Sarah Palin – McCain Makes The Right Choice for Women and for the Nation

First, some facts: At 44, Sarah Palin is the first female governor of Alaska, and the second woman to be chosen to run on a major political party ticket as Vice-President. (The first and last woman to run on a major party ticket was Geraldine Ferraro in 1984.) As governor she passed major legislation to construct a gas pipeline and overhaul state ethics law. She is the Chair of Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission , a multi-state agency promoting conservation and efficient recovery of domestic oil and gas resources in an environmentally sound and safe manner. She serves as Chair of the National Governors Association Natural Resources Committee. She also chairs the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission – (regulates non-renewable resources).

Her public service began with the Wasilla, Alaska City Counsel, where she served two terms. She then went on to serve two terms as the mayor/manager (reduced property tax, increased services, insured a business friendly environment and drew new industry). Palin was also elected by her peers to serve as president of the Alaska Conference of Mayors. She has served one term as governor.

Born in Idaho, Palin has been a resident of the State of Alaska since 1964. She studied Communications-Journalism and Politics at the University of Idaho, and received a BS in Communications-Journalism in 1987. Married to Todd Palin, a production operator and member of the Steel Workers Union, Palin is also a mother of five: Track (enlisted in the US army – deployed Iraq), Bristol, Willow, Piper and Trig. Finally, Sarah Palin enjoys an 80% approval rating according to Hays Research as Governor of Alaska.

In her introduction to the nation, Palin indicated that she had fought “The Good Old Boy Network”, something that every woman over the age of 40 understands all too well. She came across as family oriented, yet strong in her convictions as a reformer of government. Critics were quick to jump to the conclusion that McCain chose Palin solely because she might appeal to those disenfranchised Clinton voters. Bunk.(Palin for VP blog) McCain first met Palin in February at National Governors Assn. meeting in Washington, and added her to a list of possible running mates because of her knowledge and work on energy issues. In reality, several women were mentioned in regards to the vice-presidential spot; however, this fact went largely ignored by the media. The focus was on Mitt Romney, Pawlenty and Ridge since June. It was assumed that McCain was not considering a woman – this by the same media who repeatedly ran sexist attacks on Hillary Clinton throughout her campaign. Now that same media is now expressing concern that McCain picked a woman, any woman to appeal to Clinton voters – go figure. It appears that McCain picked Palin because her ideology and accomplishements most closely align with his own.

Palin will appeal to women, but not all women. NOW has expressed dismay and outrage over the choice of Palin. Palin is pro-life, while NOW is pro-abortion. Those members of NOW equate feminism with one issue and one issue only: abortion. Feminists are not defined by one issue. The Obama campaign quickly jumped on the experience, or lack of experience, that Palin brings to the table. In reviewing her resume, Palin has served the People longer than Barrack Obama, granted in different capacities: she governed, he voted “present”. The biggest question is will she appeal to independent voters? Given the disgust for business as usual politics in Washington (Congress continues to enjoy dismally low poll numbers under the Pelosi/Reid watch), the antipathy towards the sway held over our government by special interests groups such as NOW, the out-of-control spending and pork laid out by members of both political parties - Palin may just fit that bill quite neatly.

She is perfect because she has governed, she understands the needs of the people over the needs of a political party, she has fought successfully against special interests, her own party and has refused to accept Washington pork (our taxes wasted on often frivolous and unnecessary projects) and yes, she is a woman. Is she ready to lead? Is Obama ready to lead? The question becomes rather moot when the top of the DNC ticket has less experience than the bottom of the GOP ticket.