Sarah Palin: “Like millions of Americans I learned of the tragic events in Arizona on Saturday, and my heart broke for the innocent victims. No words can fill the hole left by the death of an innocent, but we do mourn for the victims’ families as we express our sympathy.

I agree with the sentiments shared yesterday at the beautiful Catholic mass held in honor of the victims. The mass will hopefully help begin a healing process for the families touched by this tragedy and for our country.

Our exceptional nation, so vibrant with ideas and the passionate exchange and debate of ideas, is a light to the rest of the world. Congresswoman Giffords and her constituents were exercising their right to exchange ideas that day, to celebrate our Republic’s core values and peacefully assemble to petition our government. It’s inexcusable and incomprehensible why a single evil man took the lives of peaceful citizens that day.

There is a bittersweet irony that the strength of the American spirit shines brightest in times of tragedy. We saw that in Arizona. We saw the tenacity of those clinging to life, the compassion of those who kept the victims alive, and the heroism of those who overpowered a deranged gunman.

Like many, I’ve spent the past few days reflecting on what happened and praying for guidance. After this shocking tragedy, I listened at first puzzled, then with concern, and now with sadness, to the irresponsible statements from people attempting to apportion blame for this terrible event.

President Reagan said, “We must reject the idea that every time a law’s broken, society is guilty rather than the lawbreaker. It is time to restore the American precept that each individual is accountable for his actions.” Acts of monstrous criminality stand on their own. They begin and end with the criminals who commit them, not collectively with all the citizens of a state, not with those who listen to talk radio, not with maps of swing districts used by both sides of the aisle, not with law-abiding citizens who respectfully exercise their First Amendment rights at campaign rallies, not with those who proudly voted in the last election.

The last election was all about taking responsibility for our country’s future. President Obama and I may not agree on everything, but I know he would join me in affirming the health of our democratic process. Two years ago his party was victorious. Last November, the other party won. In both elections the will of the American people was heard, and the peaceful transition of power proved yet again the enduring strength of our Republic.

Vigorous and spirited public debates during elections are among our most cherished traditions. And after the election, we shake hands and get back to work, and often both sides find common ground back in D.C. and elsewhere. If you don’t like a person’s vision for the country, you’re free to debate that vision. If you don’t like their ideas, you’re free to propose better ideas. But, especially within hours of a tragedy unfolding, journalists and pundits should not manufacture a blood libel that serves only to incite the very hatred and violence they purport to condemn. That is reprehensible.

There are those who claim political rhetoric is to blame for the despicable act of this deranged, apparently apolitical criminal. And they claim political debate has somehow gotten more heated just recently. But when was it less heated? Back in those “calm days” when political figures literally settled their differences with dueling pistols? In an ideal world all discourse would be civil and all disagreements cordial. But our Founding Fathers knew they weren’t designing a system for perfect men and women. If men and women were angels, there would be no need for government. Our Founders’ genius was to design a system that helped settle the inevitable conflicts caused by our imperfect passions in civil ways. So, we must condemn violence if our Republic is to endure.

As I said while campaigning for others last March in Arizona during a very heated primary race, “We know violence isn’t the answer. When we ‘take up our arms’, we’re talking about our vote.” Yes, our debates are full of passion, but we settle our political differences respectfully at the ballot box – as we did just two months ago, and as our Republic enables us to do again in the next election, and the next. That’s who we are as Americans and how we were meant to be. Public discourse and debate isn’t a sign of crisis, but of our enduring strength. It is part of why America is exceptional.

No one should be deterred from speaking up and speaking out in peaceful dissent, and we certainly must not be deterred by those who embrace evil and call it good. And we will not be stopped from celebrating the greatness of our country and our foundational freedoms by those who mock its greatness by being intolerant of differing opinion and seeking to muzzle dissent with shrill cries of imagined insults.

Just days before she was shot, Congresswoman Giffords read the First Amendment on the floor of the House. It was a beautiful moment and more than simply “symbolic,” as some claim, to have the Constitution read by our Congress. I am confident she knew that reading our sacred charter of liberty was more than just “symbolic.” But less than a week after Congresswoman Giffords reaffirmed our protected freedoms, another member of Congress announced that he would propose a law that would criminalize speech he found offensive.

