Sarah Palin

Guide Note

Republican Sarah Palin is the current Governor of Alaska. She is the first woman ever to hold the office, and her consistently high approval ratings make her one of the most popular governors in America.

Fast Facts

1. Born: February 11, 1964 in Sandpoint, Idaho
2. Party: Republican
3. Assumed office: December 4, 2006
4. Preceded by: Frank Murkowski
5. Previous office: Mayor of Wasilla, Alaska
6. Husband: Todd Palin
7. Earned a degree in Journalism from the University of Idaho
8. First Alaskan governor born after the territory achieved statehood
9. Youngest governor in state history
10. Earned over 90% approval ratings in surveys conducted during 2007

1. 2002: Comes in second place in the election for Lieutenant Governor
2. 2003: Appointed to the Oil and Gas Conservation Commission
3. 2004: Resigned from the commission due to alleged "lack of ethics"
4. 2006: Wins Republican Primary, and subsequent gubernatorial election
5. July, 2007: Earns over 90% public approval ratings

Both print and television media sources have suggested that Palin's consistent popularity would make her a viable candidate as John McCain's running mate in the 2008 Presidential Election.

Following the nomination of Barack Obama for the Democratic Party, the tempo of political pundits speculating about her role as McCain's VP increased. They consider her a strong pull towards gaining votes of disenchanted Clinton supporters.