Sarah Palin

Sarah Louise Palin (born February 11, 1964) is the conservative first-term Republican governor of Alaska. She is the youngest person to hold this honor as well as the first woman to do so in the state's history. Palin is Senator John McCain's Vice Presidential running mate in the 2008 Presidential Election.

Sarah's parents arrived in Alaska in 1964 to teach school in Skagway.

She earned her Journalism degree from the University of Idaho and worked in media and the utility industry before beginning her public service 14 years ago.

Ms. Palin was elected to two terms on the Wasilla City Council, and then two terms as the Mayor / Manager of Alaska's fastest growing community (Population: 5400 in 2000). Ms. Palin's leadership qualities were recognized when she was elected as President of the Alaska Conference of Mayors despite being a woman. From there, she went on to run for governor and won, becoming the first female governor of Alaska and its youngest.

She has served as chairman of Alaska's Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, which regulates Alaska's non-renewable resources: oil and gas. She also served on the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission. She was named one of Alaska's "Top 40 Under 40", Alaska's Public Works "Person of the Year", and was recently inducted into the Sigma Beta Delta Honor Society at Alaska Pacific University.

Married to the three-time champion of the world's longest snowmobile race (the Iron Dog), her husband is also a lifelong Alaskan and is a production operator on the North Slope.

Ms. Palin has served on numerous boards and commissions throughout the State, and stays active as a marathon runner, sports team mom, hockey manager and school volunteer. A lifetime member of the NRA, she enjoys hunting, fishing, and Alaska history. On the issue of abortion, she describes herself as "pro-life."

In 2007, Palin's 18-year old son, Track, enlisted in the Army.

Polar bears

Fox News reported that:

• The state of Alaska will sue to challenge the recent listing of polar bears as a threatened species, Gov. Sarah Palin announced Wednesday [May 21, 2008].
• She and other Alaska elected officials fear a listing will cripple oil and gas development in prime polar bear habitat off the state's northern and northwestern coasts.
• Palin argued that there is not enough evidence to support a listing. Polar bears are well-managed and their population has dramatically increased over 30 years as a result of conservation, she said.
• Climate models that predict continued loss of sea ice, the main habitat of polar bears, during summers are unreliable, said Palin.

State Legislature Investigation

In August of 2008, the Alaska state legislature began an investigation of Palin and her staff for potential abuse of power in regards to a firing of Commissioner of Public Safety Walter Monegan. Monegan was dismissed from his position in July of 2008. He alleged that Palin fired him because he refused to fire Alaska State Trooper Mike Wooten, who had been involved in a divorce and child custody battle with Palin's sister. Palin has not been found guilty of any charges yet.

Vice Presidential Candidate

On August 29, 2008, Palin was announced to be the Vice Presidential nominee for Republican Senator John McCain. The selection was a surprise, as those in the media were expecting Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty or former Massachusetts's Governor Mitt Romney. Palin adds youth and executive experience to the ticket. She is the second female Vice Presidential candidate of a major party in U.S. history and the first one on a Republican ticket. The last female Vice Presidential candidate was 24 years ago.

External Links

• State of Alaska - Governor Sarah Palin Official Website
• National Governor's Association - Alaska Governor Sarah Palin
• Project Vote Smart - Governor Sarah H. Palin