>{{Citation | title = Where they stand (10/22/2006)| newspaper = [[Anchorage Daily News]] | date = August 29, 2008| url = http://www.adn.com/sarahpalin/story/510378.html}}: "5. Would you continue state funding for the proposed Knik Arm and Gravina Island bridges? Yes. I would like to see Alaska's infrastructure projects built sooner rather than later. The window is now - while our congressional delegation is in a strong position to assist."</ref>
In 2006, Palin ran for governor with a "build-the-bridge" plank in her platform,<ref name=ADN_Kizzia_20080831>{{cite news | url=http://www.adn.com/politics/story/511471.html | title=Palin touts stance on 'Bridge to Nowhere,' doesn't note flip-flop | work=Anchorage Daily News | first=Tom |last=Kizzia | date=August 31, 2008| accessdate=September 8, 2008}}</ref> saying she would "not allow the spinmeisters to turn this project [...] into something that's so negative."<ref name="Palin backed">{{cite news | url=http://www.gannettnewsservice.com/?p=2448 | title=Palin backed ‘bridge to nowhere’ in 2006 | publisher=Gannett News Service | author=Dilanian, Ken | date=August 31, 2008| accessdate=September 8, 2008 |quote='We need to come to the defense of Southeast Alaska when proposals are on the table like the bridge, and not allow the spinmeisters to turn this project or any other into something that’s so negative,' Palin said in August 2006, according to the Ketchikan (Alaska) Daily News.}}</ref> Palin criticized the use of the word "nowhere" as insulting to local residents<ref name=ADN_Kizzia_20080831/><ref name=ADN_20080829_wheretheystand>{{cite news | title = Where they stand (10/22/2006)| work = [[Anchorage Daily News]] | date = August 29, 2008| url = http://www.adn.com/sarahpalin/story/510378.html|quote=5. Would you continue state funding for the proposed Knik Arm and Gravina Island bridges? Yes. I would like to see Alaska's infrastructure projects built sooner rather than later. The window is now - while our congressional delegation is in a strong position to assist.}} NB: "Editor's note: This story was originally published October 22, 2006. This is an except from a longer article that presented the views of the various candidates for governor."</ref> and urged speedy work on building the infrastructure "while our congressional delegation is in a strong position to assist."<ref name=ADN_20080829_wheretheystand/>


As governor Palin canceled the Gravina Island Bridge in September 2007, saying that Congress had "little interest in spending any more money" due to what she called "inaccurate portrayals of the projects."<ref name="release">
As governor Palin canceled the Gravina Island Bridge in September 2007, saying that Congress had "little interest in spending any more money" due to what she called "inaccurate portrayals of the projects."<ref name="release">
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|author=Governor's Office
|author=Governor's Office
|publisher=Governor's Office&ndash;State of Alaska
|publisher=Governor's Office&ndash;State of Alaska
|quote=Governor Sarah Palin today directed the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities to look for the most fiscally responsible alternative for access to the Ketchikan airport and Gravina Island instead of proceeding any further with the proposed $398-million bridge.}}</ref> She opted not to return the $442 million in federal transportation funds.<ref name=Angers>{{cite news
|quote=Governor Sarah Palin today directed the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities to look for the most fiscally responsible alternative for access to the Ketchikan airport and Gravina Island instead of proceeding any further with the proposed $398-million bridge.}}</ref> She opted not to return the $442 million in federal transportation funds.<ref name=Reuters_Rosen_20080901>{{cite news
|last=Rosen|first=Yereth
|last=Rosen|first=Yereth
|title=Palin 'bridge to nowhere' line angers many Alaskans
|title=Palin 'bridge to nowhere' line angers many Alaskans
|publisher=Reuters
|publisher=Reuters|date=September 1, 2008
|date=September 1, 2008
|url=http://www.reuters.com/article/vcCandidateFeed7/idUSN3125537020080901
|url=http://www.reuters.com/article/vcCandidateFeed7/idUSN3125537020080901
|accessdate=2008-09-05}}</ref> Palin maintained her support for a controversial highway on the bridgeless Gravina Island, committing $25 million in federal funds to the project saying through her spokesperson that it would open territory for development. Alaska state officials said if the money were not used for the road it would have had to have been returned to the federal government.<ref>Kizzia, Tom. [http://www.adn.com/sarahpalin/story/511471.html "Palin touts stance on 'Bridge to Nowhere,' doesn't note flip-flop"], ''Anchorage Daily News'' ([[2008-08-31]])</ref> She also directed state officials to explore other ways to provide access to the island.<ref name="release" />
|accessdate=September 5, 2008 |quote=In the city Ketchikan, the planned site of the so-called 'Bridge to Nowhere,' political leaders of both parties said the claim was false and a betrayal of their community....}}</ref> Palin maintained her support for a controversial highway on the bridgeless Gravina Island, committing $25 million in federal funds to the project saying through her spokesperson that it would open territory for development. Alaska state officials said if the money were not used for the road it would have had to have been returned to the federal government.<ref name=ADN_Kizzia_20080831>{{cite news|last=Kizzia |first=Tom |url=http://www.adn.com/sarahpalin/story/511471.html |title=Palin touts stance on 'Bridge to Nowhere,' doesn't note flip-flop |work=Anchorage Daily News |date=August 31, 2008}}</ref> She also directed state officials to explore other ways to provide access to the island.<ref name="release" />


Later, as a vice-presidential candidate, Palin characterized her position as having told Congress "thanks, but no thanks, on that bridge to nowhere." This angered some Alaskans in Ketchikan, who said that the claim was false and a betrayal of Palin's previous support for their community.<ref>[http://www.reuters.com/article/vcCandidateFeed7/idUSN3125537020080901 Palin "bridge to nowhere" line angers many Alaskans]: "In the city Ketchikan, the planned site of the so-called 'Bridge to Nowhere,' political leaders of both parties said the claim was false and a betrayal of their community...."</ref> Meanwhile, some critics complained that this statement was misleading, since she had repeatedly expressed support for the spending project and even kept the Federal money after the project was canceled.<ref>[http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/09/18/fact-check-did-palin-say-no-thanks-to-the-bridge-to-nowhere/ Fact Check: Did Palin say 'no thanks' to the Bridge to Nowhere?]: "The Facts: Palin voiced support for the plan while running for governor...
Later, as a vice-presidential candidate, Palin characterized her position as having told Congress "thanks, but no thanks, on that bridge to nowhere." This angered some Alaskans in Ketchikan, who said that the claim was false and a betrayal of Palin's previous support for their community.<ref name=Reuters_Rosen_20080901/> Meanwhile, some critics complained that this statement was misleading, since she had repeatedly expressed support for the spending project and even kept the Federal money after the project was canceled.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/09/18/fact-check-did-palin-say-no-thanks-to-the-bridge-to-nowhere/ |title=Fact Check: Did Palin say 'no thanks' to the Bridge to Nowhere? |publisher=CNNPolitics.com|quote=The Facts: Palin voiced support for the plan while running for governor...
She rejected the bridge after she was elected and the project became a famous symbol of government waste. When she rejected the project as governor, Palin said objections to the project were "based on inaccurate portrayals," [[CNN]] has reported. Alaska kept the federal money intended for the project, using it on other transportation projects. Verdict: MISLEADING"</ref> Palin continues to support the Knik Arm project.<ref name="Garance"/>
She rejected the bridge after she was elected and the project became a famous symbol of government waste. When she rejected the project as governor, Palin said objections to the project were "based on inaccurate portrayals," [[CNN]] has reported. Alaska kept the federal money intended for the project, using it on other transportation projects. Verdict: MISLEADING"}}</ref> Palin continues to support the Knik Arm project.<ref name="Garance"/>


===Gas pipeline===
===Gas pipeline===
{{see also|Alaska Gas Pipeline}}
{{see also|Alaska Gas Pipeline}}
In August 2008, Palin signed a bill authorizing the State of Alaska to award [[TransCanada Pipelines]] — the sole bidder to meet the state's requirements — a license to build and operate a pipeline to transport natural gas from the [[Alaska North Slope|North Slope]] to the [[Continental United States]] through Canada.<ref name="canada1">{{cite news |first=Yereth |last=Rosen |title=Alaska governor signs natgas pipeline license bill |url=http://www.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/story.html?id=2e84b1e8-9a4a-4558-ad05-21b517c50fae |work=[[Calgary Herald]] |publisher= |date=2008-08-27 |accessdate=2008-09-05}}</ref> The governor also pledged $500 million in seed money to support the project.<ref name="AGIA-unveil">{{cite web|date=2007-03-02|url=http://www.gov.state.ak.us/news.php?id=170|title=Governor Palin Unveils the AGIA|work=News & Announcements|publisher=[[State of Alaska]]|accessdate=2008-09-01}}</ref> It is estimated that the project will cost $26 billion.<ref name="canada1"/> ''[[Newsweek]]'' described the project as "the principal achievement of Sarah Palin's term as Alaska's governor,"<ref name="Newsweek-pipeline-to-nowhere">{{cite web |url=http://www.newsweek.com/id/160088 |title=Palin's Pipeline to Nowhere | Newsweek Periscope | Newsweek.com |format= |work= |accessdate=2009-09-23}}</ref> but it faces legal challenges from Canadian [[First Nations]] (aboriginal peoples).<ref name="Newsweek-pipeline-to-nowhere" />
In August 2008, Palin signed a bill authorizing the State of Alaska to award [[TransCanada Pipelines]] — the sole bidder to meet the state's requirements — a license to build and operate a pipeline to transport natural gas from the [[Alaska North Slope|North Slope]] to the [[Continental United States]] through Canada.<ref name="canada1">{{cite news
|first=Yereth |last=Rosen |title=Alaska governor signs natgas pipeline license bill
|work=[[Calgary Herald]] |date=August 27, 2008|accessdate=September 5, 2008
|url=http://www.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/story.html?id=2e84b1e8-9a4a-4558-ad05-21b517c50fae }}</ref> The governor also pledged $500 million in seed money to support the project.<ref name="AGIA-unveil">{{cite web|date=2007-03-02|url=http://www.gov.state.ak.us/news.php?id=170|title=Governor Palin Unveils the AGIA|work=News & Announcements|publisher=[[State of Alaska]]|accessdate=2008-09-01}}</ref> It is estimated that the project will cost $26 billion.<ref name="canada1"/> ''[[Newsweek]]'' described the project as "the principal achievement of Sarah Palin's term as Alaska's governor,"<ref name="Newsweek-pipeline-to-nowhere">{{cite journal
|title=Periscope: Palin's Pipeline to Nowhere |first=Mark |last=Hosenball
|journal=Newsweek |date=September 20, 2008 |format= From the magazine issue dated September 29, 2008
|url=http://www.newsweek.com/id/160088
|accessdate=September 23, 2008}}</ref> but it faces legal challenges from Canadian [[First Nations]] (aboriginal peoples).<ref name="Newsweek-pipeline-to-nowhere" />


===Predator control===
===Predator control===
{{main|Governorship of Sarah Palin#Predator control|l1=Palin's Predator control policy}}
{{main|Governorship of Sarah Palin#Predator control|l1=Palin's Predator control policy}}
In 2007, Palin supported a 2003 [[Alaska Department of Fish and Game]] policy allowing the [[Wolf hunting|hunting of wolves]] from the air as part of a predator control program intended to increase [[moose]] and [[caribou]] populations for subsistence-food gatherers and other hunters.<ref name=ADN_20070511>{{cite web|url=http://dwb.adn.com/news/alaska/wildlife/story/8726730p-8628810c.html|title=State Puts Bounty on Wolves|publisher=Anchorage Daily News|date=March 21, 2007}} See also: {{cite web|url=http://www.adfg.state.ak.us/news/2007/5-11-07_nr.php|title=Governor Palin Introduces Bill to Streamline Predator Management Laws|publisher=Alaska Department of Game and Fish|date=May 11, 2007}}</ref>
In 2007, Palin supported a 2003 [[Alaska Department of Fish and Game]] policy allowing the [[Wolf hunting|hunting of wolves]] from the air as part of a predator control program intended to increase [[moose]] and [[caribou]] populations for subsistence-food gatherers and other hunters.<ref name=ADN_deMarban_20070511>{{cite news
|url=http://dwb.adn.com/news/alaska/wildlife/story/8726730p-8628810c.html
|title=State Puts Bounty on Wolves
|first=Alex |last=deMarban
|work=Anchorage Daily News |date=March 21, 2007}}</ref><ref name=ADFG_pressrelease_20070511>
{{cite press release|url=http://www.adfg.state.ak.us/news/2007/5-11-07_nr.php
|title=Governor Palin Introduces Bill to Streamline Predator Management Laws
|date=May 11, 2007
|publisher=Alaska Department of Game and Fish}}</ref>
In March 2007, Palin's office announced that a [[Bounty (reward)|bounty]] of $150 per wolf would be paid to the 180 volunteer pilots and gunners, to offset fuel costs. Wildlife activists sued the state, and a state judge declared the bounty illegal on the basis that a bounty would have to be offered by the Board of Game and not by the Department of Fish and Game.<ref name=ADN_20070511/><ref name=ADN_20070331>{{cite news|author=DeMarban, Alex.|url=http://www.adn.com/news/alaska/wildlife/wolves/story/204937.html |title=Judge orders state to stop wolf bounties
In March 2007, Palin's office announced that a [[Bounty (reward)|bounty]] of $150 per wolf would be paid to the 180 volunteer pilots and gunners, to offset fuel costs. Wildlife activists sued the state, and a state judge declared the bounty illegal on the basis that a bounty would have to be offered by the Board of Game and not by the Department of Fish and Game.<ref name=ADN_deMarban_20070511/><ref name=ADN_deMarban_20070331>{{cite news|author=deMarban, Alex|url=http://www.adn.com/news/alaska/wildlife/wolves/story/204937.html |title=Judge orders state to stop wolf bounties
|work=Anchorage Daily News |date=March 31, 2007}}</ref>
|work=Anchorage Daily News |date=March 31, 2007}}</ref>


Line 452: Line 457:


====Legislative investigation====
====Legislative investigation====
On August 1, the Republican-dominated<ref name=Bloomberg_Hopfinger_20081011>{{cite web
On August 1, the Republican-dominated<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=a1bK5E1F0sPg&refer=home |quote=The state Legislative Council, which ordered the investigation, is dominated by Republicans |title=Palin Abused Power in Trooper Case, Alaska Probe Says (Update1) |publisher=Bloomberg |first=Tony |last=Hopfinger |date=October 11, 2008 |accessdate=2008-11-09}}</ref> [[Alaska Legislature]] hired an investigator, Stephen Branchflower, to review the Monegan dismissal. Legislators stated that Palin had the legal authority to fire Monegan, but they wanted to know whether her action had been motivated by anger at Monegan for not firing Wooten.<ref name="Lawmakers">{{Citation|last = Quinn| first = Steve | title = Lawmakers formally call for investigation into Palin's Public Safety firing| newspaper = [[Fairbanks Daily News-Miner]]| date = July 28, 2008| url = http://www.newsminer.com/news/2008/jul/28/lawmakers-formally-call-investigation-palins-publi/}}</ref><ref name="narrative">{{Citation| last = Espo| first = David | title = Palin probe has parallels to 2000 recount fight| newspaper = Boston Globe| date = September 19, 2008| url = http://www.boston.com/news/politics/2008/articles/2008/09/19/palin_probe_has_parallels_to_2000_recount_fight/}}</ref> The atmosphere was bipartisan and Palin pledged to cooperate.<ref name="Lawmakers"/><ref name="narrative"/><ref name="HiredHelp">{{cite news|url=http://www.adn.com/monegan/story/478090.html |title=Hired help will probe Monegan dismissal |author=Loy, Wesley |work=[[Anchorage Daily News]] |date=July 29, 2008 |accessdate=2008-08-29}}</ref> After she ordered her own internal investigation, Palin stated on August 13 that "pressure could have been perceived to exist, although I have only now become aware of it."<ref name="emails">{{cite news |title=Palin E-Mails Show Intense Interest in Trooper's Penalty |last=Grimaldi, James V. and Vick, Karl |work=Washington Post|date=September 4, 2008 |url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/09/03/AR2008090303210_pf.html |accessdate=2008-09-03}}</ref> Palin announced that officials had contacted Monegan or his staff about two dozen times regarding Wooten,<ref name="grimaldi" /> that she had only known about some of those contacts, that many of those contacts were appropriate, and that she had not fired Monegan because of Wooten,<ref name="contacts">{{cite web|url=http://www.mcclatchydc.com/homepage/story/48172.html |title=Alaska's governor admits her staff tried to have trooper fired |author=Sean Cockerham |work=Anchorage Daily News |publisher=McClatchy|date=August 14, 2008 |accessdate=2008-08-29}}</ref> who remained employed as a state trooper.<ref name="IsWootenGood">{{cite news|url=http://www.adn.com/politics/story/476430.html |title=Is Wooten a good trooper? |author=Demer, Lisa|work=[[Anchorage Daily News]] |date=July 27, 2008 }}</ref> She placed an aide on paid leave due to one tape-recorded phone conversation that she deemed improper, in which the aide appeared to be acting on her behalf and complained to a trooper that Wooten had not been fired.<ref name="Bailey">[http://community.adn.com/adn/node/128981 "Namely, specifically, most disturbing, is a telephone recording apparently made and preserved by the troopers..."], Anchorage Daily News ([[2008-08-13]]).</ref>
|url=http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=a1bK5E1F0sPg&refer=home
|quote=The state Legislative Council, which ordered the investigation, is dominated by Republicans |title=Palin Abused Power in Trooper Case, Alaska Probe Says (Update1)
|publisher=Bloomberg |first=Tony |last=Hopfinger |date=October 11, 2008 |accessdate=November 9, 2008}}</ref> [[Alaska Legislature]] hired an investigator, Stephen Branchflower, to review the Monegan dismissal. Legislators stated that Palin had the legal authority to fire Monegan, but they wanted to know whether her action had been motivated by anger at Monegan for not firing Wooten.<ref name="Lawmakers">{{cite news|last = Quinn| first = Steve | title = Lawmakers formally call for investigation into Palin's Public Safety firing| work = [[Fairbanks Daily News-Miner]]| date = July 28, 2008| url = http://www.newsminer.com/news/2008/jul/28/lawmakers-formally-call-investigation-palins-publi/}}</ref><ref name="narrative">{{cite news| last = Espo| first = David | title = Palin probe has parallels to 2000 recount fight| work = Boston Globe| date = September 19, 2008| url = http://www.boston.com/news/politics/2008/articles/2008/09/19/palin_probe_has_parallels_to_2000_recount_fight/}}</ref> The atmosphere was bipartisan and Palin pledged to cooperate.<ref name="Lawmakers"/><ref name="narrative"/><ref name="HiredHelp">{{cite news|url=http://www.adn.com/monegan/story/478090.html |title=Hired help will probe Monegan dismissal |author=Loy, Wesley |work=[[Anchorage Daily News]] |date=July 29, 2008 |accessdate=August 29, 2008}}</ref> After she ordered her own internal investigation, Palin stated on August 13 that "pressure could have been perceived to exist, although I have only now become aware of it."<ref name="emails">{{cite news |title=Palin E-Mails Show Intense Interest in Trooper's Penalty |last=Grimaldi |first=James V. |coauthors=Vick, Karl |work=Washington Post|date=September 4, 2008 |url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/09/03/AR2008090303210_pf.html |accessdate=September 3, 2008}}</ref> Palin announced that officials had contacted Monegan or his staff about two dozen times regarding Wooten,<ref name="grimaldi" /> that she had only known about some of those contacts, that many of those contacts were appropriate, and that she had not fired Monegan because of Wooten,<ref name="contacts">{{cite web|url=http://www.mcclatchydc.com/homepage/story/48172.html |title=Alaska's governor admits her staff tried to have trooper fired |author=Sean Cockerham |work=Anchorage Daily News |publisher=McClatchy|date=August 14, 2008 |accessdate=August 29, 2008}}</ref> who remained employed as a state trooper.<ref name="IsWootenGood">{{cite news|url=http://www.adn.com/politics/story/476430.html |title=Is Wooten a good trooper? |author=Demer, Lisa|work=[[Anchorage Daily News]] |date=July 27, 2008 }}</ref> She placed an aide on paid leave due to one tape-recorded phone conversation that she deemed improper, in which the aide appeared to be acting on her behalf and complained to a trooper that Wooten had not been fired.<ref name="Bailey">{{cite news|url=http://community.adn.com/adn/node/128981
|title='Namely, specifically, most disturbing, is a telephone recording apparently made and preserved by the troopers...'|author=Alaska Politics|work=Anchorage Daily News |date=August 13, 2008}}</ref>


