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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2009
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36

Outside DC, Palin's Still a Star

VP candidate popular, but she may have goofed with resignation

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(Newser) – Call her a quitter or a laughingstock, but Sarah Palin is still one of the most popular figures in the Republican Party—as admired by local leaders as she is doubted in Washington. A Politico survey of grassroots GOP members nationwide found particular support for her among Westerners, many of whom cited her values of freedom and self-sufficiency. "She's not going to lie, she's not going to sugarcoat it—she's just going to let it rip," said one Arizona Republican.

Palin also commands support among evangelical Christians and rural and small-town Republicans. "You might classify them as the constitutional wing of the party," said a Nevada official. Nevertheless, her resignation as Alaska governor cast serious doubt on her fitness to run for president, even among her strongest supporters inside the party. "People still like her," said an Iowa state senator. "But I'm not sure that they think she has the skills necessary to pull us out of the political funk."

Sarah Palin, then governor of Alaska, claps along with the crowd before she addresses a campaign rally in Erie, Pa., last year.
Sarah Palin, then governor of Alaska, claps along with the crowd before she addresses a campaign rally in Erie, Pa., last year.   (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
Then-Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin speaks to supporters last year in Cape Girardeau, Mo.
Then-Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin speaks to supporters last year in Cape Girardeau, Mo.   (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
Sarah and Todd Palin at Hong Kong airport last week.
Sarah and Todd Palin at Hong Kong airport last week.   (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)
Sarah Palin reads the South China Morning Post at Hong Kong airport last week.
Sarah Palin reads the South China Morning Post at Hong Kong airport last week.   (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)
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36 comments
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oldgoat
Sep 29, 09 6:11 AM CDT
Is that why the strawpole had Huckabee on top and the rest including Palin at the bottom with single digits ratings? The GOP needs to come up with someone that actually has some experience and isn't of the far right wing if they want to get the WH back. Reply
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+9
IN RESPONSE:
Reader64481089
Sep 29, 09 7:34 AM CDT
What die hard republicans fail to see is they can't elect her or anyone by themselves, they need cross over votes and they simply can't achieve that with what they have as "party leaders" at present, instead of finding a pretty face or someone to preach fear they need to find someone who a larger part of America can relate, then they may have a chance but not with their present mindset and tallent pool
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+7
youngblood
Sep 29, 09 6:23 AM CDT
Of course she's a Star of the Republican Party, They are a party of losers and she's one of the top loser there, losing the Vice Presidency last year. Reply
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+12
countrygirls2
Sep 29, 09 6:38 AM CDT
This country needs Sarah. It's a shame people have to have everything sugarcoated. Sarah tells it like it is. If we are still around after these four years with the current leaders running this country. Sarah could very well president. Reply
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-14
IN RESPONSE:
Fondue
Sep 29, 09 7:09 AM CDT
"If we are still around..." are you just talking about the Republican party, or the people of the nation? If the latter, you are a frightened and manipulated girl.
Vote up! Vote down!
+11

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