Jump to content

Sarah Palin: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Content deleted Content added
Family: Reference does not say anything about Independence Party. Says they are undeclared.
Pulsifer (talk | contribs)
Undo again; there is no "debunked" material in this section. If you please otherwise, please cite the specific item(s).
Line 234: Line 234:
When asked about her "crowning achievement" during her time as governor, she listed protecting "our state sovereignty by taking on the big oil industry interests."<ref name="TimeInt" /> Palin added that she desires that Alaska becomes a contributor to, rather than "takers from federal government."<ref name="TimeInt" />.
When asked about her "crowning achievement" during her time as governor, she listed protecting "our state sovereignty by taking on the big oil industry interests."<ref name="TimeInt" /> Palin added that she desires that Alaska becomes a contributor to, rather than "takers from federal government."<ref name="TimeInt" />.


==Links to the Alaskan Independence Party==


The [[Alaskan Independence Party]] (AKIP) is an Alaskan political party that calls for a vote on the secession of Alaska from the United States.<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.akip.org
|title=Alaskan Independence Party web site
|accessdate=2008-09-03}}</ref> Palin has several links to the AKIP:

* The motto of AKIP is "Alaska First - Alaska Always".<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.akip.org
|title=Alaskan Independence Party web site}}</ref> Palin stated in a Larry Kudlow interview that before becoming John McCain's running mate, she would want to make sure the Vice President slot would be a fruitful position especially for Alaskans.<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oro2Yh9HoEM
|title=YouTube video of interview by Larry Kudlow
|accessdate=2008-09-03}}</ref>

* Sarah Palin's husband Todd was a registered member of the AKIP from 1995 to 2002.<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2008/09/todd_palin_was_registered_memb.php
|title=Todd Palin Was Registered Member of Alaska Independence Party Until 2002
|publisher=Talking Points Memo
|date=2008-09-02
|accessdate=2008-09-03}}</ref>

* Palin may have attended the 1994 AKIP convention and may have held herself out to be a member at that time. This is a source of confusion at this time.<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.akip.org
|title=Alaskan Independence Party web site}}</ref>

* The AKIP's 1999 booth at the Alaskan State Fair endorsed Palin as Mayor of Wasilla.<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://akip.org/images/gallery/state-fair-1999-3.jpg
|title=Photo of AKIP booth at 1999 Alaskan State Fair
|accessdate=2008-09-03}}</ref>

* The treasurer for Palin's 1999 mayoral campaign was Todd Palin, a member of AKIP.<ref>{{cite web
|url=https://webapp.state.ak.us/apoc/listactivity.jsp?filer=PALIN%2C+SARAH
|title=Campaign finance Registration statement
|accessdate=2008-09-03}}</ref>

* The McCain admits that Palin attended the 2000 AKIP convention.<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2008/09/members-of-frin.html
|title=Members of 'Fringe' Alaskan Independence Party Incorrectly Say Palin Was a Member
|publisher=ABC News
|date=2008-09-01
|accessdate=2008-09-03}}</ref>

* Palin gave a video address to the 2008 AKIP convention.<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZwvPNXYrIyI
|title=YouTube video of Palin's address to 2008 AKIP convention
|accessdate=2008-09-03}}</ref>

* AKIP vice chair George Clark has stated that Palin was an AKIP member before she became mayor of Wasilla.<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2008/09/members-of-frin.html
|title=Members of 'Fringe' Alaskan Independence Party Incorrectly Say Palin Was a Member
|publisher=ABC News
|date=2008-09-01
|accessdate=2008-09-03}}</ref>

* The Former Alaskan Governor Walter Hickel, also a member of AKIP, was quoted in the Alaska Dispatch as saying, "I made her [Palin] governor."<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://alaskadispatch.com/index.php?view=article&catid=1:talk-of-the-tundra&id=23:hickel-stands-by-his-words-stevenss-time-is-over
|title=Hickel still says: Stevens’s 'time is over'
|publisher=Alaska Dispatch
|date=2008-08-14
|accessdate=2008-09-03}}</ref>

* Palin's desire to exploit Alaskan natural resources and achieve economic self-sufficiency for Alaska is shared by the AKIP party.<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3jnbiHAMuY
|title=YouTube of Palin interview by Glenn Beck
|accessdate=2008-09-03}}</ref>

* When Palin was pregnant in April 2008, Palin flew back to Alaska after she went into labor in Texas. Her husband stated that this was important to ensure that their baby was born in Alaska and therefore a native Alaskan.<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.adn.com/626/story/382864.html
|title=Palins' child diagnosed with Down syndrome
|publisher=Anchorage Daily News
|date=2008-04-22
|accessdate=2008-09-03}}</ref>


==Personal life==
==Personal life==

Revision as of 23:17, 3 September 2008

Sarah Palin
11th Governor of Alaska
Assumed office
December 4, 2006
LieutenantSean Parnell
Preceded byFrank Murkowski
Chairperson, 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
City Council Member, Wasilla, Alaska
In office
1992–1996
Personal details
Born (1964-02-11) February 11, 1964 (age 60)
Sandpoint, Idaho, U.S.
Political partyRepublican (1982 - Present)
SpouseTodd Palin (since 1988)
ChildrenTrack, Bristol, Willow, Piper, Trig
Residence(s)Wasilla, Alaska
Alma materUniversity of Idaho
ProfessionPolitician, Journalist
Signature

Sarah Louise Heath Palin (Template:Pron-en; born February 11, 1964) is the governor of Alaska and the presumptive Republican vice presidential nominee in the 2008 United States presidential election.

Palin served two terms on the Wasilla, Alaska, city council from 1992 to 1996, then won two terms as mayor of Wasilla 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 while also serving as Ethics Supervisor of the commission.

In November 2006, Palin was elected the governor of Alaska, becoming the first woman and youngest person to hold the office. She defeated incumbent Republican governor Frank Murkowski in the Republican primary and former Democratic governor Tony Knowles in the general election, garnering 48.3% of the vote.