Several weeks after the start of what the media referred to as "[[Alaska Public Safety Commissioner dismissal|troopergate]]", Palin was chosen as John McCain's running mate.<ref name="narrative" /><!-- This ref is duplicated just to clarify that it's not WP:SYNTH --> In a news story published on September 2, the state senator running the investigation complained that Palin's hiring of private lawyers hampered the investigation, and suggested that the results of the investigation were "likely to be damaging to the Governor's administration."<ref name="Isikoff">{{cite news
Several weeks after the start of what the media referred to as "[[Alaska Public Safety Commissioner dismissal|troopergate]]", Palin was chosen as John McCain's running mate.<ref name="narrative" /><!-- This ref is duplicated just to clarify that it's not WP:SYNTH --> In a news story published on September 2, the state senator running the investigation complained that Palin's hiring of private lawyers hampered the investigation, and suggested that the results of the investigation were "likely to be damaging to the Governor's administration."<ref name="Isikoff">{{cite news
|author=Ross, Brian and Tepper, Len
|last=Ross |first=Brian |coauthors=Len Tepper
|url=http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/Story?id=5702697&page=1
|url=http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/Story?id=5702697&page=1
|title='October Surprise' Over Palin Investigation?”
|title='October Surprise' Over Palin Investigation?”
|publisher=[[ABC News]]
|publisher=[[ABC News]] |date=September 2, 2008
|quote='It's likely to be damaging to the Governor's administration,' said Senator Hollis French, a Democrat… 'She has a credibility problem,' he said…. 'Now they may have to deal with an October surprise,' he said….}}</ref> On September 1, Palin asked the legislature to drop its investigation, saying that the state Personnel Board had jurisdiction over ethics issues.<ref name=ADN_Demer_20080903>{{cite news
|date=September 2, 2008
|first= Lisa|last=Demer |date=September 3, 2008
|quote='It's likely to be damaging to the Governor's administration,' said Senator Hollis French, a Democrat… 'She has a credibility problem,' he said…. 'Now they may have to deal with an October surprise,' he said….}}</ref> On September 1, Palin asked the legislature to drop its investigation, saying that the state Personnel Board had jurisdiction over ethics issues.<ref>{{cite news |first= |last= |title=Palin seeks review of Monegan firing case: Governor makes ethics complaint against herself to force action. |url=http://www.adn.com/monegan/story/514163.html |work=[[Anchorage Daily News]] |publisher= |date=2008-09-03 |accessdate=2008-09-05 }}</ref> The Personnel Board's three members were first appointed by Palin’s predecessor, and Palin reappointed one member in 2008.<ref name="cnn1">{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/09/03/palin.investigation/|title=Palin asks state board to take over trooper probe|date=2008-09-03|publisher=CNN}}</ref> On September 19, the [[Todd Palin|Governor's husband]] and several state employees refused to honor [[subpoena]]s, the validity of which were disputed by [[Talis Colberg]], Palin's appointee as Alaska's Attorney General.<ref>{{cite web|last=Quinn|first=Steve |title=Alaska AG: State employees won't honor subpoenas| publisher = Associated Press|date=September 16, 2008|url=http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory?id=5810700|accessdate=2008-10-23}}</ref> On October 2, a court rejected Colberg's challenge to the subpoenas,<ref>{{citation|last=Cockerham|first=Sean |title=Judge refuses to halt Troopergate probe| newspaper = [[Anchorage Daily News]]|date=October 2, 2008|url=http://www.adn.com/palin/story/543892.html}}</ref> and seven of the witnesses, not including Sarah and Todd Palin, eventually testified.<ref>{{citation|url=http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jOTk11gvqDAgD0cY3i4WjI_2YOxwD93KM4LG0|newspaper=Associated Press |date=October 5, 2008|title=7 Palin aides to testify in abuse-of-power probe|name=Apuzzo, Matt}}</ref>
|title=Palin seeks review of Monegan firing case: Governor makes ethics complaint against herself to force action
|url=http://www.adn.com/monegan/story/514163.html |work=[[Anchorage Daily News]] |publisher= |accessdate=September 5, 2008}}</ref> The Personnel Board's three members were first appointed by Palin’s predecessor, and Palin reappointed one member in 2008.<ref name="cnn1">{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/09/03/palin.investigation/|title=Palin asks state board to take over trooper probe|date=September 3, 2008|publisher=CNN}}</ref> On September 19, the [[Todd Palin|Governor's husband]] and several state employees refused to honor [[subpoena]]s, the validity of which were disputed by [[Talis Colberg]], Palin's appointee as Alaska's Attorney General.<ref name=ABCNews_Quinn_20080915>{{cite news|last=Quinn|first=Steve
|title=Alaska AG: State employees won't honor subpoenas
|agency=Associated Press |publisher=ABC News
|date=September 16, 2008
|url=http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory?id=5810700|accessdate=October 23, 2008}}</ref> On October 2, a court rejected Colberg's challenge to the subpoenas,<ref name=ADN_Cockerham_20081002>{{cite news|last=Cockerham|first=Sean |title=Judge refuses to halt Troopergate probe| work = [[Anchorage Daily News]]|date=October 2, 2008|url=http://www.adn.com/palin/story/543892.html}}</ref> and seven of the witnesses, not including Sarah and Todd Palin, eventually testified.<ref name=AP_Apuzzo_20081005>{{cite news
|title= 7 Palin aides to testify in abuse-of-power probe
|agency=Associated Presss|date=October 5, 2008|last=Apuzzo|first= Matt
|work=[[USA Today]]
|url=http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/2008-10-05-1503106214_x.htm
|accessdate=November 16, 2008}}</ref>


====Branchflower Report====
====Branchflower Report====
{{main|Branchflower Report}}
{{main|Branchflower Report}}
On October 10, 2008, the [[Alaska Legislative Council]] unanimously voted to release, without endorsing,<ref name=PeninsulaClarion_Spence_20081012>{{cite news
On October 10, 2008, the [[Alaska Legislative Council]] unanimously voted to release, without endorsing,<ref>Spence, Hal. [http://www.peninsulaclarion.com/stories/101208/new_295453733.shtml “Branchflower report draws mixed reactions”], ''Peninsula Clarion'' ([[2008-10-12]]): “The council voted unanimously to make the report public, but did not vote to endorse its findings.”</ref> the Branchflower Report, in which Stephen Branchflower found that firing Monegan "was a proper and lawful exercise of her constitutional and statutory authority," but that Palin abused her power as governor and violated the state's Executive Branch Ethics Act when her office pressured Monegan to fire Wooten .<ref name="Branchflower report">{{cite web|url=http://download2.legis.state.ak.us/DOWNLOAD.pdf |format=PDF| title=Stephen Branchflower report to the Legislative Council | author=Branchflower, Stephen | publisher= State of Alaska Legislature | date=2008-10-10| accessdate=2008-10-10}} See page 8 of Report for findings.</ref> The report stated that "Governor Palin knowingly permitted a situation to continue where impermissible pressure was placed on several subordinates in order to advance a personal agenda, to wit: to get Trooper Michael Wooten fired."<ref name="branchflower66">Branchflower report, page 66.</ref> The report also said that Palin "permitted Todd Palin to use the Governor's office [...] to continue to contact subordinate state employees in an effort to find some way to get Trooper Wooten fired."<ref name="branchflower66"/><ref name="Rood1010">{{cite news | url=http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/story?id=6004368&page=1 | title=
|last=Spence |first=Hal
Troopergate Report: Palin Abused Power: Unanimous but Contentious Vote to Release the Report to the Public | author=Rood, Justin |coauthors=Rutherford, Jessica| publisher=ABC News | date =2008-10-10 | accessdate=2008-10-10}} The report further found that Colberg had failed to cooperate fully with the investigation.</ref>
|title=Branchflower report draws mixed reactions
|work=Peninsula Clarion |location=Kenai, Alaska |date=October 12, 2008
|url=http://www.peninsulaclarion.com/stories/101208/new_295453733.shtml
|quote=The council voted unanimously to make the report public, but did not vote to endorse its findings.}}</ref> the Branchflower Report, in which Stephen Branchflower found that firing Monegan "was a proper and lawful exercise of her constitutional and statutory authority," but that Palin abused her power as governor and violated the state's Executive Branch Ethics Act when her office pressured Monegan to fire Wooten .<ref name="Branchflower report">{{cite web|url=http://download2.legis.state.ak.us/DOWNLOAD.pdf |format=PDF| title=Stephen Branchflower report to the Legislative Council | author=Branchflower, Stephen | publisher= State of Alaska Legislature | date=October 10, 2008| accessdate=October 10, 2008}} See page 8 of Report for findings.</ref> The report stated that "Governor Palin knowingly permitted a situation to continue where impermissible pressure was placed on several subordinates in order to advance a personal agenda, to wit: to get Trooper Michael Wooten fired."<ref name="branchflower66">{{harvnb|Branchflower|2008|p=66}}</ref> The report also said that Palin "permitted Todd Palin to use the Governor's office [...] to continue to contact subordinate state employees in an effort to find some way to get Trooper Wooten fired."<ref name="branchflower66"/><ref name="Rood1010">{{cite news | url=http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/story?id=6004368&page=1
| title= Troopergate Report: Palin Abused Power: Unanimous but Contentious Vote to Release the Report to the Public
| author=Rood, Justin |coauthors=Rutherford, Jessica
| publisher=ABC News | date =October 10, 2008| accessdate=October 10, 2008|}} The report further found that Colberg had failed to cooperate fully with the investigation.</ref>


On October 11, Palin's attorneys responded, condemning the Branchflower Report as "misleading and wrong on the law";<ref name="Palin response">{{cite news | url=http://i.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2008/images/10/11/response.branchflower.report.pdf |format=PDF| title=The Governor's Attorney Condemns the Branchflower Report as Misleading and Wrong on the Law" | author=Clapp, Peterson, Van Flein, Tiemessen, Thorsness LLC | date=2008-10-11 | accessdate=2008-10-11}}</ref> one, Thomas Van Flein, said that it was an attempt to "smear the governor by innuendo."<ref name="Dobbs">Dobbs, Michael.[http://voices.washingtonpost.com/fact-checker/2008/10/four_pinocchios_for_palin.html “The Fact Checker: Four Pinocchios for Palin”], Washington Post ([[2008-10-13]]).</ref> Van Flein further argues that Branchflower's findings are flawed because Palin received "no monetary benefit" from her actions.
On October 11, Palin's attorneys responded, condemning the Branchflower Report as "misleading and wrong on the law";<ref name="Palin response">{{cite news | url=http://i.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2008/images/10/11/response.branchflower.report.pdf |format=PDF| title=The Governor's Attorney Condemns the Branchflower Report as Misleading and Wrong on the Law" | author=Clapp, Peterson, Van Flein, Tiemessen, Thorsness LLC | date=October 11, 2008| accessdate=October 11, 2008}}</ref> one, Thomas Van Flein, said that it was an attempt to "smear the governor by innuendo."<ref name="Dobbs">Dobbs, Michael.[http://voices.washingtonpost.com/fact-checker/2008/10/four_pinocchios_for_palin.html “The Fact Checker: Four Pinocchios for Palin”], Washington Post ([[2008-10-13]]).</ref> Van Flein further argues that Branchflower's findings are flawed because Palin received "no monetary benefit" from her actions.


Palin said that she was "very very pleased to be cleared of any legal wrongdoing, any hint of any kind of unethical activity there".<ref>{{cite news | url=http://community.adn.com/adn/node/132625 | title=Palin: 'Very much appreciating being cleared of any legal wrongdoing or unethical activity at all' (Updated with audio) | date=2008-10-12 | publisher=Anchorage Daily News}}</ref> Among the commentators disputing her interpretation was a columnist for ''[[The Washington Post]]'':
Palin said that she was "very very pleased to be cleared of any legal wrongdoing, any hint of any kind of unethical activity there".<ref>{{cite news | url=http://community.adn.com/adn/node/132625 | title=Palin: 'Very much appreciating being cleared of any legal wrongdoing or unethical activity at all' (Updated with audio) | date=October 12, 2008| work=Anchorage Daily News}}</ref> Among the commentators disputing her interpretation was a columnist for ''[[The Washington Post]]'':
<blockquote>"Whether or not the Branchflower report -- which was launched by a bipartisan committee -- was a partisan smear job is debatable. What is not debatable is that the report clearly states that she violated the State Ethics Act. Palin has reasonable grounds for arguing that the report cleared her of 'legal wrongdoing,' since she did have the authority to fire Monegan. But it is the reverse of the truth to claim that she was cleared of "any hint of any kind of unethical activity."<ref name="Dobbs"/></blockquote>
<blockquote>"Whether or not the Branchflower report -- which was launched by a bipartisan committee -- was a partisan smear job is debatable. What is not debatable is that the report clearly states that she violated the State Ethics Act. Palin has reasonable grounds for arguing that the report cleared her of 'legal wrongdoing,' since she did have the authority to fire Monegan. But it is the reverse of the truth to claim that she was cleared of "any hint of any kind of unethical activity."<ref name="Dobbs"/></blockquote>


Another view was expressed by McClatchy's Kansascity.com, [[The Kansas City Star]]: "It’s just Steve Branchflower’s opinion that he thinks Governor Palin had, at worst, mixed motives for an action that even Branchflower admits she unquestionably had both the complete right to perform and other very good reasons to perform."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kansascity.com/273/story/843211.html |title=Pro-Con: Did an investigation vindicate Sarah Palin in the 'Troopergate' matter? YES |date=2008-10-15 |publisher=Kansascity.com |accessdate=2008-10-23}}</ref>
Another view was expressed in McClatchy's Kansascity.com, [[The Kansas City Star]]: "It’s just Steve Branchflower’s opinion that he thinks Governor Palin had, at worst, mixed motives for an action that even Branchflower admits she unquestionably had both the complete right to perform and other very good reasons to perform."<ref name=KansasCity_Hewitt_20081015>{{cite web|url=http://www.kansascity.com/273/story/843211.html |title=Opinion&mdash; Pro-Con: Did an investigation vindicate Sarah Palin in the 'Troopergate' matter? YES
|first=Hugh |last=Hewitt |date=October 15, 2008 |publisher=KansasCity.com |accessdate=October 23, 2008
|archiveurl=http://209.85.173.132/search?q=cache:cFnNFvxFUfcJ:www.kansascity.com/273/story/843211.html+Pro-Con:+Did+an+investigation+vindicate+Sarah+Palin+in+the+%27Troopergate%27+matter%3F&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=2&gl=us&client=firefox-a
|archivedate=2008-11-06}}</ref>


====State Personnel Board investigation====
====State Personnel Board investigation====
The State Personnel Board (SPB) has reviewed this matter at Palin's request.<ref name="ADN0902">{{cite news |first=Lisa |last=Demer|title=Attorney challenges Monegan firing inquiry |date=September 2, 2008 | work=[[Anchorage Daily News]] |url=http://www.adn.com/monegan/story/513137.html |accessdate=2008-09-02}}</ref> On September 15, she filed arguments of "no probable cause" with the SPB.<ref>Van Flein, Thomas. [http://sayanythingblog.s3.amazonaws.com/09-08/palin-response.pdf "Motion for determination of no probable cause"] ([[2008-09-15]]).</ref><ref name="insubordination">{{cite news
The State Personnel Board (SPB) reviewed the matter at Palin's request.<ref name="ADN0902">{{cite news |first=Lisa |last=Demer|title=Attorney challenges Monegan firing inquiry |date=September 2, 2008 |work=[[Anchorage Daily News]] |url=http://www.adn.com/monegan/story/513137.html |accessdate=September 2, 2008}}</ref> On September 15, the Anchorage law firm of Clapp, Peterson, Van Flein, Tiemessen & Thorsness filed arguments of "no probable cause" with the SPB on behalf of Palin.<ref name=VanFlein_20080915>{{cite web |accessdate=
|last=Van Flein, Thomas |format=PDF
|url=http://sayanythingblog.s3.amazonaws.com/09-08/palin-response.pdf
|title=Motion for determination of no probable cause |date=September 15, 2008
}}</ref><ref name="insubordination">{{cite news
|last=Loy |first=Wesley
|last=Loy |first=Wesley|title=Palin accuses Monegan of insubordination
|work=Anchorage Daily News |date=September 15, 2008
|title=Palin accuses Monegan of insubordination
|work=Anchorage Daily News
|url=http://www.adn.com/front/story/527346.html
|url=http://www.adn.com/front/story/527346.html
|accessdate=September 16, 2008}}</ref> The SPB hired independent counsel Timothy Petumenos as an investigator. Mr. Petumenos describes himself as a "loyal Democrat" according to the Washington Post. <ref name=WashingtonPost_Grimaldi_20081104>{{cite news
|date=September 15, 2008
|title=Alaska Board Clears Palin in Trooper Case |first=James V. |last=Grimaldi
|accessdate=2008-09-16
|work=Washington Post |date=November 4, 2008 |pages= A04
}}</ref> The SPB hired independent counsel Timothy Petumenos as an investigator. On October 24, Palin gave three hours of depositions with the Board in [[St. Louis, Missouri]].<ref>
|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/11/03/AR2008110303043.html?hpid=topnews }}</ref> On October 24, Palin gave three hours of depositions with the Board in [[St. Louis, Missouri]].<ref name=CNN_deposition_20081025>{{cite news
{{cite news
|title=Palin gives deposition in trooper case
|title=Palin gives deposition in trooper case
|publisher=CNN
|publisher=CNN |date=October 25, 2008
|url=http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/10/24/palin.deposition
|url=http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/10/24/palin.deposition
|accessdate=October 26, 2008}}</ref> On November 3, Petumenos found that there was no probable cause to believe Palin or any other state official had violated state ethical standards. <ref>[http://voices.washingtonpost.com/the-trail/2008/11/03/2nd_alaska_probe_finds_palin_d.html?hpid=topnews 2nd Alaska Probe Finds Palin Did Not Violate Ethics Rules]</ref><ref>[http://cnnwire.blogs.cnn.com/2008/11/03/2nd-probe-clears-palin-in-trooper-case/ 2nd probe clears Palin in trooper case]</ref><ref name="nytimesb1">{{cite news
|date=October 25, 2008
|accessdate=2008-10-26
|accessdate=
|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/04/us/politics/04palin.html?ref=politics
}}</ref> On November 3, the SPB-hired independent counsel found that there was no probable cause to believe Palin or any other state official had violated state ethical standards.<ref>{{cite news|title=Report clears Palin in Troopergate probe|url=http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D947PVBG0&show_article=1|date=November 3, 2008|publisher=[[Breitbart]]|accessdate=2008-11-04}}</ref>
|title=Report Backs Palin in Firing of Commissioner
|first=William |last=Yardley |coauthors=Serge F. Kovaleski
|work=New York Times
|date=November 3, 2008}}</ref><ref name=Breitbart_DOro_20081103>{{cite news
|title=Report clears Palin in Troopergate probe|first=Rachel |last=D'Oro
|date=November 3, 2008
|agency=[[Associated Press]]|publisher=[[Breitbart.com]]
|url=http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D947PVBG0&show_article=1
|accessdate=November 4, 2008}}</ref>


