Franci Havemeister, Sarah Palin's former classmate, was hired by the Republican vice-presidential nominee for the 2008 Elections for the post of director of Alaska's Division of Agriculture. A New York Times story revealed that Palin, the incumbent governor of Alaska, hired for official positions several other close friends, who apparently lacked the required qualifications. Havemeister was a real estate agent before taking office. She mentioned her childhood "love of cows" as one of her qualifications for the job.NYT: Once Elected, Palin Hired Friends and Lashed Foes (September 13, 2008)