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Palin Swings Hard, Lacks Follow-Through

Record shows her taking bold stances, shying away from follow-through

By Katherine Thompson,  Newser Staff

Posted Sep 8, 2008 11:46 AM CDT

(Newser) – Those who have worked with Sarah Palin in Alaskan politics—Democrats and Republicans alike—are split on the governor's leadership style. While most praise her bold, tough approach, they also point out her lack of follow-through and seeming disinterest in the details of governing, and her inability to work with those who disagree, the Los Angeles Times reports.

Few dispute that Palin's push put Alaska on the road to cleaning up its politics, but the ethics proposal she drafted after taking office "had to be beefed up substantially with very basic additions," a state representative says. Others note that Palin's governing style is to stifle dissent and criticism rather than hear all sides of an issue.

Republican vice presidential candidate, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, left, signs autographs as she greets supporters at the conclusion of a campaign rally Saturday night, Sept. 6, 2008.
Republican vice presidential candidate, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, left, signs autographs as she greets supporters at the conclusion of a campaign rally Saturday night, Sept. 6, 2008.   (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia)
John McCain looks at his vice presidential running mate, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, as she turns and smiles as she introduces McCain at an airport campaign rally Saturday afternoon.
John McCain looks at his vice presidential running mate, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, as she turns and smiles as she introduces McCain at an airport campaign rally Saturday afternoon.   (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia)
In this Nov. 12, 2007, file photo, House Speaker John Harris, left, talks with Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, in her office at the State Capitol Building in Juneau.
In this Nov. 12, 2007, file photo, House Speaker John Harris, left, talks with Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, in her office at the State Capitol Building in Juneau.   (AP Photo)
I don't know if she's disinterested in details or not comfortable with them, but the bottom line is: She is not truly a hands-on governor, one Alaska state representative says of Gov. Sarah Palin.
"I don't know if she's disinterested in details or not comfortable with them, but the bottom line is: She is not truly a hands-on governor," one Alaska state representative says of Gov. Sarah Palin.   (AP Photo)
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It has been very difficult for her to accept 'no,' and after a 'no' was spoken, going forward after that amicably was very difficult. After that, you didn't get in. ... She would very much slam you in her next press conference. - Lyda Green, president of  Alaska Senate

I don't know if she's disinterested in details or not comfortable with them, but the bottom line is: She is not truly a hands-on governor. - Alaska State Rep. Les Gara, on Palin's tendency to drift away from the nitty-gritty

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