The Palin effect

Sarah Palin seems to have had a negative effect in her home state of Alaska.  Republican Sean Parnell was favored by Palin to win the general election for the House, but Repbulican Don Young usurped Parnell by 304 votes.  Had Parnell won in the general election, the Republicans would have had a better chance against Democratic candidate Ethan Berkowitz who is now favored to win in the general election.

Also, the native population of Alaska that makes up 20 percent of the vote, have mixed feelings about Gov. Sarah Palin.  Her record as governor has sent mixed messages to the Indian and Eskimo groups.  Hunting for sustenance versus hunting for sport, is an issue that has plagued the government of Alaska who is trying to balance the needs of the native population versus that of the tourist industry.  Nature advocates are also concerned about potential land usage afforded to corporations.

Subponea this!

Todd Palin has refused to obey a subponea order issued by the Alaska legislature in the case investigating Sarah Palin termed Troopergate.  Not much is expected to come out of this though the legislature has stated that the investigation will be completed before election day.  They are setting the completion date for this investigation as October 10. 

Primary results for the Alaska House.

The Republican primaries has yielded a win for U.S. Rep. Don Young over Lt. Gov. Sean Parnell in a close vote.  Only 304 votes separated the two which could be cause for Parnell to call for a recount of the vote.  He has three days to file for the recount or else it will become official.  As a side note, Young is under a cloud of political intrigue as he is being investigated for ties to Veco Corp, an oil field services company.   Three politicians have been sent to the big house already.  Sarah Palin also has ties to Veco Corp.

Troopergate!

In what is being termed by some as a "Troopergate", Palin faces scrutiny from the Alaskan legislative council who've subpoenaed the state staff.  The attorney general says that the state staff will not obey the subpoena order.  The dispute has risen from a previous incident where Palin fired public safety commissioner Walt Monegan.  It has been alleged that she fired Monegan because he wouldn't fire state trooper Mike Wooten, who had gone through a bitter divorce with Palin's sister, before Palin became governor.  If more attention is given to this and more credence is given to the story, this could spell trouble for McCain's campaign.  It has been noted by the Alaskan Daily News that "actions that could slow the probe, possibly past Election Day" have been taken.

Mr. Palin, over the coals and under fire.

State lawmakers in Alaska have voted to issue a subpoena to Todd Palin, husband of Sarah Palin.  The investigation will scrutinize how involved Mr. Palin is in Gov. Palin's decision making processes and what influence, if any, he has over her.  As an oil production manager, Mr. Palin could have a significant impact on Alaska's issues.  The NY Times article can be read here.

PASTOR, I AM GAY

A book published by a member of the Baptist clergy entitled Pastor, I am Gay, has faced stiff opposition from Sarah Palin who tried to have the book removed from the Wasilla Public Library.  Palin was the mayor of Wasilla at the time, but now denies ever making the attempt to have the book banned.  The story is here.

"Sarah Palin frightens the hell out of me."

Protesters gathered on Sunday to stage an anti-Palin rally in midtown Anchorage.  One woman was quoted as saying "Sarah Palin frightens the hell out of me."  The variety of issues protesters had with Palin ranged from polar bears to the Iraq war imbroglio.  A local radio show host called the protestors "socialist, baby killing maggots" as there were signs that read "Bush in a Skirt".  The skinny on the protest can be read here.

All about the Palin, and her texting!

Anchorage Daily News has uncovered potential controversy regarding Gov. Sarah Palin's usage of e-mail accounts.  Palin has two blackberries, one for personal use and one for her political office use.  Sometimes these two usages get intertwined and thus the story you see here.

In other news, the state teacher's PAC has given its endorsement to Democratic contender for the U.S. House, Ethan Berkowitz.  The union has given other endorsements that can be read about here.

Palin speaks at Fort Wainwright

Gov. Palin attended a deployment ceremony that was held on the 7th anniversary of 9-11.  Present at the ceremony was her son, Track, who listened as his mom addressed the crowd.  Track Palin will be deployed with his unit to Iraq for a year.  As campaigning is forbidden at a military base, Governor Palin made no direct remark about her son.  The complete story can be read here.

Fifty Days to go!

With fifty days to go until the election in November Alaska is leaning heavily towards Senator McCain.  The current polling indicates that McCain leads with a 55.2 percentage lead over Obama's 34.2.  In the Senate race, the Democratic candidate Begich leads the Republican candidate Stevens 53.2% to 36.5%.  In the House race, the Democratic candidate Berkowitz is leading by a percentage of 53.5 and the Republican candidate Young is trailing with a percentage of 37.8.  Three major issues dominate the Alaskan mindset.  Oil is of primary concern for the regulation of drilling has direct effects on their economy.  Fishing and tourism are also important as they are the two top employers in the state.  In both 2000 and 2004, Alaskans voted for President Bush.  President Bush Sr. was also favored in 1992 although it is worth noting that Perot had about 28% of the vote then as well.  In 1996 Dole led Alaskan votes with 50.12%.