It is in the hour when our values are challenged that we must remain resolved to protect those values. Recall how the events of 9-11 challenged our values and we had to fight the tendency to trade our freedoms for perceived security. And so it is today.

Let us honor those precious lives cut short in Tucson by praying for them and their families and by cherishing their memories. Let us pray for the full recovery of the wounded. And let us pray for our country. In times like this we need God’s guidance and the peace He provides. We need strength to not let the random acts of a criminal turn us against ourselves, or weaken our solid foundation, or provide a pretext to stifle debate.

America must be stronger than the evil we saw displayed last week. We are better than the mindless finger-pointing we endured in the wake of the tragedy. We will come out of this stronger and more united in our desire to peacefully engage in the great debates of our time, to respectfully embrace our differences in a positive manner, and to unite in the knowledge that, though our ideas may be different, we must all strive for a better future for our country. May God bless America.”

- Sarah Palin

Since the publication of her bestselling memoir, Going Rogue, in 2009, former Alaska governor Sarah Palin has traveled the country extensively. She has visited cities and towns in almost every state, dropped in on military bases, given talks and speeches to small groups and at massive rallies. Throughout her travels, she has been privileged to meet thousands of Americans—ordinary men and women who have shared with her their hopes and dreams, their love of country, and their fears about what lies ahead. Governor Palin, inspired by these encounters, celebrates in her new book the enduring strengths and virtues that have made this country a beacon of liberty and hope for the rest of the world.

America by Heart is a highly personal testament to her deep love of country, her strong roots in faith, and her profound appreciation of family. Ranging widely over American history, culture, and current affairs, Governor Palin reflects on the key values that have been such an essential part of her own life and that continue to inform her vision of America’s future. The book also includes brief readings from classic and contemporary texts that have moved and inspired her, as well as portraits of Americans, both famous and obscure, whom she admires.

Informed by Palin’s own principles and deepest feelings, graced with intimate memories, this remarkable book gives us a close-up view of an extraordinary woman who is not afraid to speak out and defend the American values in which she so deeply believes.

Click here to order Sarah Palin’s America by Heart: Reflections on Family, Faith, and Flag!

Additionally, she’ll share insights into the personal challenges she’s faced including balancing her time as a working mother, recognizing the war’s impact with her son serving combat in Iraq, having a child with a disability and supporting her teenage daughter through an unplanned pregnancy.

Palin has received much attention through the media, but never before has her complete story been told in her own words. The memoir will be both a personal and political chronicle of her life.

Order “Going Rogue: An American Life” NOW!

Sarah Palin: Thank you so much. Oh, thank you so much for that very warm welcome. What an absolutely beautiful day it is and it is my honor to speak to all Alaskans, to our Alaskan family, this last time as your Governor. And it is always great to be in Fairbanks. The rugged… hardy people who live up here and some of the most patriotic people whom you will ever know live here, and one thing that you are known for is your steadfast support of our military community up here and I thank you for that and thank you United States Military for protecting the greatest nation on Earth, together we stand.

And getting up here, I say it is the best road trip in America, soaring through nature’s finest show; Denali, the great one, soaring under the midnight sun. And then the extremes. In the winter time it’s the frozen road that is competing with the view of ice fogged, frigid beauty, the cold though, doesn’t it split the cheechakos from the sourdoughs? And then in the summer time, such extreme, summer time, ’bout a hundred and fifty degrees hotter than just some months ago, then just some months from now. With fireweed blooming along the frost heaves and merciless rivers that are rushing and carving and reminding us that here, mother nature wins. It is, as throughout all Alaska, that big, wild, good life, teeming along the road that is north to the future. That’s what we get to see every day. Now, what the rest of America gets to see, along with us, is in this last frontier, there is hope and opportunity and there is country pride. And it is our men and women in uniform securing it and we are facing tough challenges in America with some seeming to just be hellbent maybe on tearing down our nation, perpetuating some pessimism and suggesting American apologetics; suggesting perhaps that our best days were yesterdays. But as other people have asked, how can that pessimism be when proof of our greatness and our pride, today, is that we produce the great, proud volunteers who sacrifice everything for country?