==2008 Vice-presidential campaign==
==2008 vice-presidential campaign==
{{main|John McCain presidential campaign, 2008}}
{{main|John McCain presidential campaign, 2008}}
{{seealso|Republican Party (United States) vice presidential candidates, 2008}}
{{seealso|Republican Party (United States) vice presidential candidates, 2008}}
[[Image:Palin waving-RNC-20080903 cropped.jpg|thumb|Palin addresses the [[2008 Republican National Convention]]]]
[[Image:Palin waving-RNC-20080903 cropped.jpg|thumb|Palin addresses the [[2008 Republican National Convention]]]]


On August 29, 2008, in [[Dayton, Ohio]], [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] [[President of the United States|presidential]] candidate [[John McCain]] announced that he had chosen Palin as his [[running mate]].<ref name="cnn-taps" /> According to Jill Hazelbaker, a spokeswoman for John McCain, he first met Palin at the [[National Governors Association]] meeting in Washington in February 2008 and came away "extraordinarily impressed."<ref>{{cite web| last = Washington Wire | authorlink = The Wall Street Journal| title = When John Met Sarah: How McCain Picked Palin| url = http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2008/08/29/when-john-met-sarah-how-mccain-picked-palin/ | accessdate = 2008-10-21}}</ref> He called Palin on August 24 to discuss the possibility of having her join him on the ticket.<ref name="NYT">Bumiller, Elisabeth; and Michael Cooper. [http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/31/us/politics/31reconstruct.html Conservative Ire Pushed McCain From Lieberman]. ''[[The New York Times]]'', 2008-08-30.</ref> On August 27, she visited McCain's vacation home near [[Sedona, Arizona]], where she was offered the position of vice-presidential candidate.<ref>Dan Balz and Robert Barnes. [http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/30/AR2008083002377.html Palin Made an Impression From the Start]. ''[[The Washington Post]]'', 2008-08-31.</ref> Palin was the only prospective running mate who had a face-to-face interview with McCain to discuss joining the ticket that week.<ref name="NYT" /> Nonetheless, Palin's selection was a surprise to many as speculation had centered on other candidates, such as [[Minnesota]] Governor [[Tim Pawlenty]], former [[Massachusetts]] Governor [[Mitt Romney]], United States Senator [[Joe Lieberman]] of [[Connecticut]], and former [[Pennsylvania]] Governor [[Tom Ridge]].<ref name="cnn-taps" />
On August 29, 2008, in [[Dayton, Ohio]], [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] [[President of the United States|presidential]] candidate [[John McCain]] announced that he had chosen Palin as his [[running mate]].<ref name="cnn-taps" /> According to Jill Hazelbaker, a spokeswoman for John McCain, he first met Palin at the [[National Governors Association]] meeting in Washington in February 2008 and came away "extraordinarily impressed."<ref name=WSJ_WashingtonWire_20080829>{{cite web
| last = Washington Wire | work = [[Wall Street Journal]]
| title = When John Met Sarah: How McCain Picked Palin
| date=August 29, 2008
| url = http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2008/08/29/when-john-met-sarah-how-mccain-picked-palin/
| accessdate = October 21, 2008}}</ref> He called Palin on August 24 to discuss the possibility of having her join him on the ticket.<ref name="NYT">{{cite news |last=Bumiller|first=Elisabeth |coauthors=Michael Cooper |url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/31/us/politics/31reconstruct.html |title=Conservative Ire Pushed McCain From Lieberman |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=August 30, 2008}}</ref> On August 27, she visited McCain's vacation home near [[Sedona, Arizona]], where she was offered the position of vice-presidential candidate.<ref name=WashingtonPost_Balz-Barnes_20080831>{{cite news|first=Dan |last=Balz |coauthoers=Robert Barnes |url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/30/AR2008083002377.html
|title=Palin Made an Impression From the Start |work=[[The Washington Post]] |date=August 31, 2008}}</ref> Palin was the only prospective running mate who had a face-to-face interview with McCain to discuss joining the ticket that week.<ref name="NYT" /> Nonetheless, Palin's selection was a surprise to many as speculation had centered on other candidates, such as [[Minnesota]] Governor [[Tim Pawlenty]], former [[Massachusetts]] Governor [[Mitt Romney]], United States Senator [[Joe Lieberman]] of [[Connecticut]], and former [[Pennsylvania]] Governor [[Tom Ridge]].<ref name="cnn-taps" />


Palin is the first Alaskan and the second woman to run on a major U.S. party ticket. The first woman was [[Geraldine Ferraro]], the Democratic vice-presidential nominee in [[United States presidential election, 1984|1984]], who ran with former vice-president [[Walter Mondale]].<ref name="cnn-taps">{{cite web|url=http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/08/29/palin.republican.vp.candidate/index.html|title=McCain taps Alaska Gov. Palin as vice president pick|publisher=CNN|date=2008-08-29|accessdate=2008-08-29}}</ref>
Palin is the first Alaskan and the second woman to run on a major U.S. party ticket. The first woman was [[Geraldine Ferraro]], the Democratic vice-presidential nominee in [[United States presidential election, 1984|1984]], who ran with former vice-president [[Walter Mondale]].<ref name="cnn-taps">{{cite web|url=http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/08/29/palin.republican.vp.candidate/index.html|title=McCain taps Alaska Gov. Palin as vice president pick|publisher=CNN|date=August 29, 2008|accessdate=August 29, 2008}}</ref>
On September 3, 2008, Palin delivered a 40-minute acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention that was well-received and watched by more than 40 million viewers.<ref>{{cite news |first=David |last=Bauder |title=More than 40 million people see Palin speech|url=http://www.wtop.com/?nid=114&sid=1472337|publisher=AP |date=2008-09-04 |accessdate=2008-10-23}}</ref>
On September 3, 2008, Palin delivered a 40-minute acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention that was well-received and watched by more than 40 million viewers.<ref name=AP_Bauder_20080904>{{cite news |first=David |last=Bauder |title=More than 40 million people see Palin speech|url=http://www.wtop.com/?nid=114&sid=1472337|agency=Associated Press |work=WTOP News |date=September 4, 2008|accessdate=October 23, 2008}}</ref>


Several conservative commentators met Palin in the summer of 2007 when they sailed on cruises that docked in Juneau.<ref>{{Citation| last = Mayer| first = Jane| author-link = Jane Mayer | title = The Insiders| newspaper = [[The New Yorker]]| year = 2008| date = October 27, 2008| url = http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2008/10/27/081027fa_fact_mayer?currentPage=1}}</ref> Some of them, such as [[Bill Kristol]], urged McCain to pick Palin, arguing that her presence on the ticket would provide a boost in enthusiasm among the religious right wing of the Republican party, while her status as an unknown on the national scene would also be a positive factor for McCain's campaign.<ref name="Salon Radio">{{cite news|title=Salon Radio: Scott Horton|url=http://www.salon.com/opinion/greenwald/radio/2008/10/15/horton/index1.html|date=October 15, 2008|work=Salon Radio|publisher=Salon.com}}</ref>
Several conservative commentators met Palin in the summer of 2007 when they sailed on cruises that docked in Juneau.<ref name=NewYorker_Mayer_20081027>{{cite magazine
| last = Mayer| first = Jane| authorlink = Jane Mayer | journal = [[The New Yorker]]
| title = The Insiders: How John McCain came to pick Sarah Palin | date = October 27, 2008
| url = http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2008/10/27/081027fa_fact_mayer?currentPage=1}}</ref> Some of them, such as [[Bill Kristol]], urged McCain to pick Palin, arguing that her presence on the ticket would provide a boost in enthusiasm among the religious right wing of the Republican party, while her status as an unknown on the national scene would also be a positive factor for McCain's campaign.<ref name="Salon Radio">{{cite interview
| subject = Horton, Scott
| subjectlink = Scott Horton (lawyer)
| interviewer = [[Glenn Greenwald]]
| title = Glenn Greenwald Radio
| url = http://www.salon.com/opinion/greenwald/radio/2008/10/15/horton/index1.html
| callsign = Salon Radio
| date = October 15, 2008
}}</ref>


Since Palin was largely unknown outside Alaska before her selection by McCain, her personal life, positions, and political record drew intense media attention and scrutiny.<ref>{{cite news
Since Palin was largely unknown outside Alaska before her selection by McCain, her personal life, positions, and political record drew intense media attention and scrutiny.<ref name=FairbanksDailyNewsMiner_Delbridge_20080903>{{cite news
|url=http://newsminer.com/news/2008/sep/03/alaska-delegates-see-more-republican-convention-at/ |title=Alaska delegates see more Republican convention attention|work=Fairbanks Daily News-Miner|author=Delbridge, Rena|date=September 3. 2008|accessdate=2008-09-08}}</ref> Some Republicans felt that Palin was being subjected to unreasonable media coverage, a sentiment Palin noted in her acceptance speech.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2008/09/05/republicans_point_fingers_at_media_over_palin_coverage/ |title=Republicans point fingers at media over Palin coverage |work=The Boston Globe |author=Wangsness, Lisa |date=September 5, 2008
|url=http://newsminer.com/news/2008/sep/03/alaska-delegates-see-more-republican-convention-at/ |title=Alaska delegates see more Republican convention attention
|work=Fairbanks Daily News-Miner|author=Delbridge, Rena|date=September 3. 2008|accessdate=September 8, 2008}}</ref> Some Republicans felt that Palin was being subjected to unreasonable media coverage, a sentiment Palin noted in her acceptance speech.<ref name=BostonGlobe_Wangsness_20080905>{{cite news |url=http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2008/09/05/republicans_point_fingers_at_media_over_palin_coverage/
|accessdate=2008-09-08}}</ref> A poll taken immediately after the Republican convention found that slightly more than half of Americans believed that the media was "trying to hurt" Palin with negative coverage.<ref>
|title=Republicans point fingers at media over Palin coverage |work=The Boston Globe |author=Wangsness, Lisa |date=September 5, 2008|accessdate=September 8, 2008}}</ref> A poll taken immediately after the Republican convention found that slightly more than half of Americans believed that the media was "trying to hurt" Palin with negative coverage.<ref>
{{cite web |url=http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/2008_presidential_election/palin_power_fresh_face_now_more_popular_than_obama_mccain |title=Palin Power: Fresh Face Now More Popular Than Obama, McCain |publisher=Rasmussen Reports |date=September 5, 2008 |accessdate=2008-09-07}}</ref>
{{cite web |url=http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/2008_presidential_election/palin_power_fresh_face_now_more_popular_than_obama_mccain |title=Palin Power: Fresh Face Now More Popular Than Obama, McCain |publisher=Rasmussen Reports |date=September 5, 2008 |accessdate=2008-09-07}}</ref>


[[Image:McCainPalin1.jpg|thumb|left|The Palins and McCains in [[Fairfax, Virginia]], September 2008.]]
[[Image:McCainPalin1.jpg|thumb|left|The Palins and McCains in [[Fairfax, Virginia]], September 2008.]]
During the campaign, controversy erupted over alleged differences between Palin's positions as a gubernatorial candidate and her position as a vice-presidential candidate. After McCain announced Palin as his running mate, ''[[Newsweek]]'' and ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' put Palin on their magazine covers,<ref>{{cite web |author=Calderone, Michael |title=Sarah Palin has yet to meet the press |year=2008 |publisher=Yahoo News |accessdate=2008-09-09 |url=http://news.yahoo.com/s//politico/20080906/pl_politico/13208}}</ref> as some of the media alleged that McCain's campaign was restricting press access to Palin by allowing only three one-on-one interviews and no press conferences with her.<ref>{{cite web|author=Garofoli, Joe|title=Palin: McCain campaign's end-run around media|year=2008|publisher=San Francisco Chronicle |accessdate=2008-09-30|url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/09/30/MNTB1374LU.DTL}} Besides the perceived motive of protecting the Vice Presidential nominee from media questions, the McCain campaign sought to have her constantly at McCain's side because Palin drew crowds.</ref> Among the news organizations that criticized the restrictions were Palin's first major interview, with [[Charles Gibson]] of [[ABC News]], met with mixed reviews.<ref>{{cite web |author=Swaine, Jon |title=Sarah Palin interview: pundits give mixed reviews |year=2008|publisher=Telegraph |accessdate=2008-09-30|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/uselection2008/sarahpalin/2823573/Sarah-Palin-interview-pundits-give-mixed-reviews.html}}</ref> Her interview five days later with [[Fox News]]'s [[Sean Hannity]] focused on many of the same questions from Gibson's interview.<ref name="nytimes1">{{cite web |author=Nagourney, Adam |title=Concerns About Palin’s Readiness as Big Test Nears |year=2008|publisher=New York Times |accessdate=2008-09-30|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/30/us/politics/30palin.htm}}</ref> However, Palin's performance in her third interview, with [[Katie Couric]] of [[CBS News]], was widely criticized, prompting a decline in her poll numbers, concern among Republicans that she was becoming a political liability, and calls from some conservative commentators for Palin to resign from the Presidential ticket.<ref name="nytimes1"/><ref>{{cite web |author=Alberts, Sheldon |title=Palin raising fears among Republican conservatives| year=2008| publisher=Canada.com| accessdate=2008-09-30| url=http://www.canada.com/topics/news/world/story.html?id=3d17bbf2-556a-480a-9dce-21b958a89663}}</ref> Other conservatives remained ardent in their support for Palin, accusing the columnists of [[elitism]].<ref name=NYT_Bumiller_20081105>{{cite news|date=November 5, 2008 |work=New York Times
During the campaign, controversy erupted over alleged differences between Palin's positions as a gubernatorial candidate and her position as a vice-presidential candidate. While campaigning for vice-president, Palin touted her stance on "the bridge to nowhere" as an example of her opposition to [[pork barrel]] spending.<ref name=autogenerated1>{{cite news |url=http://www.adn.com/politics/story/511471.html |title=Palin touts stance on 'Bridge to Nowhere,' doesn't note flip-flop |work=Anchorage Daily News |author=Tom Kizzia |date=2008-08-31 |accessdate=2008-09-08}}</ref> In her nomination acceptance speech and on the campaign trail, Palin has often said, "I told the Congress 'thanks, but no thanks,' on that Bridge to Nowhere."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://portal.gopconvention2008.com/speech/details.aspx?id=38 |title=Remarks as Prepared for Delivery by Alaska Governor Sarah Palin |publisher=2008 Republican National Convention |date=2008-09-03 |accessdate=2008-09-08}}</ref> Although Palin was originally a main proponent of the [[Gravina Island Bridge]], McCain-Palin television advertisements assert that Palin "stopped the Bridge to Nowhere."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://blog.newsweek.com/blogs/stumper/archive/2008/09/08/politics-of-the-bridge-to-nowhere.aspx |title=The Politics of the 'Bridge to Nowhere' |work=Stumper |publisher=''Newsweek'' |author=Romano, Andrew |date=2008-09-08 |accessdate=2008-09-08}}</ref> These statements have been widely questioned or described as misleading or exaggerations<ref>{{cite web |url=http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122090791901411709.html?mod=loomia&loomia_si=t0:a16:g2:r4:c0.0766691 |title=Record Contradicts Palin's 'Bridge' Claims|author=Holmes, Elizabeth and Meckler, Laura |work=Wall Street Journal|date=September 9, 2008 |accessdate=2008-09-11}}</ref> by many media groups in the U.S.<ref name="Sydney Morning Herald">{{cite web |url=http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2008/09/15/1221330749077.html |title=Press picks over litter of lies on the Palin trail |author=Davies, Anne|work=Sydney Morning Herald|date=September 16, 2008|accessdate=2009-09-15 |quote=Virtually every media group in the country has now concluded that Mrs Palin exaggerated her claim in her acceptance speech that she said, 'Thanks, but no thanks to the Bridge to Nowhere', a notorious federally funded project that involved building a bridge to a remote island in Alaska.
|title=Internal Battles Divided McCain and Palin Camps |last=Bumiller |first=Elizabeth
}}</ref> ''[[Newsweek]]'' remarked, "Now she talks as if she always opposed the funding."<ref name="An Apostle of Alaska">{{cite news |url=http://www.newsweek.com/id/157696/page/3 |title=An Apostle of Alaska |work=Newsweek |date=September 6, 2008 |accessdate=2008-09-08}}</ref>
|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/06/us/politics/06mccain.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin
|accessdate=November 16, 2008}}</ref> Following this interview, some Republicans, including [[Mitt Romney]] and [[Bill Kristol]], questioned the McCain campaign's strategy of sheltering Palin from unscripted encounters with the press.<ref name=CNN_Costello-Anderson_20080929>{{cite web
|first=Carol |last=Costello |coauthors=Dana Bash and Scott J. Anderson
|title=Conservatives to McCain camp: Let Palin be Palin
|date=September 29, 2008 |publisher=CNN
|accessdate=2008-09-30
|url=http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/09/29/conservatives.palin/?iref=hpmostpop}}</ref>


