Palin back on campaign trail

MAT-SU — Gov. Sarah Palin is going back on the campaign trail next week.

The former vice presidential candidate is scheduled to join Georgia Sen. Saxby Chambliss for his Dec. 2 run-off election in a still undecided contest in his Senate district. Chambliss is running against Democrat Jim Martin, who could be the next Democrat to help determine if his party will score a filibuster-proof majority in the Senate.

Palin’s offer to help Chambliss with his campaign comes on the heels of Democrat Mark Begich narrowly unseating Sen. Ted Stevens, the longest serving Republican in Congress.

Stevens was convicted of seven felonies just before the election, leading some analysts to say the court decision cost the longtime senator his 40-year career.

Begich’s win put the Democrats within two seats of obtaining a majority in the Senate.

Palin became a national figure when Arizona Sen. John McCain chose her as his running mate Aug. 29, effectively solidifying the support of the Republican base.

Her vice presidential candidacy met with praise and criticism and became one of the main focal points both sides of the electorate. Rallies across the country featuring Palin routinely drew massive crowds and often overshadowed the number of fans at McCain’s rallies.

For Chambliss, having Palin’s star power on his side could be a boon.

“I was thrilled when I got the call that Gov. Palin would be able to make the trip to Georgia,” Chambliss told The Associated Press.

Martin has reportedly asked President-Elect Barack Obama to campaign with him, but hasn’t received an answer yet.

Palin will stump with Chambliss at four rallies Dec. 1 in Augusta, Savannah, Perry and Atlanta.