On August 29, 2008, Republican presidential candidate Senator John McCain announced that he had chosen Palin as his running mate. She is expected to be nominated at the 2008 Republican National Convention in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Palin would be the second woman to run for vice president on a major-party ticket and the first Republican woman to do so.[5]

Early life and education

Palin was born Sarah Louise Heath 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] Her family moved to Alaska when she was an infant.[6] As a child, she would sometimes go moose hunting with her father before school, and the family regularly ran 5K and 10K races.[6]

Palin attended Wasilla High School in Wasilla, Alaska, where she was the head of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter at the school, and the point guard and captain of the school's basketball team.[6] She helped the team win the Alaska small-school basketball championship in 1982, hitting a critical free throw in the last seconds of the game, despite having an ankle stress fracture.[6] She earned the nickname "Sarah Barracuda" because of her intense play and was the leader of the team prayer before games.[6]

In 1984, Palin won the Miss Wasilla Pageant, (playing the flute),[7][8] then finished second in the Miss Alaska pageant,[9] at which she won a college scholarship and the "Miss Congeniality" award.[6] Palin admits to smoking marijuana as a youth, during the time when possesion was legal in Alaska, though she says she did not enjoy it.[10]

Palin attended Hawaii Pacific College—now Hawaii Pacific University—in Honolulu for a semester in 1982, majoring in Business Administration. She transferred in 1983 to North Idaho College.[11] In 1987,[12] Palin received a Bachelor of Science degree in communications-journalism from the University of Idaho, where she also minored in political science.[13][14]

In 1988, she worked as a sports reporter for KTUU-TV in Anchorage, Alaska.[15] She also helped in her husband’s family commercial fishing business.[16] Palin also had a 20 percent ownership in an Anchorage car wash business, according to state corporation records filed in 2004. Palin failed to report her stake in the company when running for governor in 2006; in April 2007, the state issued a "certificate of involuntary dissolution" because of the company's failure to file its biennial report and pay state licensing fees.[17]

Early political career

Wasilla

Location of Wasilla, Alaska

Wasilla is a city of 6,715 that is 68 km (42 miles) north of the port of Anchorage.[18] Palin began her political career in 1992, when she ran for a three-year term on the Wasilla city council, supporting a controversial new sales tax and advocating "a safer, more progressive Wasilla."[19] She won, and won re-election to a second three-year term in the 1995 election.

In 1996, Palin challenged and defeated incumbent John Stein for the office of mayor.[19] In the campaign, she criticized Stein for what she called wasteful spending and high taxes,[6] and highlighted issues such as abortion, religion and gun control.[20] Though the position of mayor is non-partisan, the state Republican Party ran advertisements on her behalf.[21]

Wasilla City Hall

In October 1996, she asked the Wasilla police chief, librarian, public works director, and finance director to resign, and she instituted a policy requiring department heads to get her approval before talking to reporters.[22] In January 1997, Palin notified the police chief, Irl Stambaugh, and the town librarian, Mary Ellen Emmons that they were being fired.[23] Palin said in a letter that she wanted a change because she believed the two did not fully support her administration. She rescinded the firing of the librarian, but not the police chief.[24] The chief filed a lawsuit; but a court dismissed it, finding that the mayor had the right to fire city employees for nearly any reason.[25] According to Ann Kilkenny, a Democrat who observed City Council, Palin also brought up the idea of banning some books at one meeting, but did not follow through with the idea.[20]

As mayor of Wasilla, Palin was in charge of the city Police Department, consisting of 25 officers, and Public Works.[26] She was praised for cutting property taxes by 40 percent[27] while improving roads and sewers and strengthening the Police Department. [20] She also reduced the mayoral salary, reduced spending on the town museum, and opposed a bigger library.[27] She increased the city sales tax to pay for the new Wasilla Multi-Use Sports Complex, [26] which eventually went over budget due to an eminent domain lawsuit.[28]

Palin ran for re-election against Stein in 1999[6][29] and was returned to office by a margin of 909 to 292 votes.[30] Palin was also elected president of the Alaska Conference of Mayors.[31]

During her second term as mayor, Palin hired the Anchorage-based lobbying firm of Robertson, Monagle & Eastaugh to lobby for earmarks for Wasilla. The effort was led by Steven Silver, a former chief of staff for Senator Ted Stevens,[32] and it secured nearly $27 million in earmarked funds. The 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.[33] Some of the earmarks were criticized by Senator McCain.[34]

In 2002, term limits prevented Palin from running for a third term as mayor.[35] Her stepmother-in-law, Faye Palin, ran for the office but lost the election to Dianne Keller[36] after Sarah Palin endorsed Keller,[20] her cousin.[citation needed]

Activities from 2002 to 2005

In 2002, Palin made an unsuccessful bid for lieutenant governor. She came in second to Loren Leman in a five-way race in the Republican primary.[37]

After Frank Murkowski resigned from his long-held U.S. Senate seat in mid-term to become governor, he considered appointing Palin to replace him in the Senate. He instead chose his daughter, Lisa Murkowski, who was then an Alaska state representative.[38]

Governor Murkowski appointed Palin to the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, where she chaired the Commission from 2003 to 2004, and also served as Ethics Supervisor.[39] Palin resigned in January 2004 in protest over what she called the "lack of ethics" of fellow Republican members.[6][40][41]

After resigning, Palin filed formal complaints against the state Republican Party's chairman, Randy Ruedrich,[42] and former Alaska Attorney General Gregg Renkes.[43] She accused Ruedrich, one of her fellow commissioners, of doing work for the party on public time and working closely with a company he was supposed to be regulating. Ruedrich and Renkes both resigned and Ruedrich paid a record $12,000 fine.[6][39]

From 2003 to June 2005, Palin served as one of three directors of "Ted Stevens Excellence in Public Service, Inc.," a 527 group that was designed to serve as a political boot camp for Republican women in Alaska.[44]

Governor of Alaska

Palin with Lt. Governor Sean Parnell

In 2006, running on a clean-government platform, Palin defeated then-Governor Murkowski in the Republican gubernatorial primary.[45] Her running mate was State Senator Sean Parnell. Senator Stevens made a last-moment endorsement and filmed a TV commercial together with Palin for the gubernatorial campaign.[46]

