McCain Chooses Alaska Governor Sarah Palin for VP Spot

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McCain Chooses Alaska Governor Sarah Palin for VP Spot

By Associated Press

Story Created: Aug 29, 2008 at 8:54 AM CST

Story Updated: Aug 29, 2008 at 12:29 PM CST

John McCain has tapped little-known Alaska Governor Sarah Palin to be his vice-presidential running mate. That's the word from two senior campaign officials who spoke to The Associated Press.

A formal announcement is expected shortly at a campaign rally in swing-state Ohio.  Palin's selection is a surprise, as McCain passed over many other better-known prospects, some of whom had been the subject of intense speculation for weeks or months.

At 44, Palin is a generation younger that Joe Biden, who is Barack Obama's running mate.  She is three years Obama's junior, as well. McCain has made much in recent weeks of Obama's relative lack of experience in foreign policy and defense matters.

Palin is a self-styled "hockey mom" -- but she's also known as a Republican iconoclast who's battled against the state GOP establishment.

It started in 2004, when Palin was chairwoman of the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission. Palin exposed Alaska Republican Party Chairman Randy Ruedrich for ethical violations when he was a commissioner.  Then in 2005, Palin teamed up with Eric Croft, a Democratic legislator and gubernatorial candidate, to file an ethics complaint against Governor Frank Murkowski's longtime aide and then attorney general, Gregg Renkes, who ended up resigning.

During her gubernatorial campaign in 2006, Palin cast herself as a Republican maverick.  She graduated from the University of Idaho in 1987 with a degree in journalism. She's worked as a sports reporter for two Anchorage TV stations and has been a businesswoman.

Palin served as chairwoman of the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, two terms as mayor of Wasilla and two terms on the city council.  Palin is married, with five children.

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Saturday, Aug 30 at 4:54 PM Anonymous wrote ...

I agree, it has just been more of a media fenzy then a REAL presidential election! Makes me sick

Saturday, Aug 30 at 12:01 AM Adrian wrote ...

He picked some chick whatever. Doesn't matter anyway terrorists have already won.

Friday, Aug 29 at 11:14 PM 40's something voter wrote ...

Any one think its sad that U.S. politics have become more of a popularity contest based on age ,looks,or celebritiy . No one seems to care about isssues that have negitive affects on our countrys future!!!! I.E. national debt-the weaking U.S. dollar-higher dependence on foreign food supplys?? Kind of makes me wonder!!!

Friday, Aug 29 at 6:32 PM Anonymous wrote ...

I vote every election, I think I will pass this time around i feel we are doomed any way we go on this one...sad

Friday, Aug 29 at 5:04 PM SD Conservative-Oh no! wrote ...

Hey.. Seriously? you are just like a typical democrat and ignore all the facts. If you read about this woman you would know more about her qualifications. Actually, if you put hers next to the almighty Obama, you would see that she tops on experience. Look into her record more. Typical democrat.

Friday, Aug 29 at 4:28 PM To South Dakotan wrote ...

If that's all you're basing your vote on. Don't Vote. You don't deserve it. There should be an intelligence test before you should be allowed to vote.

Friday, Aug 29 at 3:23 PM Clinton Democrat wrote ...

Seriously?! you are obviously an un-informed voter and recommend you do your homework before the election. You are right about one thing this is a happy day for us democrats because we actually got a good alternative to vote for president. I was for Clinton but I'm going to vote for McCain now. Palin has more experience than Barack Hussien Obama. You wont find any skeletons in her closet I think Barack has too many "shady" things in his past that is a worthy question of his character.

Friday, Aug 29 at 12:53 PM Anon wrote ...

Was he trying to find someone in touch with what America needs? Because Alaska is pretty remote. I've been there. I know it's a part of the USA..........but only just barely.

Friday, Aug 29 at 12:48 PM South Dakotan wrote ...

After watching Obama's speech last night I came to realize he is willing to say or do anything to get elected and Biden just scares me. I think Mccain is nice just too old but I do like this lady she would make a good Vice President. I was going to vote for Obama but now I'm voting for Mccain.

Friday, Aug 29 at 11:39 AM Seriously? wrote ...

Today is a happy for all Democrats in SD. McCain seriously picked a completely unknown first term governor who's last job was a SPORTS REPORTER?!?!? I guess her only qualification is the fact that she is in fact a woman. McCain is obviously attempting to nab some of the Hillary supporters who only supported her because she was a woman. Did he think we would see through this? I know all Democrats will, and I can only hope most Republicans will too.

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