Palin was reported to have prepared intensively for the October 2 [[United States vice-presidential debate, 2008|vice-presidential debate]] with [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]] vice-presidential nominee [[Joe Biden]] at [[Washington University in St. Louis]]. Some Republicans suggested that Palin's performance in the interviews would improve public perceptions of her debate performance by lowering expectations.<ref>{{cite web
[[Image:Sarah Palin Signing Autograph.JPG|thumb|Palin signing an autograph at a campaign rally in [[O'Fallon, Missouri]]]]
|title=Palin prepping for debate in seclusion |date=September 30, 2008
|publisher=UPI
|accessdate=September 30, 2008
|url=http://www.upi.com/Top_News/2008/09/30/Palin_prepping_for_debate_in_seclusion/UPI-67411222783104/ }}</ref><ref name="nytimes1"/><ref name=HoustonChronicle_Douglass_20080802>{{cite news
|author=Daniel, Douglass
|url=http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/politics/5921063.html
|accessdate=August 11, 2008
|title=Obama backs away from McCain's debate challenge
|work=Houston Chronicle |date=August 2, 2008|agency=Associated Press}}</ref> Polling from [[CNN]], [[Fox News Channel|Fox]] and [[CBS]] found that while Palin exceeded most voters' expectations, they felt that Biden had won the debate.<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/10/03/debate.poll/?iref=hpmostpop
|title=Debate poll says Biden won, Palin beat expectations |date=October 3, 2008
|accessdate=October 4, 2008
|publisher=Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web
| url=http://www.foxnews.com/wires/2008Oct03/0,4670,VicePresidentialDebate,00.html
| title=Palin says debate went well as polls favor Biden |date=October 3, 2008
| accessdate=October 23, 2008| publisher=Fox News}}</ref>


Upon returning to the campaign trail after her debate preparation, Palin stepped up her attacks on the Democratic candidate for President, Senator [[Barack Obama]]. At a fundraising event, Palin explained her new aggressiveness, saying, "There does come a time when you have to take the gloves off and that time is right now." In a series of campaign rallies, Palin returned to the vice presidential candidate's traditional role of attack dog, lashing out at and criticizing the Democratic ticket.
After McCain announced Palin as his running mate, ''[[Newsweek]]'' and ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' put Palin on their magazine covers,<ref>{{cite web |author=Calderone, Michael |title=Sarah Palin has yet to meet the press |year=2008 |publisher=Yahoo News |accessdate=2008-09-09 |url=http://news.yahoo.com/s//politico/20080906/pl_politico/13208}}</ref> as some of the media alleged that McCain's campaign was restricting press access to Palin by allowing only three one-on-one interviews and no press conferences with her.<ref>{{cite web|author=Garofoli, Joe|title=Palin: McCain campaign's end-run around media|year=2008|publisher=San Francisco Chronicle |accessdate=2008-09-30|url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/09/30/MNTB1374LU.DTL}} Besides the perceived motive of protecting the Vice Presidential nominee from media questions, the McCain campaign sought to have her constantly at McCain's side because Palin drew crowds.</ref> Among the news organizations that criticized the restrictions were Palin's first major interview, with [[Charles Gibson]] of [[ABC News]], met with mixed reviews.<ref>{{cite web |author=Swaine, Jon |title=Sarah Palin interview: pundits give mixed reviews |year=2008|publisher=Telegraph |accessdate=2008-09-30|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/uselection2008/sarahpalin/2823573/Sarah-Palin-interview-pundits-give-mixed-reviews.html}}</ref> Her interview five days later with [[Fox News]]'s [[Sean Hannity]] focused on many of the same questions from Gibson's interview.<ref name="nytimes1">{{cite web |author=Nagourney, Adam |title=Concerns About Palin’s Readiness as Big Test Nears |year=2008|publisher=New York Times |accessdate=2008-09-30|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/30/us/politics/30palin.htm}}</ref> However, Palin's performance in her third interview, with [[Katie Couric]] of [[CBS News]], was widely criticized, prompting a decline in her poll numbers, concern among Republicans that she was becoming a political liability, and calls from some conservative commentators for Palin to resign from the Presidential ticket.<ref name="nytimes1"/><ref>{{cite web |author=Alberts, Sheldon |title=Palin raising fears among Republican conservatives| year=2008| publisher=Canada.com| accessdate=2008-09-30| url=http://www.canada.com/topics/news/world/story.html?id=3d17bbf2-556a-480a-9dce-21b958a89663}}</ref> Other conservatives remained ardent in their support for Palin, accusing the columnists of [[elitism]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Battles Split McCain Palin Camps |year=2008|publisher=New York Times|accessdate=2008-11-05|url=http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/headline/nation/6097696.html}}</ref>{{Dead link|date=November 2008}} Sources inside of the McCain Campaign have stated that she would not accept preparation for this interview.<ref>{{cite web |title=Palin 'Said Africa Was A Country'|year=2008|publisher=Sky News|accessdate=2008-11-06|url=http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/World-News/Sarah-Palin-Thought-Africa-Was-A-Country-Not-Continent-According-To-John-McCain-Campaign-Insiders/Article/200811115145092?lpos=World_News_News_Your_Way_Region_9&lid=NewsYourWay_ARTICLE_15145092_Sarah_Palin_Thought_Africa_Was_A_Country_Not_Continent%2C_According_To_John_McCain_Campaign_Insiders}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Palin Calls Criticism by McCain Campaign 'Cruel and Mean Spirited'|year=2008|publisher=New York Times|accessdate=2008-11-08|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/08/us/politics/08palin.html?bl&ex=1226293200&en=13ba3abeed17e92e&ei=5087%0A}}</ref> Following this interview, some Republicans, including [[Mitt Romney]] and [[Bill Kristol]], questioned the McCain campaign's strategy of sheltering Palin from unscripted encounters with the press.<ref>{{cite web |author=Carol Costello, Dana Bash and Scott J. Anderson |title=Conservatives to McCain camp: Let Palin be Palin |year=2008|publisher=CNN|accessdate=2008-09-30|url=http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/09/29/conservatives.palin/?iref=hpmostpop}}</ref>


Palin appeared on the television show ''[[Saturday Night Live]]'' on October 18. Prior to her appearance on the show, [[Saturday Night Live parodies of Sarah Palin|she had been parodied]] several times by [[Tina Fey]], who was noted for her physical resemblance to the candidate.<ref>{{cite web|title=Palin drops in on "Saturday Night Live"|work=Reuters at YahooNews.com|author=Michaud, Chris|url=http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20081019/pl_nm/us_usa_politics_comedy;_ylt=AmMEqOFBEZrbupN2oU_C1spZ.3QA|accessdate=2008-10-19}}</ref> In the weeks leading up to the election, Palin had also been the subject of numerous [[Parodies of Sarah Palin|other parodies]].<ref name=WashingtonTimes_Chapman_20080918>{{cite web
Palin was reported to have prepared intensively for the October 2 [[United States vice-presidential debate, 2008|vice-presidential debate]] with [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]] vice-presidential nominee [[Joe Biden]] at [[Washington University in St. Louis]]. Some Republicans suggested that Palin's performance in the interviews would improve public perceptions of her debate performance by lowering expectations.<ref>{{cite web |title=Palin prepping for debate in seclusion |year=2008|publisher=UPI|accessdate=2008-09-30|url=http://www.upi.com/Top_News/2008/09/30/Palin_prepping_for_debate_in_seclusion/UPI-67411222783104/}}</ref><ref name="nytimes1"/><ref>{{cite news|author=Daniel, Douglass|url=http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/politics/5921063.html |accessdate=2008-08-11|title=Obama backs away from McCain's debate challenge|work=Houston Chronicle |date=August 2, 2008|publisher=Associated Press}}</ref> Polling from [[CNN]], [[Fox News Channel|Fox]] and [[CBS]] found that while Palin exceeded most voters' expectations, they felt that Biden had won the debate.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/10/03/debate.poll/?iref=hpmostpop|title=Debate poll says Biden won, Palin beat expectations|accessdate=2008-10-04|publisher=Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.foxnews.com/wires/2008Oct03/0,4670,VicePresidentialDebate,00.html | title=Palin says debate went well as polls favor Biden | accessdate=2008-10-23 | publisher=Fox News}}</ref>
|title=Palin parodies flood the Web
|first=Glenn |last=Chapman |work=The Washington Times
|url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2008/sep/18/palin-parodies-flood-the-web/
|accessdate=October 17, 2008}}</ref>


The election took place on November 4, and Obama was projected as the winner at 11:00 PM Eastern Standard Time.<ref name=CNN_concession_20081104>{{cite news|accessdate=
Upon returning to the campaign trail after her debate preparation, Palin stepped up her attacks on the Democratic candidate for President, Senator [[Barack Obama]]. At a fundraising event, Palin explained her new aggressiveness, saying, "There does come a time when you have to take the gloves off and that time is right now." In a series of campaign rallies, Palin returned to the vice presidential candidate's traditional role of attack dog, lashing out at and criticizing Barack Obama personally.<ref>{{cite web| last = Johnston | first = Nicholas| title = Palin Takes `Gloves Off' Against Obama, Fills Attack-Dog Role| publisher = [[Yahoo! News]]| date = October 6, 2008 | url = http://news.yahoo.com/s/bloomberg/20081006/pl_bloomberg/aj7yeq09er4q_1| accessdate = 2008-10-08}}</ref>
|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/11/04/mccain.transcript/

|title=Transcript: McCain concedes presidency |location=Phoenix, Arizona|publisher=CNN
Palin appeared on the television show ''[[Saturday Night Live]]'' on October 18. Prior to her appearance on the show, [[Saturday Night Live parodies of Sarah Palin|she had been parodied]] several times by [[Tina Fey]], who was noted for her physical resemblance to the candidate.<ref>{{cite web|title=Palin drops in on "Saturday Night Live"|work=Reuters at YahooNews.com|author=Michaud, Chris|url=http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20081019/pl_nm/us_usa_politics_comedy;_ylt=AmMEqOFBEZrbupN2oU_C1spZ.3QA|accessdate=2008-10-19}}</ref> In the weeks leading up to the election, Palin had also been the subject to numerous [[Parodies of Sarah Palin|other parodies]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Palin parodies flood the Web|author=Glenn Chapman |work=The Washington Times|url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2008/sep/18/palin-parodies-flood-the-web/|accessdate=2008-10-17}}</ref>
|date=November 4, 2008}}</ref>

In his concession speech McCain thanked Palin, calling her "one of the best campaigners I've ever seen, and an impressive new voice in our party for reform and the principles that have always been our greatest strength."<ref name=CNN_concession_20081104/>
The election took place on November 4, and Obama was projected as the winner at about 11:00 PM Eastern Standard Time.<ref>[http://edition.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/11/04/mccain.transcript/ Transcript: McCain concedes presidency], CNN ([[2008-11-04]]).</ref>
In his concession speech McCain thanked Palin, calling her "one of the best campaigners I've ever seen, and an impressive new voice in our party for reform and the principles that have always been our greatest strength."<ref>[http://edition.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/11/04/mccain.transcript/ "Transcript: McCain concedes presidency"], CNN ([[2008-11-04]]).</ref>


==Personal life==
==Personal life==
<!-- This section is linked from [[Track Palin]], [[Bristol Palin]], [[Willow Palin]], [[Piper Palin]], [[Trig Palin]] and [[Levi Johnston]]. Please update those redirects if this heading must be changed.-->
<!-- This section is linked from [[Track Palin]], [[Bristol Palin]], [[Willow Palin]], [[Piper Palin]], [[Trig Palin]] and [[Levi Johnston]]. Please update those redirects if this heading must be changed.-->


In 1988, Palin eloped with her childhood sweetheart [[Todd Palin]] because, according to her mother, Palin believed that her parents "couldn't afford a big white wedding."<ref name="White wedding">{{cite news |accessdate=2008-09-01 |url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1050881/Why-John-McCains-beauty-queen-running-mate-grizzly-bear-office-wall.html
In 1988, she eloped with her childhood sweetheart [[Todd Palin]]. According to her mother, she believed that her parents "couldn't afford a big white wedding."<ref name="White wedding">{{cite news |accessdate=2008-09-01 |url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1050881/Why-John-McCains-beauty-queen-running-mate-grizzly-bear-office-wall.html
|title=Why John McCain's beauty queen running mate has a grizzly bear on her office wall |last=Graham |first=Caroline |date=August 31, 2008 |work=Daily Mail |location=UK }}</ref> Todd Palin works for the London-based oil company [[BP]] as an oil-field production operator and owns a [[commercial fishing]] business.<ref name=bio /><ref name="nytoutsider0829" /> The Palins have an estimated combined [[net worth]] of over $1 million.<ref name="networth">{{cite web|author=Theimer, Sharon|url=http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory?id=5931551|title=Estimates Show Palin Assets Top $1 Million|publisher=ABC|date=2008-10-01|accessdate=2008-10-01}}</ref> <!-- Image is left aligned to comply with [[Wikipedia:Manual of Style#Images]] -->
|title=Why John McCain's beauty queen running mate has a grizzly bear on her office wall |last=Graham |first=Caroline |date=August 31, 2008 |work=Daily Mail |location=UK }}</ref> Todd Palin works for the London-based oil company [[BP]] as an oil-field production operator and owns a [[commercial fishing]] business.<ref name=bio /><ref name="nytoutsider0829" /> The Palins have an estimated combined [[net worth]] of over $1 million.<ref name="networth">{{cite web|author=Theimer, Sharon|url=http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory?id=5931551|title=Estimates Show Palin Assets Top $1 Million|publisher=ABC|date=2008-10-01|accessdate=2008-10-01}}</ref> <!-- Image is left aligned to comply with [[Wikipedia:Manual of Style#Images]] -->
[[Image:Palin family retouched.jpg|left|Palin family members at the announcement of her vice-presidential selection, August 29, 2008. From left to right: Todd, Piper, Willow, Bristol and Trig.|thumb]]
[[Image:Palin family retouched.jpg|left|Palin family members at the announcement of her vice-presidential selection, August 29, 2008. From left to right: Todd, Piper, Willow, Bristol and Trig.|thumb]]
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|publisher=The Associated Press |author=Quinn, Steve and Calvin Woodward|date=August 30, 2008 |accessdate=2008-08-30}}</ref> Track enlisted in the [[U.S. Army]] on September 11, 2007,<ref name="AP-SonEnlists">{{cite news|last=Quinn |first=Steve |url=http://www.adn.com/iraq/story/220586.html |title=Palin's son leaves for Army boot camp |work=[[Anchorage Daily News]] |date=September 19, 2007 |accessdate=2008-08-29}}</ref> and was subsequently assigned to an [[infantry]] brigade. He and his unit deployed to Iraq in September 2008 for 12 months.<ref>{{cite news |title=Palin's son's job to guard his commanders in Iraq |publisher=Associated Press |url=http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/09/06/america/NA-POL-US-Elections-Iraq-Sons.php |date=September 6, 2008|accessdate=2008-09-11 }}</ref> On September 1, 2008, Palin announced that Bristol was five months pregnant and that she intends to keep the baby and marry Levi Johnston, the father of the child.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/uselection2008/johnmccain/2662794/John-McCains-running-mate-Sarah-Palins-teenage-daughter-is-pregnant.html |title=John McCain's running mate: Sarah Palin's teenage daughter is pregnant - Telegraph |work=Telegraph |date=September 1, 2008 |accessdate=2008-09-01 }}</ref> Palin's youngest child, Trig, was prenatally diagnosed with [[Down syndrome]].<ref name="DemberADN">{{cite news|accessdate= |url=http://www.adn.com/news/alaska/story/382560.html |title=Palin confirms baby has Down syndrome|author=Demer, Lisa|date=April 21, 2008|work=[[Anchorage Daily News]]}}</ref>
|publisher=The Associated Press |author=Quinn, Steve and Calvin Woodward|date=August 30, 2008 |accessdate=2008-08-30}}</ref> Track enlisted in the [[U.S. Army]] on September 11, 2007,<ref name="AP-SonEnlists">{{cite news|last=Quinn |first=Steve |url=http://www.adn.com/iraq/story/220586.html |title=Palin's son leaves for Army boot camp |work=[[Anchorage Daily News]] |date=September 19, 2007 |accessdate=2008-08-29}}</ref> and was subsequently assigned to an [[infantry]] brigade. He and his unit deployed to Iraq in September 2008 for 12 months.<ref>{{cite news |title=Palin's son's job to guard his commanders in Iraq |publisher=Associated Press |url=http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/09/06/america/NA-POL-US-Elections-Iraq-Sons.php |date=September 6, 2008|accessdate=2008-09-11 }}</ref> On September 1, 2008, Palin announced that Bristol was five months pregnant and that she intends to keep the baby and marry Levi Johnston, the father of the child.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/uselection2008/johnmccain/2662794/John-McCains-running-mate-Sarah-Palins-teenage-daughter-is-pregnant.html |title=John McCain's running mate: Sarah Palin's teenage daughter is pregnant - Telegraph |work=Telegraph |date=September 1, 2008 |accessdate=2008-09-01 }}</ref> Palin's youngest child, Trig, was prenatally diagnosed with [[Down syndrome]].<ref name="DemberADN">{{cite news|accessdate= |url=http://www.adn.com/news/alaska/story/382560.html |title=Palin confirms baby has Down syndrome|author=Demer, Lisa|date=April 21, 2008|work=[[Anchorage Daily News]]}}</ref>