Now, this week alone, Sean Parnell and I, we were on the, on Fort Rich, the base there, the army chapel, and we heard the last roll call and the sounding of taps for three very brave, very young Alaskan soldiers who just gave their all for all of us. Together we do stand with gratitude for our troops who protect all of our cherished freedoms, including our freedom of speech, which, par for the course, I’m going to exercise.

And, first, some straight talk for some, just some, in the media, because another right protected for all of us is freedom of the press, and you have such important jobs reporting facts and informing the electorate, and exerting power to influence. You represent what could and should be a respected, honest profession that could and should be a cornerstone of our democracy. Democracy depends on you, and that is why, that’s why our troops are willing to die for you. So, how about, in honor of the American soldier, you quit making things up?

And don’t underestimate the wisdom of the people, and one other thing for the media, our new governor has a very nice family too, so leave his kids alone.

Okay, today is a beautiful day, and today, as we swear in Sean Parnell, no one will be happier than I to witness, by God’s grace, Alaskans with strength of character advancing our beloved state. Sean is that, Craig Campbell has that. I remember on that December day, we took the oath to uphold our state constitution, and it was written right here in Fairbanks by very wise pioneers. We shared the vision for government that they ground in that document.

Our founders wrote: All political power is inherent in the people. All government originates with the people. It’s founded upon their will only and it’s instituted for the good of the people as a whole. Their remarkably succinct words guided us in all of our efforts in serving you and putting you first. And we have done our best to fulfill promises that I made on Alaska Day, 2005, when I first asked for the honor of serving you. Remember then, our state so desired and so deserved ethics reform. We promised it, and now it is the law. Ironically, it needs additional reform to stop playing to views from partisan operatives and I hope the law makers will continue that reform.

We promised you that you would finally see a fair return on your Alaskan owned natural resources, so we built a new oil and gas appraisal system, and this is an equitable formula to usher in a new era of competition and transparency and protection for Alaskans and the producers. ACES incentivizes new exploration and it’s the exploration that is our future. It opens up oil basins and it ensures that people will never be taken advantage of again. Don’t forget, Alaskans, you are the resource owners per our constitution. And that’s why, for instance, last year, when oil prices soared and state coffers swelled, but you were smacked with high energy prices, we sent you the energy rebate. See, it’s your money, and I’ve always believed, you know how to better spend it than government can spend it.

I promised that we would protect this beautiful environment while safely and ethically developing resources and we did. We built the petroleum oversight office and a sub-cabinet to study climate conditions. And I promised we’d govern with fiscal restraint, so as not to immorally burden future generations. And we did. We slowed the rate of government growth, and I vetoed hundreds of millions of dollars of excess and with lawmakers, we saved billions for the future. I promised that we’d lead a charge to forward funding education and hold schools accountable and improve opportunities for special needs students, and elevate Votech training. And we paid down pension debt.

I promised that we would manage our fish and wildlife for abundance, and that we would defend the constitution. And we have, though outside special interest groups, they still just don’t get it on this one. Let me tell you, Alaskans, Alaskans need to really stick together on this, with new leadership in this area especially, encouraging new leadership. Gotta stiffen your spine to do what’s right for Alaska when the pressure mounts, because you’re gonna see anti-hunting, anti-second Amendment circuses from Hollywood.

And here’s how they do it: They use these delicate, tiny, very talented celebrity starlets, they use Alaska as a fundraising tool for their anti-second Amendment causes. Stand strong and remind them, patriots will protect our individual, guaranteed right to bare arms, and by the way, by the way, Hollywood needs to know, we eat, therefore we hunt.

I promised energy solutions, and we have, we have a plan calling for 50% of our electricity generated by renewable resources, and we can now insist that those who hold the leases to develop our conventional resources, that they do so now on Alaska’s terms. So now, finally, after decades of just talk, finally, we’re seeing oil and gas drilling up there at Point Thompson. And I promised that we would get a natural gas pipeline underway and we did. Since I was a little kid growing up here, I remember the discussions, especially the political discussions, just talking about and hoping for and dreaming of commercializing our clean, abundant, needed natural gas.

Our Gas Line Inducement Act, AGEA, that was the game changer. And this is thanks to our outstanding gas line team. And the legislature adopting this law 58 to 1. They knew, they know, AGEA is the vehicle to drive this monumental energy project and bring everyone to the table, this bipartisan victory, it came from Alaskans working together with free market, private sector principles, and now we are on the road to the largest private sector energy project in the history of America.