In August, she declared that education, public safety, and transportation would be the three cornerstones of her administration.[47] Despite spending less than her Democratic opponent, she won the gubernatorial election in November, defeating former Governor Tony Knowles 48.3 percent to 40.9 percent.[6]

Palin became Alaska's first female governor and, at 42, the youngest in Alaskan history. She is the first Alaskan governor born after Alaska achieved U.S. statehood and the first governor not inaugurated in Juneau; she chose to have the ceremony in Fairbanks instead. She took office on December 4, 2006, and has maintained a high approval rating throughout her term.[48]

She sometimes broke with the state Republican establishment. For example, she endorsed Parnell's bid to unseat the state's longtime at-large U.S. Representative, Don Young.[49] Palin also 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 being "to make clear she had not abandoned him politically."[44]

Energy and environment

Palin at the Alaska Airmen's Trade Show in Anchorage, Alaska in May 2008

Palin has strongly promoted oil and natural gas resource development in Alaska, including in the Alaskan National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR), where such development has been the subject of a national debate.[50] She also helped pass a tax increase on oil company profits. Palin has followed through on plans to create a new sub-cabinet group of advisers to address climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions within Alaska.[51][52] When asked about climate change after becoming Senator McCain's presumptive running mate, she stated that it would "affect Alaska more than any other state", but she added, "I'm not one though who would attribute it to being man-made."[53]

Shortly after taking office, Palin rescinded 35 appointments made by Murkowski in the last hours of his administration, including that of his former chief of staff James "Jim" Clark to the Alaska Natural Gas Development Authority.[54][55]

In March 2007, Palin presented the Alaska Gasline Inducement Act (AGIA) as the new legal vehicle for building a natural gas pipeline from the state's North Slope.[56] This negated a deal by the previous governor to grant the contract to a coalition including BP (her husband's former employer). Only one legislator, Representative Ralph Samuels,[57] voted against the measure,[58] and in June, Palin signed it into law.[59] On January 5, 2008, Palin announced that a Canadian company, TransCanada Corporation, was the sole AGIA-compliant applicant.[60][61] In August 2008, Palin signed a bill into law giving the state of Alaska authority to award TransCanada Pipelines $500 million in seed money and a license to build and operate the $26-billion pipeline to transport natural gas from the North Slope to the Lower 48 through Canada.[62]

In response to high oil and gas prices, and the resulting state government budget surplus, Palin proposed giving Alaskans $100-a-month energy debit cards. She also proposed providing grants to electrical utilities so that they would reduce customers' rates.[63] She subsequently dropped the debit card proposal, and in its place she proposed to send each Alaskan $1,200 from the windfall surplus resulting from high oil prices.[64]

In 2007, Palin supported the Alaska Department of Fish and Game policy allowing Alaska state biologists to hunt wolves from helicopters as part of a predator control program intended to increase moose populations.[65] The program was criticized by Defenders of Wildlife and predator control opponents,[65] and prompted California State Representative George Miller to introduce a federal bill (H.R. 3663) seeking to make the practice illegal.[65] In March 2008, a federal judge in Alaska upheld the practice of hunting wolves from the air, though limited its extent.[66] On August 26, 2008, Alaskans voted against ending the state's predator control program.[67]

On January 5, 2008, the New York Times published an op-ed by Palin, presenting her view that the polar bear shouldn't be placed on the endangered species list.[68] In May 2008, Palin objected to the decision of Dirk Kempthorne, the Republican United States Secretary of the Interior, to list polar bears federally as an endangered species, saying this move was premature and was not the appropriate management tool for their welfare; the State of Alaska filed a lawsuit to stop the listing amid fears that it would hurt oil and gas development in the bears' habitat off Alaska's northern and northwestern coasts.[69]

Budget

Palin in Kuwait visiting soldiers of the Alaska National Guard, July 24, 2007.

Shortly after becoming governor, Palin canceled a contract for the construction of an 11-mile (18 km) gravel road outside Juneau to a mine. This reversed a decision made in the closing days of the Murkowski administration.[70] She also followed through on a campaign promise to sell the Westwind II jet purchased (on a state government credit account, against the wishes of the Legislature) by the Murkowski administration for $2.7 million in 2005. In August 2007, the jet was sold on eBay for $2.1 million.[71]

In June 2007, Palin signed into law a $6.6 billion operating budget—the largest in Alaska's history.[72] 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 nearly $1.6 billion.[73]

In 2007, the Alaska Creamery Board recommended closing Matanuska Maid Dairy, an unprofitable state-owned business. Palin objected, citing concern for dairy farmers and a recent infusion of $600,000 in state money. Palin subsequently replaced the entire membership of the Board of Agriculture and Conservation.[74] The new board reversed the decision to close the dairy. Later in 2007, the unprofitable business was put up for sale. No offers met the minimum bid of $3.35 million,[75][76] and the dairy was closed. In August 2008, the Anchorage plant was purchased for $1.5 million, the new minimum bid. The purchaser plans to convert it into heated storage units.[77]

Bridge to Nowhere

In 2006, Ketchikan's Gravina Island Bridge, better known outside the state as the "Bridge to Nowhere", became an issue in the gubernatorial campaign. Palin initially expressed support for the bridge and ran on a "build-the-bridge" platform, arguing that it was essential for local prosperity.[78] After the bridge became a political issue Congress replaced the earmark for the bridge with an infrastructure grant to Alaska to use at its discretion; Palin's subsequent policy was to continue construction on the road originally intended to link to the bridge while exploring less-expensive transportation between Ketchikan and Gravina Island.[79] [80][81]

Palin made national news when she stopped work on the bridge. Reuters said the move was responsible for "earning her admirers from earmark critics and budget hawks from around the nation. The move also thrust her into the spotlight as a reform-minded newcomer." In an article titled, "Bridge leads McCain to running mate Palin", the Associated Press said canceling the bridge was "the first identifiable link connecting Palin and McCain," soon followed by "whispers of Palin being an ideal GOP running mate".[82][83]