Palin was born into a [[Roman Catholic]] family.<ref name="NewtonTIME">{{cite web|author=Newton-Small, Jay |url=http://www.time.com/time/printout/0,8816,1837536,00.html |title=Interview with Sarah Palin |work=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] |date=August 29, 2008}}</ref> Later, her family joined the [[Wasilla Assembly of God]], a [[Pentecostalism|Pentecostal]] church,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wasillaag.org/index.php?nid=3720&s=au|title=About us|publisher=Wasilla Assembly of God|accessdate=2008-09-11}}</ref> which she attended until 2002. Palin then switched to the Wasilla Bible Church because she said she preferred the children's ministries offered there.<ref >{{cite web| author= Miller, Lisa and Coyne, Amanda |url= http://www.newsweek.com/id/156679/output/print | title= A Visit to Palin’s Church | work=[[Newsweek]] | date= September 2, 2008}}</ref> When in Juneau, she attends the Juneau Christian Center.<ref>{{cite web |title=Statement Concerning Sarah Palin |url=http://www.jccalaska.com/images/10000/3000/582JU/user/palin.htm |publisher=Juneau Christian Center |date=2008-09-03 |accessdate=2008-09-04}}</ref> Her current home church is the [[Wasilla Bible Church]], an independent congregation.<ref name="miller">{{citation
Palin was born into a [[Roman Catholic]] family.<ref name="NewtonTIME">{{cite web|author=Newton-Small, Jay |url=http://www.time.com/time/printout/0,8816,1837536,00.html |title=Interview with Sarah Palin |work=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] |date=August 29, 2008}}</ref> Later, her family joined the [[Wasilla Assembly of God]], a [[Pentecostalism|Pentecostal]] church,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wasillaag.org/index.php?nid=3720&s=au|title=About us|publisher=Wasilla Assembly of God|accessdate=2008-09-11}}</ref> which she attended until 2002. Palin then switched to the Wasilla Bible Church because, she said, she preferred the children's ministries offered there.<ref >{{cite web| author= Miller, Lisa and Coyne, Amanda |url= http://www.newsweek.com/id/156679/output/print | title= A Visit to Palin’s Church | work=[[Newsweek]] | date= September 2, 2008}}</ref> When in Juneau, she attends the Juneau Christian Center.<ref>{{cite web |title=Statement Concerning Sarah Palin |url=http://www.jccalaska.com/images/10000/3000/582JU/user/palin.htm |publisher=Juneau Christian Center |date=2008-09-03 |accessdate=2008-09-04}}</ref> Her current home church is the [[Wasilla Bible Church]], an independent congregation.<ref name="miller">{{citation
|url=http://www.newsweek.com/id/156679
|url=http://www.newsweek.com/id/156679
|title=A Visit to Palin’s Church: Scripture and discretion on the program in Wasilla.
|title=A Visit to Palin’s Church: Scripture and discretion on the program in Wasilla.
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{{main|Political positions of Sarah Palin}}
{{main|Political positions of Sarah Palin}}


<!--This is a SUMMARY section. Please add new details to the political positions article, rather than here. Thank you!-->
<!--This is a SUMMARY section. Please add new details on existing topics to the political positions article, rather than here. Thank you!-->
Palin has been a registered Republican since 1982, and has described the Republican Party platform as "the right agenda for America".<ref name="TimeInt">{{cite news |first=Jay |last=Newton-Small |coauthors= |title=TIME's interview with Sarah Palin |date=2008-08-29 |url=http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1837536-1,00.html |work=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] |page=3 |accessdate=2008-08-30 }}</ref> She is an ardent [[social conservatism|social conservative]], and her deep religious convictions guide her politics. According to Mary Glazier, an ordained minister who helped bring together the prayer networks in Alaska, Palin was an active member of Glazier's prayer group in Wasilla when God "began to speak" to her about going into politics.<ref name="NYTYouTube">Goodstein, Laurie. [http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/25/us/politics/25faith.html YouTube Videos Draw Attention to Palin’s Faith]. ''[[The New York Times]]'', 2008-10-25.</ref> In a 2006 gubernatorial debate, responding to a question asking the candidates whether they would support teaching creationism in public schools, Palin stated that she supported teaching both creationism and evolution. Shortly after that debate, however, Palin said in an interview that she had only meant to say she supports allowing the discussion of [[creationism]] in public schools, but says it does not have to be part of the curriculum.<ref>{{cite news |author=Kizzia, Tom |url=http://dwb.adn.com/news/politics/elections/story/8347904p-8243554c.html |title='Creation science' enters the race |work=[[Anchorage Daily News]]|date=2006-10-27}}: "the discussion of alternative views should be allowed to arise in Alaska classrooms: 'I don't think there should be a prohibition against debate if it comes up in class. It doesn't have to be part of the curriculum. She added that, if elected, she would not push the state Board of Education to add such creation-based alternatives to the state's required curriculum."</ref> Palin opposes [[same-sex marriage]] and supported a non-binding [[referendum]] for an Alaskan [[constitutional amendment]] to deny state health benefits to same-sex couples; however, early in her gubernatorial term she vetoed such a bill, citing its current [[Constitutionality|unconstitutionality]].<ref name="Demer">{{cite news|first=Lisa|last=Demer|url=http://dwb.adn.com/front/story/8508726p-8401181c.html|title=Palin to comply on same-sex ruling|work=[[Anchorage Daily News]]|date=2006-12-21|accessdate=2007-12-27}}</ref><ref name="same-sex-unions" /> Palin has called herself "as [[pro-life]] as any candidate can be"<ref name="same-sex-unions">{{cite news|first=Kyle|last=Hopkins|url=http://dwb.adn.com/news/politics/elections/governor06/story/8049298p-7942233c.html|title=Same-sex unions, drugs get little play|work=[[Anchorage Daily News]]|date=2006-08-06|accessdate=2008-09-01}}</ref> and has called [[abortion in the United States|abortion]] an "atrocity."<ref name="believer">
Palin has been a registered Republican since 1982, and has described the Republican Party platform as "the right agenda for America".<ref name="TimeInt">{{cite news |first=Jay |last=Newton-Small |coauthors= |title=TIME's interview with Sarah Palin |date=2008-08-29 |url=http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1837536-1,00.html |work=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] |page=3 |accessdate=2008-08-30 }}</ref> She is a [[social conservatism|social conservative]], and has deep religious convictions. According to Mary Glazier, an ordained minister who helped bring together the prayer networks in Alaska, Palin was an active member of Glazier's prayer group in Wasilla when God "began to speak" to her about going into politics.<ref name="NYTYouTube">Goodstein, Laurie. [http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/25/us/politics/25faith.html YouTube Videos Draw Attention to Palin’s Faith]. ''[[The New York Times]]'', 2008-10-25.</ref> In a 2006 gubernatorial debate, responding to a question asking the candidates whether they would support teaching creationism in public schools, Palin stated that she supported teaching both creationism and evolution. Shortly after that debate, however, Palin said in an interview that she had only meant to say she supports allowing the discussion of [[creationism]] in public schools, but says it does not have to be part of the curriculum.<ref name=ADN_Kizzia_20061027>{{cite news
|url=http://dwb.adn.com/news/politics/elections/story/8347904p-8243554c.html
|author=Kizzia, Tom |date=October 27, 2006
|title='Creation science' enters the race |work=[[Anchorage Daily News]]
|quote=the discussion of alternative views should be allowed to arise in Alaska classrooms: 'I don't think there should be a prohibition against debate if it comes up in class. It doesn't have to be part of the curriculum. She added that, if elected, she would not push the state Board of Education to add such creation-based alternatives to the state's required curriculum.
}}</ref> She supports sex education in public schools that encourages abstinence but also discusses birth control.<ref name="believer"/><ref>{{cite news
{{cite news|first=Claire|last=Suddath|url=http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1837523_1837531_1837538,00.html|title=Conservative Believer|work=[[Time magazine|Time]]|date= |accessdate=2008-09-16}}</ref> Palin has stated that abortion should be banned in nearly all cases, including rape and incest, except if the life of the mother is endangered.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2008176778_palin13.html|title=Palin won't concede change of heart on bridge
|work=Seattle Times |date=September 13, 2008|accessdate=2008-09-15}}</ref><ref name="Forgey">{{cite news
|url=http://www.juneauempire.com/stories/101906/sta_20061019031.shtml
|work=[[Juneau Empire]]
|title=Abortion draws clear divide in state races
|last=Forgey
|first=Pat
|accessdate=2008-08-30}}</ref> Palin has stated that she does not support [[embryonic stem cell research]].<ref name="abcnews1"/> She supports sex education in public schools that encourages abstinence but also discusses birth control.<ref name="believer"/><ref>{{cite news
|first=Seema|last=Mehta
|url=http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-na-sexed6-2008sep06,0,3119305.story
|url=http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-na-sexed6-2008sep06,0,3119305.story
|title=Palin appears to disagree with McCain on sex education
|first=Seema|last=Mehta |title=Palin appears to disagree with McCain on sex education
|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]|date=2008-09-06|accessdate=2008-09-16}}</ref>
|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]|date=September 6, 2008|accessdate=September 16, 2008}}</ref>


Palin opposes [[same-sex marriage]] and supported a non-binding [[referendum]] for an Alaskan [[constitutional amendment]] to deny state health benefits to same-sex couples; however, early in her gubernatorial term she vetoed such a bill, citing its current [[Constitutionality|unconstitutionality]].<ref name="Demer">{{cite news|first=Lisa|last=Demer|url=http://dwb.adn.com/front/story/8508726p-8401181c.html|title=Palin to comply on same-sex ruling|work=[[Anchorage Daily News]]|date=2006-12-21|accessdate=2007-12-27}}</ref><ref name="same-sex-unions" /> Palin has called herself "as [[pro-life]] as any candidate can be"<ref name="same-sex-unions">{{cite news|first=Kyle|last=Hopkins|url=http://dwb.adn.com/news/politics/elections/governor06/story/8049298p-7942233c.html|title=Same-sex unions, drugs get little play|work=[[Anchorage Daily News]]|date=2006-08-06|accessdate=2008-09-01}}</ref> and has called [[abortion in the United States|abortion]] an "atrocity."<ref name="believer">
A lifetime member of the [[National Rifle Association]] (NRA), she believes the [[Right to keep and bear arms|right to bear arms]] includes handgun possession, and is against a ban on semi-automatic [[assault weapons]].<ref name="abcnews1">{{cite web|url=http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/Vote2008/story?id=5795641
{{cite news|first=Claire|last=Suddath|url=http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1837523_1837531_1837538,00.html|title=Conservative Believer|work=[[Time magazine|Time]]|date= |accessdate=2008-09-16}}</ref> Palin has stated that abortion should be banned in nearly all cases, including rape and incest, except if the life of the mother is endangered.<ref name=SeattleTimes_20080913>{{cite news
|url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2008176778_palin13.html
|title=Palin won't concede change of heart on bridge |work=Seattle Times |date=September 13, 2008 |accessdate=September 15, 2008}}</ref><ref name="Forgey">{{cite news |accessdate=August 30, 2008
|url=http://www.juneauempire.com/stories/101906/sta_20061019031.shtml
|last=Forgey |first=Pat |work=[[Juneau Empire]]
|title=Abortion draws clear divide in state races; Palin, Knowles stand on opposite sides of debate
}}</ref> Palin has stated that she does not support [[embryonic stem cell research]].<ref name="abcnews1"/> A lifetime member of the [[National Rifle Association]] (NRA), she believes the [[Right to keep and bear arms|right to bear arms]] includes handgun possession, and is against a ban on semi-automatic [[assault weapons]].<ref name="abcnews1">{{cite web|url=http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/Vote2008/story?id=5795641
|title=Charlie Gibson Interviews GOP Vice Presidential Candidate Sarah Palin|publisher=[[ABC News]]|author=Gibson, Charles
|title=Charlie Gibson Interviews GOP Vice Presidential Candidate Sarah Palin|publisher=[[ABC News]]|author=Gibson, Charles
|date=September 13, 2008|accessdate=2008-10-18}}</ref> She has supported [[gun safety]] education for youth.<ref name="Braiker">{{cite news |url=http://www.newsweek.com/id/156276 |title=On the Hunt |last=Braiker|first=Brian |date=2008-08-29 |work=[[Newsweek]]|accessdate=2008-08-30}}</ref> She supports [[capital punishment]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ontheissues.org/Governor/Sarah_Palin_Crime.htm |title=Issues |last=Palin|first=Sarah |date=2006-11-07 |publisher=Palin for Governor (inactive web site)
|date=September 13, 2008|accessdate=October 18, 2008}}</ref> She has supported [[gun safety]] education for youth.<ref name="Braiker">{{cite news |url=http://www.newsweek.com/id/156276 |title=On the Hunt |last=Braiker|first=Brian |date=2008-08-29 |work=[[Newsweek]]|accessdate=2008-08-30}}</ref> She supports [[capital punishment]].<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.ontheissues.org/Governor/Sarah_Palin_Crime.htm
|title=Issues |last=Palin|first=Sarah
|date=2006-11-07
|publisher=Palin for Governor (inactive web site)
|format=quoted in ''[[On the Issues]]''|accessdate=2008-09-01}}</ref>
|format=quoted in ''[[On the Issues]]''|accessdate=2008-09-01}}</ref>


Palin has promoted oil and natural gas resource exploration in Alaska, including in the [[Arctic National Wildlife Refuge]].<ref name="ANWR"/>
Palin has promoted oil and natural gas resource exploration in Alaska, including in the [[Arctic National Wildlife Refuge]].<ref name="ANWR"/> She brought suit to overturn the listing of [[polar bear]]s under the federal [[Endangered Species Act]],<ref>{{Citation | title = Alaska: Suit Filed Over Polar Bears | newspaper = New York Times| page = A19| date = August 6, 2008| url = http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/06/us/06brfs-SUITFILEDOVE_BRF.html?_r=1}}</ref> and also opposed strengthening protections for [[Beluga (whale)|beluga whales]] in Alaska’s [[Cook Inlet]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.time.com/time/politics/article/0,8599,1837868,00.html|title=Palin on the Environment: Far Right|date=2008-09-01|accessdate=2008-09-04|publisher=Time|author=Bryan Walsh}}</ref> The official Alaska press release stated that she had "asked [the [[National Marine Fisheries Service]]] to work with the state and other scientists to finalize and implement a conservation plan for the Cook Inlet stock of belugas."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gov.state.ak.us/archive-24287.html|title=Governor Palin Urges Feds to not list Belugas as Endangered|publisher=State of Alaska|date=2007-08-07|accessdate=2008-09-03}}</ref>
On [[global warming]], Palin said that "a changing environment will affect Alaska more than any other state, because of our location. I'm not one though who would attribute it to being man-made."<ref name="anthroGW">{{cite news|accessdate=August 29, 2008

|url=http://www.newsmax.com/headlines/sarah_palin_vp/2008/08/29/126139.html
On [[global warming]], Palin said that "a changing environment will affect Alaska more than any other state, because of our location. I'm not one though who would attribute it to being man-made."<ref name="anthroGW">{{cite news
|first=Mike
|last=Coppock |first=Mike
|last=Coppock
|url=http://www.newsmax.com/headlines/sarah_palin_vp/2008/08/29/126139.html
|title=Palin Speaks to Newsmax About McCain, Abortion, Climate Change
|title=Palin Speaks to Newsmax About McCain, Abortion, Climate Change
|work=Newsmax
|work=Newsmax
|date=August 29, 2008
|date=August 29, 2008
}}</ref> She later said that "man's activities certainly can be contributing to the issue" and that "John McCain and I agree that we gotta do something about it."<ref name="Palin Goldman">{{cite news
|accessdate=2008-08-29
|title=Palin Takes Hard Line on National Security, Softens Stance on Global Warming
}}</ref> She later said that "man's activities certainly can be contributing to the issue" and that "John McCain and I agree that we gotta do something about it."<ref name="Palin Goldman">{{cite news|title=Palin Takes Hard Line on National Security, Softens Stance on Global Warming | url=http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/Vote2008/Story?id=5778018&page=1 | publisher=ABC News | author=Goldman, Russell | date=2008-09-11|accessdate=2008-10-26}}</ref>
| url=http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/Vote2008/Story?id=5778018&page=1
| publisher=ABC News
| author=Goldman, Russell | date=September 11, 2008|accessdate=October 26, 2008}}</ref>


Regarding [[Foreign policy of the United States|foreign policy]], Palin supports the Bush Administration's policies in [[Iraq]], but is concerned that "dependence on foreign energy" may be obstructing efforts to "have an exit plan in place".<ref name="Sullivan">{{cite news
Regarding [[Foreign policy of the United States|foreign policy]], Palin supports the Bush Administration's policies in [[Iraq]], but is concerned that "dependence on foreign energy" may be obstructing efforts to "have an exit plan in place".<ref name="Sullivan">{{cite news
Line 580: Line 674:
| publisher=Atlantic
| publisher=Atlantic
| title=Palin on Iraq
| title=Palin on Iraq
| last=Sullivan
| last=Sullivan| first=Andrew
| first=Andrew
| authorlink=Andrew Sullivan
| authorlink=Andrew Sullivan
| date=August 29, 2008
| date=August 29, 2008
| accessdate=2008-09-01}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.newyorker.com/talk/2008/09/08/080908ta_talk_gourevitch|title=Palin on Obama|last=Gourevitch|first=Philip |date=2008-09-08|publisher=[[The New Yorker]]|accessdate=2008-09-02}} This article was available online the first days of September, despite its later 'printed' date.</ref>
| accessdate=September 1, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.newyorker.com/talk/2008/09/08/080908ta_talk_gourevitch|title=Palin on Obama|last=Gourevitch|first=Philip |date=2008-09-08|publisher=[[The New Yorker]]|accessdate=2008-09-02}} This article was available online the first days of September, despite its later 'printed' date.</ref>
Palin supports preemptive military action in the face of an imminent threat, and supports U.S. military operations in [[Pakistan]]. She declined to give a yes or no answer regarding whether U.S. military forces should make cross-border attacks into Pakistan without the approval of the Pakistani government.<ref name="url" /> She supports [[NATO]] membership for [[Ukraine]] and [[Georgia (country)|Georgia]],<ref name="url">{{cite news
Palin supports preemptive military action in the face of an imminent threat, and supports U.S. military operations in [[Pakistan]]. She declined to give a yes or no answer regarding whether U.S. military forces should make cross-border attacks into Pakistan without the approval of the Pakistani government.<ref name="url" /> She supports [[NATO]] membership for [[Ukraine]] and [[Georgia (country)|Georgia]],<ref name="url">{{cite news |accessdate=September 12, 2008
|first=Jim
|last=Rutenberg
|date=September 12, 2008
|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/12/us/politics/12palin.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin
|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/12/us/politics/12palin.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin
|last=Rutenberg |first=Jim
|date=September 12, 2008
|title=In First Big Interview, Palin Says, ‘I’m Ready’
|title=In First Big Interview, Palin Says, ‘I’m Ready’
|accessdate=2008-09-12|work=The New York Times}}</ref> and affirms that if Russia invaded a NATO member, the United States should meet its [[North Atlantic Treaty|treaty]] obligations.<ref>{{cite news
|work=The New York Times}}</ref> and affirms that if Russia invaded a NATO member, the United States should meet its [[North Atlantic Treaty|treaty]] obligations.<ref>{{cite news
|url=http://www.bostonherald.com/news/2008/view.bg?articleid=1118506&srvc=rss
|url=http://www.bostonherald.com/news/2008/view.bg?articleid=1118506&srvc=rss
|title=Palin leaves open the option of war with Russia
|title=Palin leaves open the option of war with Russia
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{{Main|Public image and reception of Sarah Palin}}
{{Main|Public image and reception of Sarah Palin}}


