Alaska Primary Proves Palin Power

Alaska still hasn't got a result in its GOP primary for the US Senate but what it has got is a potent display of Sarah Palin's political power. Longshot candidate Joe Miller—currently in the lead, with many absentee ballots still to be counted—has made a surprisingly strong showing against incumbent Lisa Murkowski thanks to Sarah Palin's support. Before the vote, many in the state had argued that Palin's power was fading, the Washington Post notes.

"She's a net negative," Democratic Sen. Mark Begich told reporters last month. "I think for a lot of people, she quit. And Alaskans are not quitters." Alaska, the Post argues, is "central to the political imagery, folksy charm and outsider credentials of Palin," and the display of support from her political base there bodes well for her aspirations on the national stage.