In 2008, when introduced as McCain's running mate, Palin told the crowd, "I told Congress, thanks but no thanks on that bridge to nowhere" — a line that garnered big applause but upset political leaders in Ketchikan. Palin's campaign coordinator in the city, Republican Mike Elerding, remarked, "She said 'thanks but no thanks,' but they kept the money." Democratic Mayor Bob Weinstein also criticized Palin for "using the very term 'bridge to nowhere' that she said was insulting."[79]

Public Safety Commissioner dismissal

On July 11, 2008, Palin dismissed Public Safety Commissioner Walter Monegan, citing performance-related issues.[84] She then offered him an alternative position as executive director of the state Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, which he turned down.[85][86] Monegan alleged that his dismissal was retaliation for his failure to fire Palin’s former brother-in-law, Alaska State Trooper Mike Wooten, who was involved in a child custody battle with Palin’s sister, Molly McCann.[87][88] He further alleged that contacts made by Palin herself, her staff, and her family had constituted inappropriate pressure to fire Wooten.[87][88]

Initially, Palin denied that there had been any such pressure, either from her or from anyone else in her administration.[89] After she had the Attorney General's office conduct an internal investigation, Palin revealed that her staff had contacted Monegan or his staff about two dozen times regarding Wooten.[90] Palin stated that most of those calls were made without her knowledge, and reiterated that she did not fire Monegan because of Wooten.[87][91]

Palin's choice to replace Monegan, Charles M. Kopp, chief of the Kenai police department, took the position on July 11, 2008. He resigned on July 25 after it was revealed that he had received a letter of reprimand for sexual harassment in his previous position.[92][93]

On August 1, the Alaska Legislature hired an independent investigator to review "the circumstances and events surrounding the termination of former Public Safety Commissioner Monegan, and potential abuses of power and/or improper actions by members of the executive branch".[94] The investigation is scheduled to be completed in October 2008.[87] On September 1, Palin's lawyer asked the state Legislature to drop its investigation, saying that by state law, the governor-appointed state Personnel Board had jurisdiction over ethics issues.[95] Palin also asked that the Board review the matter as an ethics complaint.[96]

2008 vice-presidential campaign

Template:Future election candidate

File:McCainPalin.png
2008 campaign logo

On August 29, 2008, in Dayton, Ohio, Senator John McCain, the Republican presidential candidate, announced that he had chosen Palin as his running mate.[97] Palin's selection surprised many people because speculation centered on others, such as Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty, former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, United States Senator Joe Lieberman of Connecticut, and former Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge.[97]

McCain was reportedly concerned about reclaiming his image as a "maverick Republican" and wanted someone to shake up the ticket. With this in mind, he called Palin on August 24 to discuss the possibility of having her join him on the ticket.[98] Palin had been under consideration since a private meeting with McCain in a February National Governors Association meeting. Although this was the first time the two had met, Palin made a favorable impression on McCain. On August 27, Palin visited McCain's vacation home near Sedona, Arizona, where she was offered the position of vice presidential candidate.[99] Palin was the only prospective running mate who had a face-to-face interview with McCain to discuss joining the ticket.[98]

Palin is the second U.S. woman to run on a major party ticket, after Geraldine Ferraro, the Democratic vice-presidential nominee of former vice-president Walter Mondale in 1984.[97][100]

Political positions

Palin has described the Republican party platform as "the right agenda for America," adding "individual freedom and independence is extremely important to me and that's why I'm a Republican."[3]

She has made reform a large part of her political campaigns and "backed ethics reform measures that passed the Legislature"[14] after becoming governor, but has been criticized herself for ethics violations.[who?][101]

On social issues she has described herself as being as "pro-life as any candidate can be."[47] and has "strong support from social conservatives," who applaud her decision to carry her youngest son to term despite knowing he had Down syndrome.[14] As governor she has not pushed for any big-agenda social conservative items, instead focusing primarily on economic issues such as raising oil taxes[14] and opening public lands for oil drilling.[102]

When asked about her "crowning achievement" during her time as governor, she listed protecting "our state sovereignty by taking on the big oil industry interests."[3] Palin added that she desires that Alaska becomes a contributor to, rather than "takers from federal government."[3].

The Alaskan Independence Party (AKIP) is an Alaskan political party that calls for a vote on the secession of Alaska from the United States.[103] Palin has several links to the AKIP:

  • The motto of AKIP is "Alaska First - Alaska Always".[104] Palin stated in a Larry Kudlow interview that before becoming John McCain's running mate, she would want to make sure the Vice President slot would be a fruitful position especially for Alaskans.[105]
  • Sarah Palin's husband Todd was a registered member of the AKIP from 1995 to 2002.[106]
  • Palin may have attended the 1994 AKIP convention and may have held herself out to be a member at that time. This is a source of confusion at this time.[107]
  • The AKIP's 1999 booth at the Alaskan State Fair endorsed Palin as Mayor of Wasilla.[108]
  • The treasurer for Palin's 1999 mayoral campaign was Todd Palin, a member of AKIP.[109]
  • The McCain admits that Palin attended the 2000 AKIP convention.[110]
  • Palin gave a video address to the 2008 AKIP convention.[111]
  • AKIP vice chair George Clark has stated that Palin was an AKIP member before she became mayor of Wasilla.[112]
  • The Former Alaskan Governor Walter Hickel, also a member of AKIP, was quoted in the Alaska Dispatch as saying, "I made her [Palin] governor."[113]
  • Palin's desire to exploit Alaskan natural resources and achieve economic self-sufficiency for Alaska is shared by the AKIP party.[114]
  • When Palin was pregnant in April 2008, Palin flew back to Alaska after she went into labor in Texas. Her husband stated that this was important to ensure that their baby was born in Alaska and therefore a native Alaskan.[115]

Personal life

Palin is a self-described "hockey mom" and mother of five. Among her common activities are hunting, ice fishing and riding snowmobiles; she has also run a marathon, and owns a floatplane.[116]