Before the Republican National Convention (RNC), a [[Gallup poll]] found that Sarah Palin had "the lowest rating any running mate has had since then-Indiana Sen. [[Dan Quayle]] was selected in 1988 to join [[George H.W. Bush]]'s team."<ref> By contrast, 57 percent of voters rated Delaware Sen. [[Joe Biden]] as qualified just after Obama selected him, while 18 percent said he was not. {{cite news
Before the Republican National Convention (RNC), a [[Gallup poll]] found that Palin had "the lowest rating any running mate has had since then-Indiana Senator [[Dan Quayle]] was selected in 1988 to join [[George H.W. Bush]]'s team."<ref name=FoxNews_Elections_20080830> By contrast, 57 percent of voters rated Delaware Sen. [[Joe Biden]] as qualified just after Obama selected him, while 18 percent said he was not. {{cite news
|url=http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/08/30/polls-voters-doubt-palins-qualifications-while-obama-expands-lead/
|url=http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/08/30/polls-voters-doubt-palins-qualifications-while-obama-expands-lead/
|title=Polls: Voters doubt Palin's qualifications while Obama expands lead
|title=Polls: Voters doubt Palin's qualifications while Obama expands lead
|publisher=FOXNews.com |date=August 30, 2008
|publisher=FOXNews.com |date=August 30, 2008}}</ref> Over half of the poll respondents had never heard of her.<ref name="USAToday_poll">{{cite news|url=http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/2008-08-30-palin-poll_N.htm|title=Poll: Voters uncertain on Palin|last=Page|first=Susan|date=August 30, 2008|publisher=USA Today|accessdate=2008-11-08}}</ref> Following the RNC, Palin's image came under close media scrutiny,<ref>{{cite web
|archiveurl=http://209.85.173.132/search?q=cache:5NgQyqSkdfMJ:elections.foxnews.com/2008/08/30/polls-voters-doubt-palins-qualifications-while-obama-expands-lead/+http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/08/30/polls-voters-doubt-palins-qualifications-while-obama-expands-lead/&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=1&gl=us&client=firefox-a
|archivedate=2008-11-15}}</ref> Over half of the poll respondents had never heard of her.<ref name="USAToday_poll">{{cite news|url=http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/2008-08-30-palin-poll_N.htm|title=Poll: Voters uncertain on Palin|last=Page|first=Susan|date=August 30, 2008|publisher=USA Today|accessdate=November 8, 2008}}</ref> Following the RNC, Palin's image came under close media scrutiny,<ref name=BostonGlobe_Weiss_20080905>{{cite news
|url=http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2008/09/05/mccain_takes_stage_turns_down_heat/ |title=McCain takes stage, turns down heat
|url=http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2008/09/05/mccain_takes_stage_turns_down_heat/ |title=McCain takes stage, turns down heat
|work=Boston Globe |accessdate=2008-10-05
|work=Boston Globe |accessdate=October 5, 2008
|author=Weiss, Joanna |September 5, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://newsminer.com/news/2008/sep/03/alaska-delegates-see-more-republican-convention-at/ |title=Alaska delegates see more Republican convention attention |publisher=newsminer.com |author=Delbridge, Rena |date=September 3, 2008 |accessdate=2008-10-05}}</ref> particularly regarding her socially conservative political preferences. Her perceived lack of experience in [[foreign policy|foreign]] and [[domestic policy|domestic]] politics came under fire<ref name="Frerking">John F. Harris and Beth Frerking. [http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0908/13129.html "Clinton aides: Palin treatment sexist"]; Politico, Sept 11, 2008</ref> from conservative<ref name="David Frum">{{cite web|url=http://frum.nationalreview.com/post/?q=M2VhOWE0N2VkOWI3MDdlODRlZWE4ODljMDc2NjliZDk= |title=Palin |last=Frum|first=David |authorlink=David Frum |date=2008-08-29 |publisher=National Review Online |accessdate=2008-08-31}}</ref><ref> [http://news.yahoo.com/s/politico/20080903/pl_politico/20576 Noonan, Murphy trash Palin on hot mike: 'It's over'], by Ben Smith, 3 September 2008.</ref> columnists [[Charles Krauthammer]],<ref>{{cite news
|last=Weiss |first=Joanna |date=September 5, 2008}}</ref><ref name=NewsMiner_Delbridge_20080903>{{cite news|url=http://newsminer.com/news/2008/sep/03/alaska-delegates-see-more-republican-convention-at/ |title=Alaska delegates see more Republican convention attention |publisher=newsminer.com |author=Delbridge, Rena |date=September 3, 2008 |accessdate=October 5, 2008}}</ref> particularly regarding her socially conservative political preferences. Her perceived lack of experience in [[foreign policy|foreign]] and [[domestic policy|domestic]] politics came under fire<ref name=Politico_Harris-Frerking_20080911>{{cite news|first=John F. |last=Harris |coauthors=Beth Frerking |url=http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0908/13129.html
|title=Clinton aides: Palin treatment sexist|publisher=Politic.com|date= September 11, 2008}}</ref> from conservative<ref name="David Frum">{{cite web|url=http://frum.nationalreview.com/post/?q=M2VhOWE0N2VkOWI3MDdlODRlZWE4ODljMDc2NjliZDk= |title=Palin |last=Frum|first=David |authorlink=David Frum |date=August 29, 2008|publisher=National Review Online |accessdate=August 31, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.yahoo.com/s/politico/20080903/pl_politico/20576
|title=Noonan, Murphy trash Palin on hot mike: 'It's over' |work=Yahoo!News
|first=Ben |last=Smith |date=3 September 2008}}</ref> columnists [[Charles Krauthammer]],<ref name=WashingtonPost_Krauthammer_20080905>{{cite news
|author=Krauthammer, Charles
|author=Krauthammer, Charles
|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/09/04/AR2008090402845.html
|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/09/04/AR2008090402845.html
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|author=Will, George
|author=Will, George
|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/09/02/AR2008090202441.html
|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/09/02/AR2008090202441.html
|title=Impulse, Meet Experience |work=Washington Post|date=September 3, 2008}}</ref> and Republicans such as former [[George W. Bush|Bush]] speechwriter [[David Frum]].<ref>{{cite news
|title=Impulse, Meet Experience |work=Washington Post|date=September 3, 2008}}</ref> and Republicans such as former [[George W. Bush|Bush]] speechwriter [[David Frum]].<ref name=NYT_Nagourney_20080930>{{cite news
|first=Adam |last=Nagourney
|first=Adam |last=Nagourney
|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/30/us/politics/30palin.html?_r=1&hp=&adxnnl=1&oref=slogin&adxnnlx=1222801600-LA8vI8IZ8DfY4CpTANbFAw
|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/30/us/politics/30palin.html?_r=1&hp=&adxnnl=1&oref=slogin&adxnnlx=1222801600-LA8vI8IZ8DfY4CpTANbFAw
|title=Concerns About Palin's Readiness as Big Test Nears |work=New York Times
|title=Concerns About Palin's Readiness as Big Test Nears |work=New York Times
|date=September 30, 2008}}</ref> Former [[Secretary of State]] General [[Colin Powell]] gave her inexperience in foreign and domestic policy as one reason for his endorsement of Obama.<ref> [http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27265369/ "Powell endorses Obama for president". "Republican ex-secretary of state calls Democrat ‘transformational figure’."] ''msnbc.com'', October 19 2008. Retrieved on 2008-10-20.</ref><ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/20/us/politics/20campaign.html?ref=us Zeleny, Jeff. "Donation Record as Colin Powell Endorses Obama"], ''The New York Times'', October 19 2008. Retrieved on 2008-10-20.</ref>
|date=September 30, 2008}}</ref> Former [[Secretary of State]] General [[Colin Powell]] gave her inexperience in foreign and domestic policy as one reason for his endorsement of Obama.<ref name=MeetthePress_Johnson_20081019>{{cite news
|url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27265369/ |title=Powell endorses Obama for president, Republican ex-secretary of state calls Democrat ‘transformational figure’
|work=[[Meet the Press]]|first=Alex |last=Johnson
|publisher=MSNBC|date=October 19, 2008|accessdate=October 20, 2008}}</ref><ref name=NYT_Zeleny_20081019>{{cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/20/us/politics/20campaign.html?ref=us
|author=Zeleny, Jeff |title=Donation Record as Colin Powell Endorses Obama |work=The New York Times
|date=October 19, 2008|accessdate=October 20, 2008}}</ref>


In contrast, William Kristol of the ''[[Weekly Standard]]'' wrote: "There she is: a working woman who's a proud wife and mother; a traditionalist in important matters who's broken through all kinds of barriers; a reformer who's a Republican; a challenger of a corrupt good-old-boy establishment who's a conservative; a successful woman whose life is unapologetically grounded in religious belief; a lady who's a leader."<ref>{{cite journal
In contrast, William Kristol of the ''[[Weekly Standard]]'' wrote: "There she is: a working woman who's a proud wife and mother; a traditionalist in important matters who's broken through all kinds of barriers; a reformer who's a Republican; a challenger of a corrupt good-old-boy establishment who's a conservative; a successful woman whose life is unapologetically grounded in religious belief; a lady who's a leader."<ref name=WeeklyStandard_Kristol_20080908>{{cite journal
|first=William |last=Kristol
|first=William |last=Kristol
|url=http://www.weeklystandard.com/Content/Public/Articles/000/000/015/500wrhjq.asp
|url=http://www.weeklystandard.com/Content/Public/Articles/000/000/015/500wrhjq.asp
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|volume=Volume 013 |issue=Issue 48}}</ref>
|volume=Volume 013 |issue=Issue 48}}</ref>


During the 2008 elections, some media outlets repeated Palin's statement that she "stood up to [[Big Oil]]" when she resigned after just 11 months as the head of the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission because of abuses she witnessed involving other Republican commissioners and their ties to energy companies and energy lobbyists, and again when she raised taxes on oil companies as governor.<ref name="politifact1">[http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/679/ "Palin sought more taxes and more development from oil companies"]; Politifact, Saint Petersburg Times, Aug. 29, 2008</ref><ref name="reuters1"> [http://www.reuters.com/article/reutersEdge/idUSN1150293420080912 "Is Palin foe of big oil or a new Cheney?"]; Reuters, Sept. 12, 2008</ref> In turn, others have said that she is a "friend of Big Oil" due to her fervent advocacy of oil exploitation, including her push to open the [[Arctic National Wildlife Refuge]] to drilling and an effort to de-list the [[polar bear]] as an [[endangered species]], since this could hinder oil searching.<ref name="politifact1"/><ref name="reuters1"/>
During the 2008 elections, some media outlets repeated Palin's statement that she "stood up to [[Big Oil]]" when she resigned after just 11 months as the head of the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission because of abuses she witnessed involving other Republican commissioners and their ties to energy companies and energy lobbyists, and again when she raised taxes on oil companies as governor.<ref name="politifact1">[http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/679/ "Palin sought more taxes and more development from oil companies"]; Politifact, Saint Petersburg Times, Aug. 29, 2008</ref><ref name="reuters1">{{cite news|accessdate=
|url=http://www.reuters.com/article/reutersEdge/idUSN1150293420080912
|first=Ed |last=Stoddard|coauthors=Yereth Rosen
|title=Is Palin foe of big oil or a new Cheney? |publisher=Reuters|date= September 12, 2008}}</ref> In turn, others have said that she is a "friend of Big Oil" due to her advocacy of oil exploitation, including her push to open the [[Arctic National Wildlife Refuge]] to drilling and an effort to de-list the [[polar bear]] as an [[endangered species]], since this could hinder oil searching.<ref name="politifact1"/><ref name="reuters1"/>
The [[National Organization for Women]], which endorsed Obama, made clear that it would not support Sarah Palin simply for being a female candidate, and made its support for her opponent publicly known.<ref name="thenation1">Jon Nichols. [http://www.thenation.com/blogs/thebeat/351275 "Clinton Praises Palin Pick"]; The Nation, August 30, 2008</ref><ref name="Frerking">John F. Harris and Beth Frerking.[http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0908/13129.html "Clinton aides: Palin treatment sexist"]; Politico, Sept 11, 2008</ref> The [[National Rifle Association]] said nothing specific about Palin's position on gun legislation, but concluded that "Governor Sarah Palin would be one of the most pro-gun vice-presidents in American history."<ref>[http://www.NRAILA.org/Issues/Articles/Read.aspx?id=320&issue=047 "Sarah Palin and Joe Biden: Worlds Apart"]; National Rifle Association of America, Institute for Legislative Action, 8/29/2008</ref>
The [[National Organization for Women]], which endorsed Obama, made clear that it would not support Palin simply for being a woman, and made its support for her opponent publicly known.<ref name="thenation1">{{cite web|first=Jon |last=Nichols |url=http://www.thenation.com/blogs/thebeat/351275 |title=Clinton Praises Palin Pick |work=The Nation |date=August 30, 2008}}</ref><ref name=Politico_Harris-Frerking_20080911/> The [[National Rifle Association]] said nothing specific about Palin's position on gun legislation, but concluded that she would be "one of the most pro-gun vice-presidents in American history."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.NRAILA.org/Issues/Articles/Read.aspx?id=320&issue=047 |title=Sarah Palin and Joe Biden: Worlds Apart |publisher=National Rifle Association of America, Institute for Legislative Action |date=August 29, 2008}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
Line 649: Line 754:
*{{dmoz|Regional/North_America/United_States/Alaska/Government/Executive_Branch/Governor_Sarah_Palin/}}
*{{dmoz|Regional/North_America/United_States/Alaska/Government/Executive_Branch/Governor_Sarah_Palin/}}
*[http://www.pbs.org/now/shows/434/video-webex.html NOW: Meet Sarah Palin] video from ''[[PBS]]''
*[http://www.pbs.org/now/shows/434/video-webex.html NOW: Meet Sarah Palin] video from ''[[PBS]]''
*[http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/Vote2008/story?id=5795641 Charlie Gibson Interviews Sarah Palin] from ''[[ABC News]]'', September 2008
*[http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/Vote2008/story?id=5795641 Full Excerpts: Charlie Gibson Interviews GOP Vice Presidential Candidate Sarah Palin] from ''[[ABC News]]'', September 2008
*[http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/09/24/eveningnews/main4476173.shtml?source=mostpop_story One-On-One with Sarah Palin] transcripts and videos from ''[[CBS News]]'' with Katie Couric, September 2008
*[http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/09/24/eveningnews/main4476173.shtml One-On-One with Sarah Palin] transcripts and videos from ''[[CBS News]]'' with Katie Couric, September 2008
* [http://publicservice.evendon.com/AKMoneganReport1M.htm Branchflower Report, October 10, 2008]
*[http://publicservice.evendon.com/AKMoneganReport1M.htm Stephen Branchflower Report to the Legislative Council] October 10, 2008
* [http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/26/weekinreview/26palin.html?pagewanted=1 Monica Davey, For the love of a good fight, ''New York Times'', 2008 October 25.]
*Monica Davey, [http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/26/weekinreview/26palin.html For the love of a good fight] from the ''[[New York Times]]'', October 25, 2008

{{s-start}}
{{s-start}}
{{s-off}}
{{s-off}}
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{{s-ttl|title=Chairperson, [[Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission]]|years=2003&nbsp;– 2004}}
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Revision as of 07:54, 25 November 2008

Sarah Palin
Sarah Palin at Dillingham boat harbor in June 2007
11th Governor of Alaska
Assumed office
December 4, 2006
LieutenantSean Parnell
Preceded byFrank Murkowski
Chairperson of the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission
In office
2003–2004
Preceded byCamille Oechsli Taylor[1]
Succeeded byJohn K. Norman[2]
Mayor of Wasilla, Alaska
In office
1996–2002
Preceded byJohn Stein
Succeeded byDianne M. Keller
Member of the
Wasilla, Alaska City Council
In office
1992–1996
Personal details
Born (1964-02-11) February 11, 1964 (age 60)[3]
Sandpoint, Idaho, U.S.
Political partyRepublican
SpouseTodd Palin (since 1988)
ChildrenTrack, Bristol, Willow, Piper, Trig
Residence(s)Wasilla, Alaska
Alma materUniversity of Idaho
OccupationFormer local news sportscasting
Business
Commercial fishing
Politician
Signature
WebsiteAlaska Governor Sarah Palin

More detailed articles about Sarah Palin:

McCain–Palin campaign, 2008
Governorship of Alaska, 2006–present
Mayoralty of Wasilla, 1996–2002

Political positions  · Electoral history
Public image and reception

Sarah Louise Heath Palin (Template:Pron-en; born February 11, 1964) is the governor of the U.S. state of Alaska.

Palin was a member of the Wasilla, Alaska, city council from 1992 to 1996 and the city's mayor from 1996 to 2002. After an unsuccessful campaign for lieutenant governor of Alaska in 2002, she chaired the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission from 2003 to 2004. She was elected governor of Alaska in November 2006 by defeating Frank Murkowski, the incumbent governor, in the Republican primary, and then defeating Tony Knowles, a former two-term Democratic governor, in the general election. She is the first female governor of Alaska and the youngest person elected governor.

Palin was the Republican Party's vice-presidential nominee for the 2008 United States presidential election together with Senator John McCain. The election was won by Democratic candidates Barack Obama and Joe Biden. Palin was the second female candidate and the first Alaskan candidate of either major party, as well as the first female vice-presidential nominee of the Republican Party.

