Sarah Palin is more of the McSame. 2006 article says she was groomed

[Blue Diadem]

from early political age. Two good articles, lengthy but informative. Note how she brought wedge issues, such as abortion and gun control into a municipal race. She was promoted on a Christian cable tv show as Wasilla's first "Christian mayor.

Part 1: 'Fresh face' launched, carries Palin's career (10/23/2006)

RISING STAR: Wasilla mayor was groomed from an early political age

http://www.adn.com/sarah-palin/story/510447.html

CHOSEN ONE

Palin's rise came as the Valley's politics were changing sharply from Democratic to Republican.

An influx of conservative voters and the new district lines drawn with Hickel in the governor's office changed the local political scene. In 1994, three Republicans were elected to legislative seats in the area, defeating Democrats. None of them had any more experience than Palin brought to the mayor's race, said Tuckerman Babcock, the Republican official who redrew the lines for Hickel.

snip:

The national Republican Party was encouraging local party officials to groom a new generation of candidates, officials say. Palin was an obvious selection, say local party officials Roy and June Burkhart of Willow. Roy is head of the District 15 party, while June sits on the state party's executive board.
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Noted as a maverick, rebel, crusader in part 2. She promises Wasilla that she'll favor them as Governor. Hmm..didn't she want to know what the VP position could do for Alaskans?

Apparently she thinks the press is ok as long as it's reporting on her opponent.

Part 2: Rebel status has fueled front-runner's success(10/24/2006)
PALIN: Her reputation as a crusader has had perfect timing.

http://www.adn.com/sarah-palin/story/217384.html