Religion

Palin was originally baptized as a Roman Catholic, but her parents switched to the Wasilla Assembly of God, a Pentecostal church, where she was rebaptized at age 12 or 13, and attended under pastor Ed Kalnins until 2002.[117][118] When she is in the capital, she attends Juneau Christian Center,[119] another Assemblies of God church. Her current home church in Wasilla is The Wasilla Bible Church, under Pastor Larry Kroon [120] an independent congregation.[121][122] Initial reports described her as the first Pentecostal ever named to a major party's presidential ticket; Palin has described herself as a "Bible-believing Christian" who attends a non-denominational church.[123] The National Catholic Reporter described her as a "post-denominational" Christian.[124]

In June 2008, Palin spoke at her former church. On the topic of Iraq, she asked that people pray for the soldiers and that "there is a plan and that that plan is God's plan." In regards to a proposed natural-gas pipeline she said, "I think God's will has to be done in unifying people and companies to get that gas line built."[125] On August 17, Palin was in attendence when David Brickner, the leader of Jews for Jesus, gave a guest sermon claiming that terrorism against Israel is due to the disbelief in Jesus by its Jewish population.[126][127][128][129]; according to a McCain campaign spokesman, Palin rejected his views.[130]

Family

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

Sarah Palin eloped with her high-school boyfriend, Todd Palin, on August 29, 1988, when she was 24 years old.[6][131] Todd works for BP as an oil-field production operator[132] and owns a commercial fishing business.[26] The family lives in Wasilla.

The couple have five children: sons Track (born 1989) and Trig (born 2008), and daughters Bristol (born 1990), Willow (born 1995), and Piper (born 2001).[133] Todd and Track Palin are registered to vote as independents ("undeclared").[134] Track Palin enlisted in the U.S. Army on September 11, 2007, subsequently joining an infantry brigade. He is set to be deployed to Iraq in September 2008.[135][136] Palin's youngest child, Trig, has Down syndrome, diagnosed prenatally.[137]

Governor Palin announced on September 1, 2008, that her daughter Bristol was five months pregnant and intended to keep the baby and marry the father of her child, 17-year-old Levi Johnston.[138][139] The McCain-Palin campaign stated that John McCain was aware of her daughter's pregnancy, but that it did not affect his choice.[140] Democratic Presidential nominee Barack Obama and his campaign staff declared the subject "off limits" in the coming campaign.[141]

Electoral history

2006 Gubernatorial Election, Alaska
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Sarah Palin 114,697 48.33 −7.6
Democratic Tony Knowles 97,238 40.97 +0.3
Independent Andrew Halcro 22,443 9.46 n/a
Independence Don Wright 1,285 0.54 −0.4
Libertarian Billy Toien 682 0.29 −0.2
Green David Massie 593 0.25 −1.0
Write-ins 384 0.16 +0.1
Majority 17,459 7.36
Turnout 238,307 51.1
Republican hold Swing 4.0
Alaska Republican Gubernatorial Primary Election, 2006
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Sarah Palin 51,443 50.59 n/a
Republican John Binkley 30,349 29.84 n/a
Republican Frank Murkowski, Incumbent 19,412 19.09 n/a
Republican Gerald Heikes 280 0.28 n/a
Republican Merica Hlatcu 211 0.21 n/a
Majority 21,094 20.75 n/a
Turnout 101,695 n/a n/a
2002 race for Lieutenant Governor (primary)[142]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Loren Leman 21,076 29% n/a
Republican Sarah Palin 19,114 27% n/a
Republican Robin Taylor 16,053 22% n/a
Republican Gail Phillips 13,804 19% n/a
Republican Paul Wieler 1,777 2% n/a
1999 race for Mayor of Wasilla[143]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
n/a Sarah Palin, Incumbent 909 73.6% n/a
n/a John Stein 292 23.6% n/a
n/a Cliff Silvers 32 2.6% n/a

