Now I don’t get into politics much, but the news that Sarah Palin, of Wasilla, Alaska was chosen as a running mate to John McCain, certainly perked up my ears. Sarah is a fellow University of Idaho Alumni. What is notable is that she typifies the independant spirit, that I treasure in our Western women. The “step in and git it done” attitude, so typical of outdoors loving ladies, has served her well in the political arena as well. When I think of women I am proud to know (my wife being the most notable), they all have an appreciation for the outdoors and nature, as well as understanding the role of renewable resources.
Below is a Bio of Sarah:
Governor Sarah Palin made history on Dec. 4, 2006 when she took office. As the 11th governor of Alaska, she is the first woman to hold the office.
Since taking office, her top priorities have been resource development, education and workforce development, public health and safety, and transportation and infrastructure development.
Prior to her election as governor, Palin served two terms on the Wasilla City Council and two terms as the mayor/manager of Wasilla. She has served as chair of the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, which regulates Alaska’s most valuable non-renewable resources: oil and gas. She was elected by her peers to serve as president of the Alaska Conference of Mayors.
Sarah Heath Palin arrived in Alaska with her family in 1964, when her parents came to teach school in Skagway. She received a bachelor of science degree in communications-journalism from the University of Idaho in 1987. Palin, who graduated from Wasilla High School in 1982, has lived in Skagway, Eagle River and Wasilla.
She is married to Todd Palin, a lifelong Alaskan, a production operator on the North Slope and a four-time champion of the Iron Dog, the world’s longest snowmachine race.
Todd and Sarah commercial fish in Bristol Bay with their children – Track, Bristol, Willow and Piper. Through Todd’s Yup’ik grandmother, Alaska’s Native heritage plays an important role in their family. Track enlisted in the U.S. Army on Sept. 11, 2007.
Palin is a lifetime member of the NRA and enjoys hunting, fishing, Alaska history, and all that Alaska’s great outdoors has to offer.
I will certainly be keeping an eye on the presidential race with Govenor Palin “in the mix” now. She has won the hearts of outdoorsmen in Alaska, and it will be interesting to see how the rest of America responds.
I’d be interested to hear your point of view on Sarah and her outdoors heritage as well.
