Palin sprints to strong second in statewide race

WASILLA -- 2002 had one story that could foreshadow a brighter, or at least more influential, future for Valley politicians who may have their eye on statewide issues and campaigns. As the Mat-Su Borough's population grows, so will its political clout, and former Wasilla Mayor Sarah Palin proved that last year with a strong campaign in the Republican party's primary race for lieutenant governor.

During the campaign, Palin was still serving as mayor and balanced the jobs of candidate, mayor and mother of four during the campaign. She started late -- filing with the state to raise campaign funds in the last week of November 2001 -- but finished a strong second. She captured 19,114 votes to Loren Lehman's 21,076. Lehman's winning number was slightly more than 29 percent of the votes, Palin had just under 27 percent.

During the general election campaign, Palin didn't rest. Instead, she traveled and campaigned on behalf of the Frank Murkowski/Loren Lehman ticket. As soon as Murkowski and Lehman won, Palin's name began popping up as a potential appointee for the job of U.S. Senator or as one of Gov. Murkowski's commissioner-level appointments.

In a recent interview, Palin said she and Murkowski had discussed a commissioner-level appointment, but Murkowski's insistence on having his commissioners live in Juneau and Palin's desire to live in Mat-Su don't match.

"You weigh a lifestyle in Juneau and a lifestyle in the Valley and, hands down, the Valley is a better place to raise my kids," Palin said. She added that the position of lieutenant governor or U.S. Senator were worth the sacrifice of leaving the home she loves, but not a commissioner position.

Palin also said she hasn't finished with public service. She said her campaign helped promote a new image for Republicans in Alaska -- and it's a makeover she feels the party needs.

"I think that the Republican party saw that some molds needed to be broken within the party … The party, too, has suffered, I believe, from the perception that the party is a 'good ol' boy, rich, white, male-dominated party," Palin said.