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Alaskan Blacks Call Palin Insensitive

By Neal Colgrass,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 18, 2008 8:03 PM CDT

(Newser) – Black leaders in Alaska say it's no surprise to see Sarah Palin sparking debate over race on the campaign trail, the AP reports. "She has no sensitivity to minorities," said a black Baptist minister who has urged her to hire more people of color. Another likened her supporters to "a Ku Klux Klan rally." Her disinterest in rehiring two black officials is still a sore spot for some Alaskan black leaders.

In a meeting about them, Palin implied that "you can't tell me how to do my job," an Anchorage businesswoman said. "Her top lip got really tight." But Palin, who has appointed 417 officials, has given jobs to eight blacks and 49 Alaska natives—which her camp says reflects the state's diversity. "It's shocking to me that anyone would imply that she's racist or, you know, neglectful of people of color," said her communications director, who is part black.

Rev. Alonzo Patterson pastor of Shiloh Missionary Church, stands outside of the church in Anchorage, Alaska Monday, Oct. 13, 2008, and talks about Gov. Sarah Palin.
Rev. Alonzo Patterson pastor of Shiloh Missionary Church, stands outside of the church in Anchorage, Alaska Monday, Oct. 13, 2008, and talks about Gov. Sarah Palin.   (AP Photo/Al Grillo)
Republican vice presidential candidate, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, speaks at a campaign stop in Noblesville, Friday, Oct. 17, 2008.
Republican vice presidential candidate, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, speaks at a campaign stop in Noblesville, Friday, Oct. 17, 2008.   (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Republican vice presidential candidate, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin signs a lips poster during a campaign stop in Johnstown, Pa., Saturday, Oct. 11, 2008.
Republican vice presidential candidate, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin signs a lips poster during a campaign stop in Johnstown, Pa., Saturday, Oct. 11, 2008.   (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
Reublican vice presidential candidate Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin shrugs during a campaign stop in Johnstown, Pa., Saturday, Oct. 11, 2008.
Reublican vice presidential candidate Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin shrugs during a campaign stop in Johnstown, Pa., Saturday, Oct. 11, 2008.   (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
Republican vice-presidential candidate, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, hugs a supporter during a campaign rally in Lancaster, Pa., Saturday, Oct. 18, 2008.
Republican vice-presidential candidate, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, hugs a supporter during a campaign rally in Lancaster, Pa., Saturday, Oct. 18, 2008.   (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Republican vice-presidential candidate, Gov. Sarah Palin gestures during a rally in Lancaster, Pa., Saturday, Oct. 18, 2008.
Republican vice-presidential candidate, Gov. Sarah Palin gestures during a rally in Lancaster, Pa., Saturday, Oct. 18, 2008.   (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Republican vice presidential candidate, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, signs autographs for supporters during a rally in Lancaster, Pa., Saturday, Oct. 18, 2008.
Republican vice presidential candidate, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, signs autographs for supporters during a rally in Lancaster, Pa., Saturday, Oct. 18, 2008.   (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
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