Palin Frontiersman

Sarah Palin did her first newspaper interview through emails for the Alaska paper The Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman on October 1, 2008. She denied reports that she banned books as mayor of the city Wasilla and says she does not believe rape victims should pay for an "evidence-gathering kit". Frontiersman is a newspaper in Wasilla, Alaska, where Palin served as mayor before she became the governor of the state.Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman: Exclusive: Palin Responds... (September 30, 2008)

In September 2008, newspapers reported the city of Wasilla started charging victims for rape kits when Palin was mayor of the city. Rape kits gather evidence when victims seek help after a sexual assault or rape, and sometimes contain emergency contraception, which some consider a method of abortion. Blogs and commentaries hinted Palin might not have wanted the state to pay for rape kits since she is against abortion.New York Times Editorial: Wasilla Watch: Sarah Palin and the Rape Kits (September 25, 2008) In the interview, Palin wrote it is "absurd" that victims should pay for rape kits, but did not answer the question if any victims were charged for these kits in Wasilla when she was mayor.Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman: Exclusive: Palin Responds... (September 30, 2008)

Newspaper also have reported on Palin's inquires to the library director at the Wasilla library on the procedure for the banning of books. Rumors have circulated Palin banned books as mayor. Palin said she made the inquiry to learn about an issue that was discussed in the city at the time, and that she never banned any books.Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman: Exclusive: Palin Responds... (September 30, 2008)