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In officially announcing Sarah Palin as the GOP’s vice presidential candidate Friday, Sen. John McCain’s campaign touted the Alaska governor’s record on cutting spending and energy policy. “Gov. Palin has challenged the influence of the big oil companies while fighting for the development of new energy resources,” the campaign of McCain (Ariz.) stated. “She leads a state that matters to every one of us — Alaska has significant energy resources, and she has been a leader in the fight to make America energy-independent.” Palin disagrees with the Arizona senator on drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, which she supports and McCain does not. The campaign also noted that, as governor, Palin has brought both parties together and has “a record of delivering on the change and reform that we need in Washington.” The McCain campaign also pointed out that one of Palin’s sons is currently serving in the military, adding that the governor “understands the importance of supporting our troops.” In addition, the McCain camp is hailing Palin’s record as a reformer in Alaska. “Gov. Palin challenged a corrupt system and passed a landmark ethics reform bill,” the campaign stated. “She has actually used her veto and cut budgetary spending. She put a stop to the ‘bridge to nowhere’ that would have cost taxpayers $400 million.” However, state lawmakers approved an investigation late last month into whether Palin retaliated against former commissioner Walt Monegan for not firing a state trooper entangled in a divorce and ongoing custody battle with Palin’s sister. The investigation will also examine whether Palin or any of her family members pressured Monegan to fire state trooper Mike Wooten because of the messy divorce. Palin has denied any wrongdoing. But Democrats will undoubtedly use the allegations to attack the “clean-government” reputation of the first-term governor. The McCain campaign said Palin “did nothing wrong and has nothing to hide.” “It’s outrageous that the Obama campaign is trying to attack her over a family issue. As a reformer and a leader on ethics reform, she has been happy to help out in the investigation of this matter, because she was never directly involved,” the McCain campaign stated. “Her sister’s former husband was a state trooper and several years ago was suspended from duty after making threats and using a taser on his stepson. One of her staff members did talk about this episode with the office of public safety, but the governor was not aware of his actions. He was wrong to do so and was later suspended for it.” Lawmakers approved $100,000 to conduct the investigation, which may pick up steam weeks before the November elections. |
