How long are Sarah Palins coat tails?

[MattBaggins]

Has any one looked at the numbers to estimate whether she can do what McCain can not; and help the GOP stop some of the hemorrhaging from the House and Senate? Will she bring out enough of the base to save a few seats for them? Is this perhaps one of the reasons for choosing her?

[MercutioATC]

1. Not even long enough to cover her ass.

Theoretically, she could open the door for other relative unknowns, but she's not going to have any kind of measurable downstream impact.

[MattBaggins]

2. She is a Hail Mary pick

but she will have more influence than McCain could hope to have.

Just take Musgrave's seat out in Colorado. The DNC is betting on beating the Repubs by voter turnout there. Will Palin bring out the Republican faithful in her district?

[davidinalameda]

3. we could pick up the Senate and the House seat in Alaska

and her being on the ticket will energize Dems up there