My Guv's Prettier Than Your Guv

I recently picked up the February issue of the magazine "Vogue" at my local newsstand. The glossy ad-filled pages are not my usual choice of reading material, but this month's issue features an interview with the glamorous governor of Alaska, Sarah Palin. This woman is down-to-earth enough to wear bunny boots, but she also could have been one of Hef's bunnies. The editors must have thought so, too, but still requested that she remove her trademark eyeglasses for the photo shoot. Sometimes I don't understand fashion. I think her glasses add to her appearance, but what do I know? She's an attractive woman, either way.

Like anyone in politics, and in other professions, I believe there are different aspects of the human personality that allow us to function in the many facets of our lives. In this instance, we're talking about Sarah, the family-oriented wilderness woman, and Palin, the no-nonsense, fair-minded businesswoman.

Sarah represents the true spirit of Alaska. The only pedigree she lacks is that she wasn't born here, but you'd never know it. She is an outdoorsy, grounded gal who enjoys both seasons of our state, summer and winter. "Rugged" is a term that brings to mind Davy Crockett or the Bounty lumberjack, not a stylish woman with a glimmering smile. Let me tell you, there are many Alaskan women who enjoy hunting, fishing (including commercial fishing) and winter sports, but few who enjoy these
activities with the gusto and good style that our Sarah models.

Sarah is married to Todd Palin, who is winkingly referred to as the "First Dude". He took a leave of absence from his job on the North Slope while Sarah was campaigning. Shortly after she won the governorship, he resumed his job at BP. As he is not one of the Powers That Be, it was determined that there was no conflict of interest, and that he could go back to work. I've seen Todd at the grocery store, picking up supplies for his family, while Sarah is in Juneau. Behind every good woman, you know. Todd is the reigning Iron Dog champ.

Mama Bear Sarah and Todd have four children. Their daughters Bristol(like the Bay), Willow (an AK town), and Piper (an airplane) attend public school in Wasilla. When the legislature is not in session, Sarah moves back to her home to be nearer to her girls. Understandably, when work needs to be done in Juneau, Sarah slumbers in the governor's mansion. Her parents live in Wasilla, and are very supportive. The couple's eldest child and only son, Track, graduated from high school last year and joined the Army on September 11. The day he graduated from boot camp at Ft. Benning, Sarah was expected to give a speech at the opening session of the state legislature. Rumor has it that there was a head-butting about the scheduled speech time. Sarah requested an earlier time slot, in order to catch a plane. Do you know what happens when you try to come between a mama bear and her cub? It ended up that Sarah spoke early that afternoon and flew out to attend her son's ceremony. Her state and local communities are a high priority, but her kids come first. Boot camp grad is a big deal. Congratulations, Track!

As for Palin, who became our youngest and first female governor in 2006, she ran on a campaign of a nonintrusive and transparent state government. Her open-door policy is very refreshing, especially after the previous administration's shady operations. (See below.) She is a Republican, but is not so conservative that she is oblivious to liberal issues. She might not agree with them, but she works hard to understand them. One thing I really appreciate about her is that she upholds the state Constitution and state laws, whether or not she is personally in agreement. She vetoed a bill that blocked state employees from receiving same-sex partner benefits, because it was unconstitutional. Palin respects the political process, from the ground up.

Our previous governor, despot Frank Murkowski (R) took office in 2002. It was a miserable 4 years for us. Here are some messes that Palin helped to clean up:

-He appointed his daughter, then State Senator Lisa Murkowski, to his seat in the U.S. Senate. A few months later, we Alaskans passed a ballot measure, disallowing such appointments in the future.

-He yanked the Longevity Bonus from our senior citizens, a program that helps seniors, a great resource, afford to stay in the state. It is similar to other state plans that provide tax relief for seniors. Alaska does not have a state income tax, but we do have a high cost of living. The program was put back in the budget by Palin.

-He was turned down for funds by the state legislature and by the U.S.Department of Homeland Security, so he took out a line of credit, on the state's dime, and bought a private jet. He used it for personal use with his wife and during his election campaign. I believe his final trip was to a granddaughter's college graduation in New York. This was not a vehicle for official business, but was his own private air limo. Palin vowed to never use it, and she never did. One campaign quote I remember from her, in response to Frank the Bank saying he enjoyed the private time to go over briefs, etc., is (paraphrasing) that she enjoys talking with constituents on flights and learning of their concerns, and why would she want to isolate herself from the people she works for. The jet was placed on eBay at one point. We finally sold it to a member of the private sector, cutting our losses.

-He moved state biologists to the Department of Natural Resources, negating the checks and balances system for protecting wildlife. On February 5, Palin proposed to move the 38 biologists back to the Department of Fish and Game.
Now Murky is back on the scene, trying to get a piece of the natural gas pipeline pie. As far as I'm concerned, he can keep his oily hands to himself. I usually vote Republican, but I sleep better at night, knowing I voted for Dem Fran Ulmer in 2002 and for Palin in 2006. Hell, I even put a Tony Knowles campaign placard in my front yard in 2004, when he ran for Senate against Lisa Murkowski. My view has somewhat softened on Lisa, but I still don't appreciate how she got her seat.

Not solely because of her gender, Palin is not a candidate for the "Corrupt Bastards Club". This woman is a public servant in the true sense of the word. I understand that there are sometimes meetings to which the public cannot be privy. As long as Palin is in those closed meetings, representing me, I'm not too wary of the outcome. As for Sarah, if/when she finds herself taking up residence in D.C., we'll have to revisethe old saying: "Washington is like a Hollywood for ugly people." Sarah Palin is honestly beautiful and, more importantly, beautifully honest.

-Blackfoot