From where we sit, Tuesday's choice is clear

One of the livelier campaign seasons in recent memory is winding down. Perhaps it is the weighty matters at hand that have helped make it so. But personality cannot be minimized, either, as a factor in the current campaign.

It has been noted with regularity, by folks across the political spectrum, that the quality of the choices for governor is something Alaskans should take comfort in. Individual voters - especially the excessively partisan ones - might argue the point. But each of the three - Andrew Halcro, Tony Knowles and Sarah Palin - is capable of leading the state's charge for the next four years.

Halcro made a name for himself as a maverick two-term legislator who was unafraid to challenge the party-first mentality of his colleagues in the Republican caucus. Party leaders, sadly, responded by marginalizing him.

But the party's loss was a giant gain for the people of Alaska, who have in Halcro an independent and genuine leader, who has shown himself to be a tireless advocate for their long-term well-being. Articulate, intelligent and visionary, Halcro has emerged as part of the vanguard of a new generation of bright, no-nonsense problem-solvers.

Halcro's presence in the race shaped the campaign debate in positive, vital ways. His emphasis on fiscal stability and the specific means to achieve it may not be popular, but it is an issue that is not going away. We hope that Halcro isn't, either.

Alaskans are already familiar with Knowles. Love him or hate him - and the former Anchorage mayor and two-term governor certainly inspires that range of emotions - the Democratic candidate brings a level of experience that is unmatched among those seeking the state's top elected job. In Palin, though, he has discovered that Alaskans want more than just an impressive resume and politics as usual.

Valley voters may be more sensitive than others to the political undertones of the Knowles message. In seeking to separate himself from Palin, Knowles has emphasized the Republican's relative inexperience. Unfortunately, he has done so with sound bites built on the same condescending generalizations that the people of Mat-Su have endured from the big-city set for decades.

Politics being politics, we understand things get said during the course of a campaign that candidates may not mean literally or believe sincerely. Still, those who engage in such verbal gymnastics should not be surprised if offense is taken.

Over the course of the campaign, we suspect Knowles has discovered the truth long-known by many po' Valley folk - and, increasingly, by people around the state - that Sarah Palin is a valuable new voice for a new day in Alaska.

Is she perfect? No. But her willingness to acknowledge this shows uncommon strength of character. And the collaborative approach to problem-solving that comes out of it is just the ticket for Alaskans as they stand together at the threshold of a future filled with promise.

Riding a groundswell of support from regular Alaskans of all stripes, Palin has risen to prominence with a message of change that has resonated. By putting people before party, she has inspired the infrequent voter and energized the disenfranchised.

We have no illusions about the road that lies ahead. It is certain to have its share of obstacles. But we are confident, with Palin at the wheel, that the course, ultimately, will be smooth.

It is with special pride, then, that we express our public support for Palin. Our endorsement, however, does not come cheaply. We challenge her to stay true to her message of inclusiveness and to the open, accountable brand of government that Alaskans are hungry for.

We know that if she does, the people of Alaska, like the people of the Valley she calls home, will be proud to call Palin one of their own, too.