Early life and education

Palin was born in Sandpoint, Idaho, the third of four children of Sarah Heath (née Sheeran), a school secretary, and Charles R. Heath, a science teacher and track coach.[6][7] The family moved to Alaska when she was an infant. As a child, she sometimes went moose hunting with her father before school. The family regularly ran 5 km and 10 km races.[8]

Palin attended Wasilla High School in Wasilla, located 44 miles (71 km) north of Anchorage.[9] She was the head of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter at the school and the point guard and captain of the school's girls' basketball team that won the Alaska state championship in 1982.[8][10]

In 1982, she enrolled at Hawaii Pacific College, but left after her first semester. She transferred to North Idaho community college, where she spent two semesters as a general studies major. From there, she transferred to the University of Idaho for two semesters.[11][12] During this time Palin won the Miss Wasilla Pageant,[13][14] then finished third in the 1984 Miss Alaska pageant,[15][16] at which she won a college scholarship and the "Miss Congeniality" award.[8] Afterwards, Palin attended the Matanuska-Susitna community college in Alaska for one term. The next year she returned to the University of Idaho where she spent three semesters completing her Bachelor of Science degree in communications-journalism, graduating in 1987.[11][12]

In 1988, she worked as a sports reporter for KTUU-TV and KTVA-TV in Anchorage, Alaska,[17] and for the Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman as a sports reporter.[18] She also helped in her husband’s commercial fishing family business.[19]

City council of Wasilla

Palin was elected twice to the city council of Wasilla, in 1992 and 1995. Wasilla city councillors serve three-year terms.[20] Palin says she entered politics because she was concerned that revenue from a new Wasilla sales tax would not be spent wisely.[21]

Palin's first foray into politics was in 1992, when the then 28-year-old ran for Wasilla city council against John Hartrick, a local telephone company worker.[22][23] She won 530 votes against John Hartrick’s 310.[22] On the council, she successfully opposed a measure to curtail the hours at Wasilla's bars by two hours. This surprised Hartrick because she was then a member of a church that advocated abstinence from alcohol.[22] After serving on the city council for three years, she ran for reelection against R’nita Rogers in 1995, winning 413 votes to Rogers' 185.[24]

According to Laura Chase of Wasilla, and former Wasilla mayor John Stein, Palin as city councilwoman mentioned to her colleagues in 1995 that she saw the book Daddy's Roommate in the public library and did not think that it belonged there. Chase later became Palin's campaign manager for mayor in 1996, when Palin defeated John Stein, but the two had a falling out and Chase is now a vocal critic of Palin.[25] City of Wasilla Library records indicate that there was never a request for the library to remove the book and that no books were ever censored or banned.[26] The McCain-Palin campaign says that Palin was not advocating censorship.[27]

Palin did not complete her second term on the city council because she ran for mayor in 1996. Throughout her tenure on the city council and the rest of her career, Palin has been a registered Republican.[28]

Mayor of Wasilla

Palin served two three-year terms[29] (1996–2002) as the mayor of Wasilla. At the conclusion of Palin's tenure as mayor in 2002, the town had about 6,300 residents.[30] In 1996, Palin defeated three-term incumbent mayor John Stein,[31] on a platform targeting wasteful spending and high taxes.[8] Stein says that she introduced abortion, gun rights, and term limits as campaign issues.[32] Although the election was a nonpartisan blanket primary, the state Republican Party ran advertisements on her behalf.[32]

First term

Shortly after taking office in October 1996, Palin consolidated the position of museum director and asked for updated resumes and resignation letters from some top officials, including the police chief, public works director, finance director, and librarian.[33] Palin stated this request was to find out their intentions and whether they supported her.[33] She temporarily required department heads to get her approval before talking to reporters, saying that they first needed to become acquainted with her administration's policies.[33] She created the position of city administrator,[32] and reduced her own $68,000 salary by 10%, although by mid-1998 this was reversed by the city council.[34]

According to Wasilla librarian Mary Ellen Emmons, Palin inquired two or three times in October 1996 as to how Emmons would handle any request to remove books from the library.[35][36][37] John Stein, the former mayor of Wasilla and Palin's 1996 political opponent, said in September 2008 that Palin's "religious beliefs," and the concerns of some voters about language in the books, motivated her inquiries.[38] In December 1996, Palin said she had no books or other material in mind for removal.[37] No books were removed from the library,[35][39] and Palin stated in 2006 that she would not allow her personal religious beliefs to dictate her political positions.[40]

Palin fired Emmons and Police Chief Irl Stambaugh in January 1997, stating that she did not feel they fully supported her efforts to govern the city.[41] The next day, following expressions of public support for Emmons and a personal meeting, Palin rescinded the firing of Emmons, [35] stating that her concerns had been alleviated, and adding that Emmons agreed to support Palin's plan to merge the town's library and museum operations.[41] Stambaugh, who along with Emmons had supported Palin's opponent in the election,[39] filed a lawsuit alleging wrongful termination, violation of his contract, and gender discrimination. In the trial, the defense further alleged political reasons;[42] Stambaugh said that he had opposed a bill in the state legislature that Palin supported.[43] The bill, SB 177, would have permitted concealed weapons in banks, bars, colleges, and other public places.[44][45] Governor Tony Knowles' Senate Journal entry announcing his veto of SB 177 mentioned the opposition of, among other parties, the City of Wasilla.[46] The federal judge who heard the case said in the decision that the police chief serves at the discretion of the mayor, and can be terminated for nearly any reason, even a political one, and dismissed Stambaugh's lawsuit[47] ordering Stambaugh to pay Palin's legal fees.[43]

Palin appointed[48] Charles Fannon to replace Stambaugh as police chief. Fannon later opposed a state law preventing police departments from billing rape victims or their health insurance for evidence collection kits.[49] Fannon said that the Wasilla police had sometimes billed victims' health insurance in the past; Stambaugh said that under his tenure the city had paid.[50] An investigation by the St. Petersburg Times found no evidence that Palin had ever commented on the policy at all.[51]

During her first year in office, Palin kept a jar with the names of Wasilla residents on her desk, and once a week she pulled a name from it and picked up the phone; she would ask: "How's the city doing?"[39] Using income generated by a 2% sales tax that was enacted before she was elected to the city council,[52] Palin cut property taxes by 75% and eliminated personal property and business inventory taxes.[53][31] Tapping municipal bonds, she made improvements to the roads and sewers, and increased funding to the Police Department.[32] She also oversaw new bike paths and procured funding for storm-water treatment to protect freshwater resources.[31] At the same time, she reduced spending on the town museum and blocked construction of a new library and city hall.[31] Palin ran for re-election against Stein in 1999 and won, with 74% of the vote.[54] She was also elected president of the Alaska Conference of Mayors.[55]

Second term

During her second term as mayor, Palin introduced a ballot measure proposing the construction of a municipal sports center to be financed by a 0.5% sales tax increase.[56] The $14.7 million Wasilla Multi-Use Sports Complex was built on time and under budget, but the city spent an additional $1.3 million because of an eminent domain lawsuit caused by the failure to obtain clear title to the property before beginning construction.[56] The city's long-term debt grew from about $1 million to $25 million through voter-approved indebtedness of $15 million for the sports complex, $5.5 million for street projects, and $3 million for water improvement projects. A city council member defended the spending increases as being caused by the city's growth during that time.[57]

Palin also joined with nearby communities in jointly hiring the Anchorage-based lobbying firm of Robertson, Monagle & Eastaugh to lobby for federal funds. The firm secured nearly $8 million in earmarked funds for the Wasilla city government, and another $19 million for other public and private entities in the Wasilla valley area.[58] Earmarks included $500,000 for a youth shelter, $1.9 million for a transportation hub, $900,000 for sewer repairs, and $15 million for a rail project linking Wasilla and the ski resort community of Girdwood.[59] Term limits prevented Palin from running for a third term as mayor in 2002.[29]

Post-mayoral years

In 2002, Palin ran for the Republican nomination for lieutenant governor, coming in second to Loren Leman in a five-way Republican primary.[60] The Republican ticket of U.S. Senator Frank Murkowski and Leman won the November 2002 election. When Murkowski resigned from his long-held U.S. Senate seat in December 2002 to become governor, he considered appointing Palin to replace him in the Senate, but chose his daughter, Lisa Murkowski, who was then an Alaskan state representative.[61]

Governor Murkowski appointed Palin to the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission.[62] She chaired the Commission beginning in 2003, serving as Ethics Supervisor.[63] Palin resigned in January 2004, protesting what she called the "lack of ethics" of fellow Republican members.[8][64]

After resigning, Palin filed a formal complaint against Oil and Gas Conservation Commissioner Randy Ruedrich, also the chair of the state Republican Party,[65] accusing him of doing work for the party on public time and of working closely with a company he was supposed to be regulating. She also joined with Democratic legislator Eric Croft[66] to file a complaint against Gregg Renkes, a former Alaskan Attorney General,[67] accusing him of having a financial conflict of interest in negotiating a coal exporting trade agreement,[68] while Renkes was the subject of investigation and after records suggesting a possible conflict of interest had been released to the public.[69] Ruedrich and Renkes both resigned and Ruedrich paid a record $12,000 fine.[63][8]

From 2003 to June 2005, Palin served as one of three directors of "Ted Stevens Excellence in Public Service, Inc.," a 527 group designed to provide political training for Republican women in Alaska.[70] In 2004, Palin told the Anchorage Daily News that she had decided not to run for the U.S. Senate that year, against the Republican incumbent, Lisa Murkowski, because her teenage son opposed it. Palin said, "How could I be the team mom if I was a U.S. Senator?"[71]

Governor of Alaska

Palin visits soldiers of the Alaska National Guard, July 24, 2007.

In 2006, running on a clean-government platform, Palin defeated incumbent Governor Frank Murkowski in the Republican gubernatorial primary.[72] Her running mate was State Senator Sean Parnell.

Despite being outspent by her Democratic opponent, she won the gubernatorial election in November, defeating former governor Tony Knowles by a margin of 48.3% to 40.9%.[8] Palin became Alaska's first female governor, and at the age of 42, the youngest governor in Alaskan history.[73] She is the state's first governor to have been born after Alaska achieved U.S. statehood, and the first not to be inaugurated in Juneau; she chose to have the ceremony held in Fairbanks instead. She took office on December 4, 2006, and has been very popular with Alaska voters. Polls taken in 2007 early in her term showed her with a 93% and 89% popularity among all voters,[74] which led some media outlets to call her "the most popular governor in America."[66][74] A poll taken in late September 2008 after Palin was named to the national Republican ticket showed her popularity in Alaska at 68%.[75]

Palin declared that top priorities of her administration would be resource development, education and workforce development, public health and safety, and transportation and infrastructure development.[73] She had championed ethics reform throughout her election campaign. Her first legislative action after taking office was to push for a bipartisan ethics reform bill. She signed the resulting legislation in July 2007, calling it a "first step", and declaring that she remained determined to clean up Alaska politics.[76]

Palin tries out the Engagement Skills Trainer, July 24, 2007.

Palin has sometimes broken with the state Republican establishment. For example, she endorsed Sean Parnell's bid to unseat the state's longtime at-large U.S. Representative, Don Young.[77] Palin has publicly challenged Senator Ted Stevens to come clean about the ongoing federal investigation into his financial dealings. Shortly before his July 2008 indictment, she held a joint news conference with Stevens, described by The Washington Post as needed "to make clear she had not abandoned him politically."[70]

Palin promoted oil and natural gas resource development in Alaska, including in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). Proposals to drill for oil in ANWR have been the subject of a national debate.[78]

In 2006, Palin obtained a passport[79] and in 2007 traveled for the first time outside of North America on a trip to Kuwait. There she visited the Khabari Alawazem Crossing at the Kuwait–Iraq border and met with members of the Alaska National Guard at several bases.[80] On her return trip to the U.S., she visited injured soldiers in Germany.[81]

Budget, spending, and federal funds

Governor Palin in Germany, July 2007

In June 2007, Palin signed a record $6.6 billion operating budget into law.[82] At the same time, she used her veto power to make the second-largest cuts of the construction budget in state history. The $237 million in cuts represented over 300 local projects, and reduced the construction budget to $1.6 billion.[83] In 2008, Palin vetoed $286 million, cutting or reducing funding for 350 projects from the FY09 capital budget.[84]

Palin followed through on a campaign promise to sell the Westwind II jet, a purchase made by the Murkowski administration for $2.7 million in 2005 against the wishes of the legislature.[85] In August 2007, the jet was listed on eBay, but the sale fell through, and the plane was later sold for $2.1 million through a private brokerage firm.[86]

Expense reimbursements

Palin lives in Juneau during the legislative session and lives in Wasilla and works out of offices in Anchorage the rest of the year. Since the office in Anchorage is far from Juneau, while she works there, state officials say she is legally entitled to a $58 per diem travel allowance, which she has taken (a total of $16,951), and to reimbursement for hotels, which she has not, choosing instead to drive about 50 miles to her home in Wasilla.[87] She also chose not to use the former governor's private chef.[88] Democrats criticized Palin for taking the per diem and $43,490 in travel expenses for the times her family accompanied her on state business.[89] In response, the governor's staffers said that these practices were in line with state policy, that Palin's gubernatorial expenses are 80% below those of her predecessor, Frank Murkowski,[89] and that "many of the hundreds of invitations Palin receives include requests for her to bring her family, placing the definition of 'state business' with the party extending the invitation."[87]

Federal funding

In her State of the State Address on January 17, 2008, Palin declared that the people of Alaska "can and must continue to develop our economy, because we cannot and must not rely so heavily on federal government [funding]."[90] Alaska's federal congressional representatives cut back on pork-barrel project requests during Palin's time as governor; despite this, in 2008 Alaska was still the largest per-capita recipient of federal earmarks, requesting nearly $750 million in special federal spending over a period of two years.[91]

While there is no sales tax or income tax in Alaska, state revenues doubled to $10 billion in 2008. For the 2009 budget, Palin gave a list of 31 proposed federal earmarks or requests for funding, totaling $197 million, to Alaska Senator Ted Stevens.[92] Palin’s decreasing support for federal funding has been a leading source of friction between herself and the state's congressional delegation; Palin has requested less in federal funding each year than her predecessor Frank Murkowski requested in his last year.[93]

Bridge to Nowhere and Knik Arm Bridge

In 2005, before Palin was elected governor, Congress passed a $442-million earmark for constructing two Alaska bridges as part of an omnibus spending bill. The Gravina Island Bridge was proposed to connect Ketchikan to sparsely populated Gravina Island where an international airport serves over 200,000 passengers per year and the existing ferry carries 400,000 passengers per year.[94] The Knik Arm Bridge (also known as "Don Young's Way" after Alaska's Congressman Don Young) was to provide an alternate link between heavily-populated Anchorage and Wasilla, 44 miles away.[95] The Gravina Island Bridge proposal became nicknamed the "Bridge to Nowhere" because of the island's population of fifty people.[94] More rarely, the term "Bridges to Nowhere" has been applied to both bridge proposals.[96] Critics of the two bridge proposals gave them national attention as symbols of pork-barrel spending, and Congress responded to the intense criticism by stripping the earmark from the bill before final passage in November 2005 and instead giving the $442 million to Alaska as transportation money with no strings attached.[94]

Sarah Palin holds up a t-shirt reading "Nowhere Alaska 99901" while visiting Ketchikan during her Gubernatorial campaign in 2006; the zip code for the area is 99901.

In 2006, Palin ran for governor with a "build-the-bridge" plank in her platform,[97] saying she would "not allow the spinmeisters to turn this project [...] into something that's so negative."[98] Palin criticized the use of the word "nowhere" as insulting to local residents[97][99] and urged speedy work on building the infrastructure "while our congressional delegation is in a strong position to assist."[99]

As governor Palin canceled the Gravina Island Bridge in September 2007, saying that Congress had "little interest in spending any more money" due to what she called "inaccurate portrayals of the projects."[100] She opted not to return the $442 million in federal transportation funds.[101] Palin maintained her support for a controversial highway on the bridgeless Gravina Island, committing $25 million in federal funds to the project saying through her spokesperson that it would open territory for development. Alaska state officials said if the money were not used for the road it would have had to have been returned to the federal government.[97] She also directed state officials to explore other ways to provide access to the island.[100]

Later, as a vice-presidential candidate, Palin characterized her position as having told Congress "thanks, but no thanks, on that bridge to nowhere." This angered some Alaskans in Ketchikan, who said that the claim was false and a betrayal of Palin's previous support for their community.[101] Meanwhile, some critics complained that this statement was misleading, since she had repeatedly expressed support for the spending project and even kept the Federal money after the project was canceled.[102] Palin continues to support the Knik Arm project.[95]

Gas pipeline

In August 2008, Palin signed a bill authorizing the State of Alaska to award TransCanada Pipelines — the sole bidder to meet the state's requirements — a license to build and operate a pipeline to transport natural gas from the North Slope to the Continental United States through Canada.[103] The governor also pledged $500 million in seed money to support the project.[104] It is estimated that the project will cost $26 billion.[103] Newsweek described the project as "the principal achievement of Sarah Palin's term as Alaska's governor,"[105] but it faces legal challenges from Canadian First Nations (aboriginal peoples).[105]

Predator control

In 2007, Palin supported a 2003 Alaska Department of Fish and Game policy allowing the hunting of wolves from the air as part of a predator control program intended to increase moose and caribou populations for subsistence-food gatherers and other hunters.[106][107] In March 2007, Palin's office announced that a bounty of $150 per wolf would be paid to the 180 volunteer pilots and gunners, to offset fuel costs. Wildlife activists sued the state, and a state judge declared the bounty illegal on the basis that a bounty would have to be offered by the Board of Game and not by the Department of Fish and Game.[106][108]

Public Safety Commissioner dismissal

Palin dismissed Public Safety Commissioner Walt Monegan on July 11, 2008, citing performance-related issues, such as not being "a team player on budgeting issues."[109] Monegan said that he had resisted persistent pressure from the Governor, her husband, and her staff, including State Attorney General Talis Colberg, to fire Palin’s ex-brother-in-law, state trooper Mike Wooten; Wooten was involved in a child custody battle with Palin’s sister that included an alleged death threat against Palin's father.[110][111] Monegan stated he learned an internal investigation had found all but two of the allegations to be unsubstantiated, and Wooten had been disciplined for the others—an illegal moose killing and the tasering of an 11-year-old.[111] He told the Palins that there was nothing he could do because the matter was closed.[112] When contacted by the press for comment, Monegan first acknowledged pressure to fire Wooten but said that he could not be certain that his own firing was connected to that issue;[111] he later asserted that the dispute over Wooten was a major reason for his firing.[113] Palin stated on July 17 that Monegan was not pressured to fire Wooten, nor dismissed for not doing so.[109][112] Monegan's replacement resigned on July 25, amid charges of sexual harassment in his previous job.[114]

Legislative investigation

On August 1, the Republican-dominated[115] Alaska Legislature hired an investigator, Stephen Branchflower, to review the Monegan dismissal. Legislators stated that Palin had the legal authority to fire Monegan, but they wanted to know whether her action had been motivated by anger at Monegan for not firing Wooten.[116][117] The atmosphere was bipartisan and Palin pledged to cooperate.[116][117][118] After she ordered her own internal investigation, Palin stated on August 13 that "pressure could have been perceived to exist, although I have only now become aware of it."[119] Palin announced that officials had contacted Monegan or his staff about two dozen times regarding Wooten,[112] that she had only known about some of those contacts, that many of those contacts were appropriate, and that she had not fired Monegan because of Wooten,[120] who remained employed as a state trooper.[121] She placed an aide on paid leave due to one tape-recorded phone conversation that she deemed improper, in which the aide appeared to be acting on her behalf and complained to a trooper that Wooten had not been fired.[122]

Several weeks after the start of what the media referred to as "troopergate", Palin was chosen as John McCain's running mate.[117] In a news story published on September 2, the state senator running the investigation complained that Palin's hiring of private lawyers hampered the investigation, and suggested that the results of the investigation were "likely to be damaging to the Governor's administration."[123] On September 1, Palin asked the legislature to drop its investigation, saying that the state Personnel Board had jurisdiction over ethics issues.[124] The Personnel Board's three members were first appointed by Palin’s predecessor, and Palin reappointed one member in 2008.[125] On September 19, the Governor's husband and several state employees refused to honor subpoenas, the validity of which were disputed by Talis Colberg, Palin's appointee as Alaska's Attorney General.[126] On October 2, a court rejected Colberg's challenge to the subpoenas,[127] and seven of the witnesses, not including Sarah and Todd Palin, eventually testified.[128]

Branchflower Report

On October 10, 2008, the Alaska Legislative Council unanimously voted to release, without endorsing,[129] the Branchflower Report, in which Stephen Branchflower found that firing Monegan "was a proper and lawful exercise of her constitutional and statutory authority," but that Palin abused her power as governor and violated the state's Executive Branch Ethics Act when her office pressured Monegan to fire Wooten .[130] The report stated that "Governor Palin knowingly permitted a situation to continue where impermissible pressure was placed on several subordinates in order to advance a personal agenda, to wit: to get Trooper Michael Wooten fired."[131] The report also said that Palin "permitted Todd Palin to use the Governor's office [...] to continue to contact subordinate state employees in an effort to find some way to get Trooper Wooten fired."[131][132]

On October 11, Palin's attorneys responded, condemning the Branchflower Report as "misleading and wrong on the law";[133] one, Thomas Van Flein, said that it was an attempt to "smear the governor by innuendo."[134] Van Flein further argues that Branchflower's findings are flawed because Palin received "no monetary benefit" from her actions.

