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You've Changed, Sarah, and So Have We

Alaska struggles to recognize returning guv, and vice versa

By Gabriel Winant, Newser User

Posted Nov 7, 2008 9:50 AM CST

(Newser) – The Alaska Sarah Palin comes home to isn’t the same as the one she left, reports the LA Times. The governor's approval ratings have plunged—from 80% to a “mere mortal 65%”—but not as steeply as the price of oil, which makes up most of the state's revenues. Palin, now seen as a strident partisan rather than a pragmatist, may also have a harder time striking the necessary compromises, with opponents emboldened by the GOP collapse.

The state may be about to lose the pipeline for federal funds long provided by the powerful veteran Sen. Ted Stevens, who faces the likelihood of Senate rejection if he squeaks out his reelection bid, in the wake of conviction on corruption charges. And the governor clearly has her eye on a bigger stage. “She's obviously been bitten,” says a former state official “She's seen Paris, you know?”

[Images (5)]

[Quotes (1)]

Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin waves as she and her family return to Anchorage, Alaska, Wednesday Nov. 5, 2008. Palin returned after an unsuccessful bid for vice president on the Republican ticket. (AP Photo/Al Grillo)

Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's staff decorated her office in Anchorage, Alaska with balloons and welcome home banners on Thursday, Nov. 6, 2008. (AP Photo/Al Grillo)

Alaska's Gov. Sarah Palin waves as she walks with her husband Todd as they return to Anchorage, Alaska on Wednesday Nov. 5, 2008. (AP Photo/Al Grillo)

Gov. Sarah Palin, R-Alaska, answers questions after returning to Anchorage, Alaska on Wednesday Nov. 5, 2008. Palin's brother Chuck Heath Jr. listens. (AP Photo/Al Grillo)

Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin greets supporters after returning to Anchorage, Alaska, Wednesday Nov. 5, 2008. (AP Photo/Al Grillo)

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Alaskans saw a meaner Sarah Palin, a more divisive one who not only went out and made enemies, but did it with a smile and a wink. To many Alaskans, that's not what they wanted. - Larry Persily, former DC lobbyist for Alaska

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You've Changed, Sarah, and So Have We