References

  1. ^ "Commissioners - Terms in Office". Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, State of Alaska. May 15, 2006.
  2. ^ "Biographical Information John K. Norman" (PDF).
  3. ^ a b c d Newton-Small, Jay (2008-08-29). "TIME's interview with Sarah Palin". Time. p. 3. Retrieved 2008-08-30. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  4. ^ Gorski, Eric (2008-08-30). "Evangelicals energized by McCain-Palin ticket". Associated Press. Google News. Retrieved 2008-08-31. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  5. ^ The first being Democrat Geraldine Ferraro in 1984.
  6. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Johnson, Kaylene (2008). Sarah: How a Hockey Mom Turned Alaska's Political Establishment Upside Down. Epicenter Press. ISBN 978-0979047084.
  7. ^ "McCain surprises with Palin pick". MarketWatch. 2008-08-29. Retrieved 2008-08-29.
  8. ^ Peterson, Deb. "Palin was a high school star, says schoolmate," St. Louis Post-Dispatch, 30 Aug 2008. Available online. Archived 01 Sept 2008.
  9. ^ "Gov. Sarah Palin Was Second Choice in '84 Beauty Contest". US Magazine. Retrieved 2008-08-30.
  10. ^ Lerer, Lisa. “Palin: She Inhaled”, CBS News (2008-08-29): “the self-proclaimed ‘hockey mom’ had some youthful indiscretions.”
  11. ^ Boone, Rebecca (August 29, 2008). "McCain's veep pick, Palin, has ties to Idaho". Seattle Post-Intelligencer. Retrieved 2008-08-30.
  12. ^ Associated Press (August 29, 2008). "McCain's VP pick attended Hawaii Pacific College". Honolulu Advertiser. Retrieved 2008-08-30.
  13. ^ "Sarah Palin: From Hockey Mom to VP Candidate". New York Post. 2008-08-29. Retrieved 2008-08-30.
  14. ^ a b c d Kizzia, Tom (2008-08-29). "Gov. Sarah Palin: A biography". Anchorage Daily News. Retrieved 2008-08-29.
  15. ^ "Video: Sarah Palin:Former TV Sports Reporter", Us magazine website, August 31, 2008. Retrieved on September 01, 2008.
  16. ^ "Gov. Sarah Palin (R)", Almanac of American Politics 2008, National Journal website. Retrieved on September 01, 2008.
  17. ^ Matthew Mosk, "Palin Scrubbing Turns Up an Undeclared Car Wash", Washington Post, September 3, 2008
  18. ^ www.cityofwasilla.com
  19. ^ a b Kizzia, Tom (2006-10-23). "'Fresh face' launched Palin: Wasilla mayor was groomed from an early political age". Anchorage Daily News. Retrieved 2008-09-01.
  20. ^ a b c d Yardley, William (2008-09-02). "Palin's Start in Alaska: Not Politics as Usual". The New York Times. Retrieved 2008-09-02.
  21. ^ Ibid.
  22. ^ ""Wasilla's new mayor asks officials to quit"". Daily Sitka Sentinel. 1996-10-28.
  23. ^ Komarnitsky, S.J. (1997-02-01). ""Wasilla keeps librarian, but police chief is out"". Anchorage Daily News. pp. 1B. Retrieved 2008-08-31.
  24. ^ ""Wasilla Librarian Keeps Job"". Daily Sitka Sentinel. 1997-02-03.
  25. ^ Komarnitsky, S.J. (2000-03-01). "Judge Backs Chief's Firing". Anchorage Daily News. Retrieved 2008-09-01.
  26. ^ a b c Yardley, William (2008-08-29). "Sarah Heath Palin, an Outsider Who Charms". The New York Times. Retrieved 2008-08-30.
  27. ^ a b "Palin's maverick trail goes from city hall to gov's mansion". Retrieved 2008-09-02.
  28. ^ "Wasilla sees deal near on sports complex". Anchorage Daily News. 2007-06-22. Retrieved 2008-09-01.
  29. ^ "2006 Campaign Tip Sheets: Alaska Governor". National Journal. Retrieved 2008-08-30.
  30. ^ "October 5, 1999 Regular Election; Official Results" (PDF). cityofwasilla.com. City of Wasilla. 2005-10-11. Retrieved 2008-09-01.
  31. ^ "From Wasilla's basketball court to the national stage : Sarah Palin timeline". adn.com. Anchorage Daily News. 2008-08-29. Retrieved 2008-09-01.
  32. ^ Dilanian, Ken. "Palin backed 'bridge to nowhere' in 2006". USA Today. Retrieved 2008-09-02.
  33. ^ Krane, Paul (2008-09-02). "Palin's Small Alaska Town Secured Big Federal Funds". The Washington Post. Retrieved 2008-09-02.
  34. ^ Hamburger, Tom (2008-09-03). "McCain had criticized earmarks from Palin". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2008-09-03. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  35. ^ The Associated Press (2008-08-29). "Timeline of Gov. Palin's life and career". Orlando Sentinel.
  36. ^ "2002 Election Results".
  37. ^ "STATE OF ALASKA PRIMARY ELECTION - AUGUST 27, 2002 OFFICIAL RESULTS"
  38. ^ "The Sarah Palin I knew". New Mexico Independent. Retrieved 2008-08-30.
  39. ^ a b "Palin explains her actions in Ruedrich case". Anchorage Daily News. Retrieved 2008-08-30.
  40. ^ Kizzia, Tom (2006-10-24). "Rebel status has fueled front-runner's success". Anchorage Daily News. Retrieved 2008-09-01.
  41. ^ Newsbank.com, archives
  42. ^ Zaki, Taufen, Dennis, Stephen (March 14, 2008). "Randy Ruedrich defiant, still employed". alaskareport.com. Retrieved 2008-09-03.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  43. ^ "Attorney General Gregg Renkes Resigns". sitenews.us. February 06, 2005. Retrieved 2008-09-03. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  44. ^ a b Mosk, Matthew (September 1, 2008). "Palin Was a Director of Embattled Sen. Stevens's 527 Group". Washington Post. Retrieved 2008-09-01.
  45. ^ "Alaska Governor Concedes Defeat in Primary," New York Times, August 23, 2006
  46. ^ "Palin Was a Director of Embattled Sen. Stevens's 527 Group | The Trail | washingtonpost.com". Voices.washingtonpost.com. Retrieved 2008-09-02.
  47. ^ a b Hopkins, Kyle (2006-08-06). "Same-sex unions, drugs get little play". Anchorage Daily News. Retrieved 2008-09-01.
  48. ^ Hays Research home page
  49. ^ Carlton, Jim. "Alaska's Palin Faces Probe" (2008-07-31).
  50. ^ "State of the State Address Jan 17, 2007". 2007-01-17. Retrieved 2008-09-01.
  51. ^ Kizzia, Tom (2007-04-12). "State aims to reduce emissions". Anchorage Daily News. Retrieved 2007-12-27.
  52. ^ "Alaska Climate Change Strategy".
  53. ^ Coppock, Mike (2008-08-29). "Palin Speaks to Newsmax About McCain, Abortion, Climate Change". Newsmax. Retrieved 2008-08-29.
