Honest, transparent leadership needed

Oct. 31, 2006

By Sarah Palin

A year ago, I had the privilege of being surrounded by family and supporters when I made official my intention to run for governor of Alaska.

That day will be with me for the rest of my life. Partly because it signaled the start of a year-long campaign. Partly because it was Alaska Day. And even more so because Oct. 18, 2005, just so happened to be my daughter Bristol's 15th birthday.

But what I cherish most about that day was the environment in which it took place. My living room.

In politics, one has to get used to campaigning on other peoples turf - and it's something I have always enjoyed. In the last year, I've been blessed with safe travel to every corner of our great state. But when my plane lands back in Anchorage and the campaign bumper stickers are put away, the journey ahead becomes a familiar one.

The drive home.

As my Valley brethren know, a lot of phone calls can be made on the trip between Wasilla and Anchorage. My campaign staff is more than aware of that, and they rarely let me head north without a stack of phone calls to return. Most of the time I start dialing by the time I pass the Lucky Wishbone.

Except when I don't. Sometimes I prefer to make the drive as I once did - aggravated by taillights, but aware of the signs and sounds that make Alaska unique.

When I pass Merrill Field, I am reminded of how many independent Alaskans take adventure into their own hands. The military bases make me proud of our service men and women. And Chugiak High brings back memories of watching fall football games with extra blankets and even more good friends.

By the time I make my way to the Palmer turnoff, the feeling I get is the most familiar of all. I'm home.

One could make the argument that a 45-minute commute to and from the Valley has nothing to do with becoming governor. I would disagree. Recognizing who we are as a people and the direction we are headed as a state sometimes means putting down the phone, taking off the campaign buttons and turning up the radio.

There are hundreds of thousands of Alaskans who are not running for governor. Alaskans who are counting on a gasline to make possible their next 30 years in Alaska. Alaskans who were promised a healthy PERS/TRS retirement system. Alaskans who deserve honest and transparent leadership at the highest level of government.

I'm one of them.

I'm running for governor because I believe Alaska is ready for new energy. I understand the urgency to get our gas to market and get a contract that's in the best interest of Alaska. I acknowledge that we have a retirement system that needs to be made whole. And I pledge to be a leader that Alaskans can trust.

If blessed on Election Day to be your next governor, I don't anticipate making any more important announcements from my living room. And the truth is, I'll likely be away from my house more than I am in it. But I'll never forget where I come from. And I'll always look forward to getting back.

My living room is not exactly the trappings of office. But it's home.

Lifelong Valley resident Sarah Palin is the Republican candidate for governor.