Palin said that she was "very very pleased to be cleared of any legal wrongdoing, any hint of any kind of unethical activity there".[135] Among the commentators disputing her interpretation was a columnist for The Washington Post:

"Whether or not the Branchflower report -- which was launched by a bipartisan committee -- was a partisan smear job is debatable. What is not debatable is that the report clearly states that she violated the State Ethics Act. Palin has reasonable grounds for arguing that the report cleared her of 'legal wrongdoing,' since she did have the authority to fire Monegan. But it is the reverse of the truth to claim that she was cleared of "any hint of any kind of unethical activity."[134]

Another view was expressed in McClatchy's Kansascity.com, The Kansas City Star: "It’s just Steve Branchflower’s opinion that he thinks Governor Palin had, at worst, mixed motives for an action that even Branchflower admits she unquestionably had both the complete right to perform and other very good reasons to perform."[136]

State Personnel Board investigation

The State Personnel Board (SPB) reviewed the matter at Palin's request.[137] On September 15, the Anchorage law firm of Clapp, Peterson, Van Flein, Tiemessen & Thorsness filed arguments of "no probable cause" with the SPB on behalf of Palin.[138][139] The SPB hired independent counsel Timothy Petumenos as an investigator. Mr. Petumenos describes himself as a "loyal Democrat" according to the Washington Post. [140] On October 24, Palin gave three hours of depositions with the Board in St. Louis, Missouri.[141] On November 3, Petumenos found that there was no probable cause to believe Palin or any other state official had violated state ethical standards. [142][143][144][145]

2008 vice-presidential campaign

Palin addresses the 2008 Republican National Convention

On August 29, 2008, in Dayton, Ohio, Republican presidential candidate John McCain announced that he had chosen Palin as his running mate.[146] According to Jill Hazelbaker, a spokeswoman for John McCain, he first met Palin at the National Governors Association meeting in Washington in February 2008 and came away "extraordinarily impressed."[147] He called Palin on August 24 to discuss the possibility of having her join him on the ticket.[148] On August 27, she visited McCain's vacation home near Sedona, Arizona, where she was offered the position of vice-presidential candidate.[149] Palin was the only prospective running mate who had a face-to-face interview with McCain to discuss joining the ticket that week.[148] Nonetheless, Palin's selection was a surprise to many as speculation had centered on other candidates, such as Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty, former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, United States Senator Joe Lieberman of Connecticut, and former Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge.[146]

Palin is the first Alaskan and the second woman to run on a major U.S. party ticket. The first woman was Geraldine Ferraro, the Democratic vice-presidential nominee in 1984, who ran with former vice-president Walter Mondale.[146] On September 3, 2008, Palin delivered a 40-minute acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention that was well-received and watched by more than 40 million viewers.[150]

Several conservative commentators met Palin in the summer of 2007 when they sailed on cruises that docked in Juneau.[151] Some of them, such as Bill Kristol, urged McCain to pick Palin, arguing that her presence on the ticket would provide a boost in enthusiasm among the religious right wing of the Republican party, while her status as an unknown on the national scene would also be a positive factor for McCain's campaign.[152]

Since Palin was largely unknown outside Alaska before her selection by McCain, her personal life, positions, and political record drew intense media attention and scrutiny.[153] Some Republicans felt that Palin was being subjected to unreasonable media coverage, a sentiment Palin noted in her acceptance speech.[154] A poll taken immediately after the Republican convention found that slightly more than half of Americans believed that the media was "trying to hurt" Palin with negative coverage.[155]

The Palins and McCains in Fairfax, Virginia, September 2008.

During the campaign, controversy erupted over alleged differences between Palin's positions as a gubernatorial candidate and her position as a vice-presidential candidate. After McCain announced Palin as his running mate, Newsweek and Time put Palin on their magazine covers,[156] as some of the media alleged that McCain's campaign was restricting press access to Palin by allowing only three one-on-one interviews and no press conferences with her.[157] Among the news organizations that criticized the restrictions were Palin's first major interview, with Charles Gibson of ABC News, met with mixed reviews.[158] Her interview five days later with Fox News's Sean Hannity focused on many of the same questions from Gibson's interview.[159] However, Palin's performance in her third interview, with Katie Couric of CBS News, was widely criticized, prompting a decline in her poll numbers, concern among Republicans that she was becoming a political liability, and calls from some conservative commentators for Palin to resign from the Presidential ticket.[159][160] Other conservatives remained ardent in their support for Palin, accusing the columnists of elitism.[161] Following this interview, some Republicans, including Mitt Romney and Bill Kristol, questioned the McCain campaign's strategy of sheltering Palin from unscripted encounters with the press.[162]

Palin was reported to have prepared intensively for the October 2 vice-presidential debate with Democratic vice-presidential nominee Joe Biden at Washington University in St. Louis. Some Republicans suggested that Palin's performance in the interviews would improve public perceptions of her debate performance by lowering expectations.[163][159][164] Polling from CNN, Fox and CBS found that while Palin exceeded most voters' expectations, they felt that Biden had won the debate.[165][166]

Upon returning to the campaign trail after her debate preparation, Palin stepped up her attacks on the Democratic candidate for President, Senator Barack Obama. At a fundraising event, Palin explained her new aggressiveness, saying, "There does come a time when you have to take the gloves off and that time is right now." In a series of campaign rallies, Palin returned to the vice presidential candidate's traditional role of attack dog, lashing out at and criticizing the Democratic ticket.

Palin appeared on the television show Saturday Night Live on October 18. Prior to her appearance on the show, she had been parodied several times by Tina Fey, who was noted for her physical resemblance to the candidate.[167] In the weeks leading up to the election, Palin had also been the subject of numerous other parodies.[168]

The election took place on November 4, and Obama was projected as the winner at 11:00 PM Eastern Standard Time.[169] In his concession speech McCain thanked Palin, calling her "one of the best campaigners I've ever seen, and an impressive new voice in our party for reform and the principles that have always been our greatest strength."[169]

Personal life

In 1988, she eloped with her childhood sweetheart Todd Palin. According to her mother, she believed that her parents "couldn't afford a big white wedding."[170] Todd Palin works for the London-based oil company BP as an oil-field production operator and owns a commercial fishing business.[73][21] The Palins have an estimated combined net worth of over $1 million.[171]

Palin family members at the announcement of her vice-presidential selection, August 29, 2008. From left to right: Todd, Piper, Willow, Bristol and Trig.

Palin describes herself as a hockey mom. The Palins have five children: sons Track (b. 1989)[172] and Trig (b. 2008), and daughters Bristol (b. 1990), Willow (b. 1995), and Piper (b. 2001).[173] Track enlisted in the U.S. Army on September 11, 2007,[174] and was subsequently assigned to an infantry brigade. He and his unit deployed to Iraq in September 2008 for 12 months.[175] On September 1, 2008, Palin announced that Bristol was five months pregnant and that she intends to keep the baby and marry Levi Johnston, the father of the child.[176] Palin's youngest child, Trig, was prenatally diagnosed with Down syndrome.[177]

Palin was born into a Roman Catholic family.[178] Later, her family joined the Wasilla Assembly of God, a Pentecostal church,[179] which she attended until 2002. Palin then switched to the Wasilla Bible Church because, she said, she preferred the children's ministries offered there.[180] When in Juneau, she attends the Juneau Christian Center.[181] Her current home church is the Wasilla Bible Church, an independent congregation.[182] Palin described herself in an interview as a "Bible-believing Christian."[178] After the Republican National Convention, a spokesperson for the McCain campaign told CNN that Palin "doesn't consider herself Pentecostal" and has "deep religious convictions."[40]

Political positions

Palin has been a registered Republican since 1982, and has described the Republican Party platform as "the right agenda for America".[4] She is a social conservative, and has deep religious convictions. According to Mary Glazier, an ordained minister who helped bring together the prayer networks in Alaska, Palin was an active member of Glazier's prayer group in Wasilla when God "began to speak" to her about going into politics.[183] In a 2006 gubernatorial debate, responding to a question asking the candidates whether they would support teaching creationism in public schools, Palin stated that she supported teaching both creationism and evolution. Shortly after that debate, however, Palin said in an interview that she had only meant to say she supports allowing the discussion of creationism in public schools, but says it does not have to be part of the curriculum.[184] She supports sex education in public schools that encourages abstinence but also discusses birth control.[185][186]

Palin opposes same-sex marriage and supported a non-binding referendum for an Alaskan constitutional amendment to deny state health benefits to same-sex couples; however, early in her gubernatorial term she vetoed such a bill, citing its current unconstitutionality.[110][187] Palin has called herself "as pro-life as any candidate can be"[187] and has called abortion an "atrocity."[185] Palin has stated that abortion should be banned in nearly all cases, including rape and incest, except if the life of the mother is endangered.[188][189] Palin has stated that she does not support embryonic stem cell research.[190] A lifetime member of the National Rifle Association (NRA), she believes the right to bear arms includes handgun possession, and is against a ban on semi-automatic assault weapons.[190] She has supported gun safety education for youth.[191] She supports capital punishment.[192]

Palin has promoted oil and natural gas resource exploration in Alaska, including in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.[78] On global warming, Palin said that "a changing environment will affect Alaska more than any other state, because of our location. I'm not one though who would attribute it to being man-made."[193] She later said that "man's activities certainly can be contributing to the issue" and that "John McCain and I agree that we gotta do something about it."[194]

Regarding foreign policy, Palin supports the Bush Administration's policies in Iraq, but is concerned that "dependence on foreign energy" may be obstructing efforts to "have an exit plan in place".[195][196] Palin supports preemptive military action in the face of an imminent threat, and supports U.S. military operations in Pakistan. She declined to give a yes or no answer regarding whether U.S. military forces should make cross-border attacks into Pakistan without the approval of the Pakistani government.[197] She supports NATO membership for Ukraine and Georgia,[197] and affirms that if Russia invaded a NATO member, the United States should meet its treaty obligations.[198]

Public image

Before the Republican National Convention (RNC), a Gallup poll found that Palin had "the lowest rating any running mate has had since then-Indiana Senator Dan Quayle was selected in 1988 to join George H.W. Bush's team."[199] Over half of the poll respondents had never heard of her.[200] Following the RNC, Palin's image came under close media scrutiny,[201][202] particularly regarding her socially conservative political preferences. Her perceived lack of experience in foreign and domestic politics came under fire[203] from conservative[204][205] columnists Charles Krauthammer,[206] Kathleen Parker[207] and George Will,[208] and Republicans such as former Bush speechwriter David Frum.[209] Former Secretary of State General Colin Powell gave her inexperience in foreign and domestic policy as one reason for his endorsement of Obama.[210][211]

In contrast, William Kristol of the Weekly Standard wrote: "There she is: a working woman who's a proud wife and mother; a traditionalist in important matters who's broken through all kinds of barriers; a reformer who's a Republican; a challenger of a corrupt good-old-boy establishment who's a conservative; a successful woman whose life is unapologetically grounded in religious belief; a lady who's a leader."[212]

During the 2008 elections, some media outlets repeated Palin's statement that she "stood up to Big Oil" when she resigned after just 11 months as the head of the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission because of abuses she witnessed involving other Republican commissioners and their ties to energy companies and energy lobbyists, and again when she raised taxes on oil companies as governor.[213][214] In turn, others have said that she is a "friend of Big Oil" due to her advocacy of oil exploitation, including her push to open the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to drilling and an effort to de-list the polar bear as an endangered species, since this could hinder oil searching.[213][214] The National Organization for Women, which endorsed Obama, made clear that it would not support Palin simply for being a woman, and made its support for her opponent publicly known.[215][203] The National Rifle Association said nothing specific about Palin's position on gun legislation, but concluded that she would be "one of the most pro-gun vice-presidents in American history."[216]

References

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  137. ^ Demer, Lisa (September 2, 2008). "Attorney challenges Monegan firing inquiry". Anchorage Daily News. Retrieved September 2, 2008.
  138. ^ Van Flein, Thomas (September 15, 2008). "Motion for determination of no probable cause" (PDF).
  139. ^ Loy, Wesley (September 15, 2008). "Palin accuses Monegan of insubordination". Anchorage Daily News. Retrieved September 16, 2008.
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  142. ^ 2nd Alaska Probe Finds Palin Did Not Violate Ethics Rules
  143. ^ 2nd probe clears Palin in trooper case
  144. ^ Yardley, William (November 3, 2008). "Report Backs Palin in Firing of Commissioner". New York Times. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  145. ^ D'Oro, Rachel (November 3, 2008). "Report clears Palin in Troopergate probe". Breitbart.com. Associated Press. Retrieved November 4, 2008.
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  147. ^ Washington Wire (August 29, 2008). "When John Met Sarah: How McCain Picked Palin". Wall Street Journal. Retrieved October 21, 2008.
  148. ^ a b Bumiller, Elisabeth (August 30, 2008). "Conservative Ire Pushed McCain From Lieberman". The New York Times. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  149. ^ Balz, Dan (August 31, 2008). "Palin Made an Impression From the Start". The Washington Post. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |coauthoers= ignored (help)
  150. ^ Bauder, David (September 4, 2008). "More than 40 million people see Palin speech". WTOP News. Associated Press. Retrieved October 23, 2008.
  151. ^ Mayer, Jane (October 27, 2008). "The Insiders: How John McCain came to pick Sarah Palin". The New Yorker.
  152. ^ Horton, Scott (October 15, 2008). "Glenn Greenwald Radio" (Interview). Interviewed by Glenn Greenwald. {{cite interview}}: Unknown parameter |callsign= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |subjectlink= ignored (|subject-link= suggested) (help)
  153. ^ Delbridge, Rena (September 3. 2008). "Alaska delegates see more Republican convention attention". Fairbanks Daily News-Miner. Retrieved September 8, 2008. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  154. ^ Wangsness, Lisa (September 5, 2008). "Republicans point fingers at media over Palin coverage". The Boston Globe. Retrieved September 8, 2008.
  155. ^ "Palin Power: Fresh Face Now More Popular Than Obama, McCain". Rasmussen Reports. September 5, 2008. Retrieved 2008-09-07.
  156. ^ Calderone, Michael (2008). "Sarah Palin has yet to meet the press". Yahoo News. Retrieved 2008-09-09.
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  158. ^ Swaine, Jon (2008). "Sarah Palin interview: pundits give mixed reviews". Telegraph. Retrieved 2008-09-30.
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  160. ^ Alberts, Sheldon (2008). "Palin raising fears among Republican conservatives". Canada.com. Retrieved 2008-09-30.
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  162. ^ Costello, Carol (September 29, 2008). "Conservatives to McCain camp: Let Palin be Palin". CNN. Retrieved 2008-09-30. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  163. ^ "Palin prepping for debate in seclusion". UPI. September 30, 2008. Retrieved September 30, 2008.
  164. ^ Daniel, Douglass (August 2, 2008). "Obama backs away from McCain's debate challenge". Houston Chronicle. Associated Press. Retrieved August 11, 2008.
  165. ^ "Debate poll says Biden won, Palin beat expectations". Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. October 3, 2008. Retrieved October 4, 2008.
  166. ^ "Palin says debate went well as polls favor Biden". Fox News. October 3, 2008. Retrieved October 23, 2008.
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  174. ^ Quinn, Steve (September 19, 2007). "Palin's son leaves for Army boot camp". Anchorage Daily News. Retrieved 2008-08-29.
  175. ^ "Palin's son's job to guard his commanders in Iraq". Associated Press. September 6, 2008. Retrieved 2008-09-11.
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  177. ^ Demer, Lisa (April 21, 2008). "Palin confirms baby has Down syndrome". Anchorage Daily News.
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  183. ^ Goodstein, Laurie. YouTube Videos Draw Attention to Palin’s Faith. The New York Times, 2008-10-25.
  184. ^ Kizzia, Tom (October 27, 2006). "'Creation science' enters the race". Anchorage Daily News. the discussion of alternative views should be allowed to arise in Alaska classrooms: 'I don't think there should be a prohibition against debate if it comes up in class. It doesn't have to be part of the curriculum. She added that, if elected, she would not push the state Board of Education to add such creation-based alternatives to the state's required curriculum.
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  216. ^ "Sarah Palin and Joe Biden: Worlds Apart". National Rifle Association of America, Institute for Legislative Action. August 29, 2008.

Template:SarahPalinSegmentsUnderInfoBox

Political offices
Preceded by
John Stein
Mayor of Wasilla, Alaska
1996 – 2002
Succeeded by
Preceded by Governor of Alaska
2006 – present
Incumbent
Party political offices
Preceded by Republican Party vice presidential candidate
2008
Succeeded by
N/A: Most Recent
Business positions
Preceded by
Camille Oechsli Taylor
Chairperson, Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission
2003 – 2004
Succeeded by
John K. Norman
U.S. order of precedence (ceremonial)
Preceded by
Dick and Lynne Cheney
Vice President and Second Lady
United States order of precedence
(while in Alaska)
Succeeded by
Mayors of their cities, followed by Nancy Pelosi
Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives
Preceded by
Janet Napolitano
Governor of Arizona
United States order of precedence
(while outside Alaska)
Succeeded by
Linda Lingle

Governor of Hawaiʻii

Template:Blpwatch

Template:Persondata {{subst:#if:Palin, Sarah|}} [[Category:{{subst:#switch:{{subst:uc:1964}}

|| UNKNOWN | MISSING = Year of birth missing {{subst:#switch:{{subst:uc:}}||LIVING=(living people)}}
| #default = 1964 births

}}]] {{subst:#switch:{{subst:uc:}}

|| LIVING  = 
| MISSING  = 
| UNKNOWN  = 
| #default = 

}}