  54. ^ "Palin Sacks Murkowski Crony Clark". Alaska Report. 2006-12-07. Retrieved 2008-09-01.
  55. ^ Sutton, Anne (2006-12-06). "Palin to examine last-hour job blitz". Associated Press.
  56. ^ ""Governor Palin Unveils the AGIA"". News & Announcements. State of Alaska. 2007-03-02. Retrieved 2008-09-01.
  57. ^ Samuels biography on his Legislature web site.
  58. ^ ""Palin to sign gas pipeline plan today"". News & Announcements. Alaska Legislature. 2007-06-06. Retrieved 2008-09-01.
  59. ^ ""Bill History/Action for 25th Legislature: HB 177"". BASIS. Alaska State Legislature. 2007-06-07. Retrieved 2008-09-01.
  60. ^ "Palin picks Canadian company for gas line: Gas Pipeline". adn.com. Retrieved 2008-08-29.
  61. ^ "Canadian company meets AGIA requirements". ktuu.com. Retrieved 2008-08-29.
  62. ^ Rosen, Yereth. “Alaska governor signs natgas pipeline license bill”, Calgary Herald, (2008-08-27.)
  63. ^ Cockerham, Sean (May 16, 2008). "Palin wants to give Alaskans $100 a month to use on energy". Anchorage Daily News.
  64. ^ Cockerham, Sean and Wesley Loy (June 21, 2008). "Palin's energy relief: $1,200 each". Anchorage Daily News. Retrieved 2008-08-30.
  65. ^ a b c Bolstad, Erika (2007-09-26). "Lawmaker seeks to ban wolf hunting from planes, copters". Oakland Tribune. {{cite news}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help)
  66. ^ "Alaska Judge Upholds Aerial Wolf Killing But Limits Extent". ens-newswire.com. Environmental News Service. 2008-03-18. Retrieved 2008-09-01.
  67. ^ "Alaska voters shoot down predator control initiative". newsminer.com. Fairbanks Daily News-Miner. 2008-08-27. Retrieved 2008-09-01.
  68. ^ Palin, Sarah (2008-01-05). "Bearing Up". The New York Times. Retrieved 2008-08-03.
  69. ^ Joling, Dan (Associated Press) (2008-05-22). "State will sue over Polar Bear Listing, Palin says". Anchorage Daily News. Retrieved 2008-09-01.
  70. ^ McAllister, Bill (December 14, 2006). "Palin cancels contracts for pioneer road to Juneau". ktuu.com. Retrieved 2008-08-29.
  71. ^ Yardley, William (August 25, 2007). "Jet That Helped Defeat an Alaska Governor Is Sold". The New York Times. Retrieved 2008-09-01.
  72. ^ Shinohara, Rosemary (July 16, 2007). "No vetoes here". Anchorage Daily News. Retrieved 2007-12-27.
  73. ^ Bradner, Tim (July 8, 2007). "Lawmakers cringe over governor's deep budget cuts". Alaska Journal of Commerce. Retrieved 2008-09-01.
  74. ^ Komarnitsky, S. J. (2007-07-04). "State board votes to replace Mat Maid CEO". Anchorage Daily News. Retrieved 2008-09-01.
  75. ^ Komarnitsky, S. J. (2007-08-30). "State to put Mat Maid dairy up for sale". Anchorage Daily News. Retrieved 2008-09-01.
  76. ^ "State gets no bids for Matanuska Maid". Anchorage Daily News. 2007-12-08. Retrieved 2008-09-01.
  77. ^ Komarnitsky, S.J., "Mat Maid's Anchorage plant brings $1.5 million: Building will be converted to heated storage units", Anchorage Daily News, 2008-08-23.
  78. ^ "Palin's maverick trail goes from city hall to gov's mansion". CNN. 2008-09-02. Retrieved 2008-09-02.
  79. ^ a b Kizzia, Tom (2008-08-31). "Palin touts stance on 'Bridge to Nowhere,' doesn't note flip-flop". Anchorage Daily News. Retrieved 2008-08-31.
  80. ^ "Where they stand". Anchorage Daily News. 2006-10-22. Retrieved 2008-09-01.
  81. ^ Rosen, Yereth (September 1, 2008). "Palin "bridge to nowhere" line angers many Alaskans". Reuters. Retrieved 2008-09-02.
  82. ^ name='bridge-mccain-palin'>Quinn, Steve (August 29, 2008). "Bridge leads McCain to running mate Palin". Associated Press. Retrieved 2008-09-02.
  83. ^ Kirkpatrick, David (September 1, 2008). "Opposing Alaska bridge endeared Palin to McCain". International Herald Tribune. Retrieved 2008-09-02. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  84. ^ Simon, Matthew (July 19, 2008). "Monegan says Palin administration and first gentleman used governor's office to pressure firing first family's former brother-in-law". KTVA. Retrieved 2008-09-01.
  85. ^ Resources from Anchorage Daily News regarding the Monegan affair.
  86. ^ Hopkins, Kyle (2008-07-12). "Governor offered Monegan a different job". Anchorage Daily News. The McClatchy Company. Retrieved 2008-08-21.
  87. ^ a b c d Grimaldi, James V. (2008-08-31). "Long-Standing Feud in Alaska Embroils Palin". Washington Post. Retrieved 2008-08-31. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help) "Palin has said she did not pressure Monegan or fire him for not taking action against her former brother-in-law."
  88. ^ a b Cockerham, Sean (2008-08-14). "Palin staff pushed to have trooper fired". Anchorage Daily News. Retrieved 2008-09-01.
  89. ^ "Exclusive: Chief Fired by Palin Speaks Out", The Washington Post, August 29, 2008{{citation}}: CS1 maint: date and year (link)
  90. ^ Sean Cockerham (2008-08-14). "Alaska's governor admits her staff tried to have trooper fired". Anchorage Daily News. Retrieved 2008-08-29.
  91. ^ Hollan, Megan (2008-07-19). "Monegan says he was pressured to fire cop". Anchorage Daily News. The McClatchy Company. Retrieved 2008-07-22. Monegan said he still isn't sure why he was fired but thought that Wooten could be part of it.
  92. ^ Posted by Alaska_Politics. "adn.com | Alaska Politics : Palin spokeswoman: Kopp never told governor about reprimand (Updated with comments from lawmakers)". Community.adn.com. Retrieved 2008-09-02.
  93. ^ "Charles M Kopp". Aacop.org. Retrieved 2008-09-02.
  94. ^ Loy, Wesley (2008-07-29). "Hired help will probe Monegan dismissal". Anchorage Daily News. Retrieved 2008-08-29.
  95. ^ Lisa Demer, "Palin seeks review of Monegan firing case: Governor makes ethics complaint against herself to force action", Anchorage Daily News, September 2, 2008
  96. ^ Demer, Lisa (2008-09-02). "Attorney challenges Monegan firing inquiry". Anchorage Daily News. Retrieved 2008-09-02.
