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It's Official:McCain Taps Gov. Palin As VP

Posted on: Friday, 29 August 2008, 12:00 CDT

First-term Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin is Sen. John McCain's choice for his U.S. vice presidential candidate, McCain's campaign announced Friday.

"As the head of Alaska's National Guard and as the mother of a soldier herself, Governor Palin understands what it takes to lead our nation and she understands the importance of supporting our troops," the campaign said in a statement.

McCain, who turned 72 Friday, was scheduled to introduce his vice presidential choice during a rally at Dayton, Ohio.

Palin, 44, elected governor in 2006, "is a tough executive who has demonstrated during her time in office that she is ready to be president," the statement said.

Palin has challenged "a corrupt system" in Alaska and passed ethics reform legislation, the campaign said.

"She has actually used her veto and cut budgetary spending," the statement said. "She put a stop to the 'bridge to nowhere' that would have cost taxpayers $400 million."

Palin's administration is under investigation for the governor's July firing of Public Safety Commissioner Walt Monegan, the Anchorage Daily News reported.

Palin is both the youngest and first female governor of Alaska. She rose to the state's highest elected office in 2006 by first defeating the incumbent governor in the Republican primary then besting a former Democratic Alaskan governor in the general election.

Palin's home is in Wasilla, Alaska, about 40 miles north of Anchorage. She and her husband, Todd Palin, have five children.

Source: United Press International

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