  97. ^ a b c "McCain taps Alaska Gov. Palin as vice president pick". CNN. 2008-08-29. Retrieved 2008-08-29.
  98. ^ a b Bumiller, Elisabeth; and Michael Cooper. Conservative Ire Pushed McCain From Lieberman. The New York Times, 2008-08-30.
  99. ^ Dan Balz and Robert Barnes. Palin Made an Impression From the Start. The Washington Post, 2008-08-31.
  100. ^ Knocked off message by Palin baby news, Newsday
  101. ^ Levs, Josh (2008-09-03). "Palin faces questions this month in ethics inquiry, says lawmaker". Retrieved 2008-09-03. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  102. ^ "Sarah Palin is serving her first term as Alaska's governor". 2008-08-29. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  103. ^ "Alaskan Independence Party web site". Retrieved 2008-09-03.
  104. ^ "Alaskan Independence Party web site".
  105. ^ "YouTube video of interview by Larry Kudlow". Retrieved 2008-09-03.
  106. ^ "Todd Palin Was Registered Member of Alaska Independence Party Until 2002". Talking Points Memo. 2008-09-02. Retrieved 2008-09-03.
  107. ^ "Alaskan Independence Party web site".
  108. ^ "Photo of AKIP booth at 1999 Alaskan State Fair". Retrieved 2008-09-03.
  109. ^ "Campaign finance Registration statement". Retrieved 2008-09-03.
  110. ^ "Members of 'Fringe' Alaskan Independence Party Incorrectly Say Palin Was a Member". ABC News. 2008-09-01. Retrieved 2008-09-03.
  111. ^ "YouTube video of Palin's address to 2008 AKIP convention". Retrieved 2008-09-03.
  112. ^ "Members of 'Fringe' Alaskan Independence Party Incorrectly Say Palin Was a Member". ABC News. 2008-09-01. Retrieved 2008-09-03.
  113. ^ "Hickel still says: Stevens's 'time is over'". Alaska Dispatch. 2008-08-14. Retrieved 2008-09-03.
  114. ^ "YouTube of Palin interview by Glenn Beck". Retrieved 2008-09-03.
  115. ^ "Palins' child diagnosed with Down syndrome". Anchorage Daily News. 2008-04-22. Retrieved 2008-09-03.
  116. ^ Arnold, Elizabeth. "Alaska's Governor Is Tough, Young — and a Woman". National Public Radio. Retrieved 2008-09-01.
  117. ^ Decker, Cathleen and Michael Finnegan, (August 30, 2008). "Palin has risen quickly from PTA to VP pick". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2008-08-30.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: extra punctuation (link) CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  118. ^ Gorsk, Eric (2008-08-30). "Evangelicals energized by McCain-Palin ticket". Associated Press. Retrieved 2008-08-30.
  119. ^ "JCC". Jccalaska.com. Retrieved 2008-09-03.
  120. ^ Statement by her former church
  121. ^ Wasilla Bible Church FAQ
  122. ^ Lisa Miller and Amanda Coyne. "A Visit to Palin's Church: Scripture and discretion on the program in Wasilla." Newsweek. Sept. 2, 2008.
  123. ^ Newton-Small, Jay (August 29, 2008). "Interview with Sarah Palin". Time.
  124. ^ Allen, John. "McCain's VP choice a woman — and a post-denominationalist". National Catholic Reporter. Retrieved 2008-08-30.
  125. ^ Eilperin, Juliet. "Palin Asks for Prayers That War Be "Task That Is From God"". Washington Post. Retrieved 2008-09-03.
  126. ^ Smith, Ben (2008-09-02). "Jewish voters may be wary of Palin". Retrieved 2008-09-03]. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= and |date= (help)
  127. ^ "Palin attended Anti-Jewish sermon given by Jews for Jesus founder 2 weeks ago". 2008-09-03. Retrieved 2008-09-03. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  128. ^ . 2008-09-03. {{cite web}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); Check date values in: |date= (help); Missing or empty |title= (help); Missing or empty |url= (help)
  129. ^ "With Biden Versus Palin, Florida Just Might Decide Another Presidential Election". New York Magazine. 2008-09-03. Retrieved 2008-09-03. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  130. ^ "McCain team: Palin rejects views of church's Jews for Jesus speaker". Jewish Journal. 2008-09-03. Retrieved 2008-09-03. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  131. ^ Graham, Caroline (2008-08-31). "Why John McCain's beauty queen running mate has a grizzly bear on her office wall". Daily Mail. Retrieved 2008-09-01.
  132. ^ "Alaska Governor Sarah Palin". Gov.state.ak.us. Retrieved 2008-09-01.
  133. ^ Quinn, Steve and Calvin Woodward (August 31, 2008). "McCain makes history with choice of running mate". The Associated Press. Retrieved 2008-08-30.
  134. ^ "Palin’s hubby and son not Republicans", by Kenneth P Vogel, 29 Aug 2008, www.politico.com
  135. ^ Cooper, Michael (August 29, 2008). "McCain Chooses Palin as Running Mate". The New York Times. Retrieved 2008-08-29. She said her eldest child, a son, is in the Army, and he is heading to Iraq on Sept. 11. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  136. ^ Quinn, Steve (September 19, 2007). "Palin's son leaves for Army boot camp". Anchorage Daily News. Retrieved 2008-08-29.
  137. ^ Demer, Lisa (April 21, 2008). "Palin confirms baby has Down syndrome". Anchorage Daily News.
  138. ^ "John McCain's running mate: Sarah Palin's teenage daughter is pregnant - Telegraph". Telegraph. September 1, 2008. Retrieved 2008-09-01.
  139. ^ Shear, Michael D. and Karl Vick. "No Surprises From Palin, McCain Team Says". Washington Post. Retrieved 2008-09-02.
  140. ^ Associated Press (September 1, 2008). "Palin says 17-year-old daughter is pregnant". Google News. Retrieved 2008-09-01.
  141. ^ "Bristol Palin's pregnancy raises issues of privacy, judgment". USA Today. September 1, 2008. Retrieved 2008-09-01.
  142. ^ "State of Alaska Primary Election - August 27, 2002: Official Results". Division of Elections. The Office of Lieutenant Governor Sean Parnell. 2002-09-18. Retrieved 2008-09-01.
  143. ^ "City of Wasilla Municipal Election – October 5, 1999: Official Results". City Clerk. City of Wasilla. 1999-10-05. Retrieved 2008-08-29.
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
Presumptive

Template:Blpwatch

Template:Persondata