It is for Alaska’s future, it is for America’s energy independence, and it will make us a more peaceful, prosperous, and secure nation. What I promised, we accomplished. We, meaning, state staff, amazing commissioners, great staff members assisting them, and the conscientious Alaskans outside the bureaucracy; Tom Van Flein and Meg Stapleton and Kristin Cole, so many others, many volunteers who just stepped up to the challenge as good Alaskans, but nothing, nothing could have succeeded without my right hand man, Chris Perry. She is the sharpest, boldest, hardest working partner; Chris is my right hand man and much success is due to Chris.

So much success, and Alaska, there is much good in store further down the road. But to reach it, we must value and live the optimistic, pioneering spirit that made this state proud and free. And we can resist enslavement to big, central government that crushes hope and opportunity. Be wary of accepting government largesse. It doesn’t come free and often accepting it takes away everything that is free. Melting into Washington’s powerful, care taking arms will just suck incentive to work hard and chart our own course right out of us. And that not only contributes to an unstable economy and dizzying national debt, but it does make us less free.

I resisted the stimulus package… I resisted the stimulus package and we have championed earmark reform, slashing earmark request by eighty five percent to break the cycle of dependency on a stifling, unsustainable federal agenda. And other states should follow this for their and for America’s stability. We don’t have to feel that we must beg an allowance from Washington, except to beg the allowance to be self determined. See, to be self sufficient, Alaska must be allowed to develop, to drill and build and climb to fulfill statehood’s promise.

At statehood we knew this. At statehood we knew this, that we are responsible for ourselves and our families and our future, and fifty years later, please let’s not start believing that government is the answer. It can’t make you happy or healthy or wealthy or wise. What can? It is the wisdom of the people. And our families and our small businesses and industrious individuals, and it is God’s grace, helping those who help themselves. And then this allows that very generous voluntary hand up that we’re known for enthusiastically providing those who need it.

Alaskans will remember that, years ago, remember, we sported the old bumper sticker that said: “Alaska, we don’t give a darn how they do it outside.” Remember that? I remember that, and remember it was because we would be different. We’d roll up our sleeves and we would diligently sew and reap and we can still do this, to carve wealth out of the wilderness and make our living on the water with strong hands and innovative minds, now with smarter technology, is what our first people and our parents did. It worked, because they worked. We must be prudent and persistent and press for the people’s right to responsibly develop God given resources for the maximum benefit of the people.

And we have come so far in just fifty years. We’re no longer a frontier outpost on the periphery of the world’s greatest nation. Now, as a contributor and a securer of America, we can attain our destiny in the promise of our motto, north to the future. See, the pressing issue of our time, it’s energy independence because there is an inherent link between energy and security and energy and prosperity. Alaska will lead with energy. We will prove you can be both pro-development and pro-environment because no one loves their clean air and their land and their wildlife and their water more than an Alaskan. We will protect it.

Yes, America must look north to the future, for security, for energy independence, and, for our strategic location on the globe. Alaska is the gatekeeper of the continent. So, we are here today at a changing of the guard. Now, people who know me, and they know how much I love this state, some still are choosing not to hear why I made the decision to chart a new course to advance the state. And it should be so obvious to you. It is because I love Alaska this much, sir, that I feel it is my duty to avoid the unproductive, typical, politics as usual, lame duck session in one’s last year in office. How does that benefit you?

No, with this decision now, I will be able to fight even harder for you, for what is right, and for truth. And I have never felt that you need a title to do that. So, as we all move forward together, let’s vow to keep championing Alaska, to advocate responsible development, and smaller government, and freedom, and when I took the oath to serve you, I promised, remember I promised, to steadfastly and doggedly guard the interests of this great state, like that grizzly guards her cubs; as a mother naturally guards her own. And I will keep that vow wherever the road may lead.

Todd and I, and Track, Bristol, Tripp, Willow, Piper, Trigg, I think I got ‘em all, we will forever be so grateful for the honor of our lifetime to have served you; our whole big diverse, full and fun family, we all thank you. And, I am very, very blessed to have had their support all along, for Todd’s support. I am thankful too. I have been blessed to have been raised in this last frontier. Thank you for our home, Mom and Dad, because, in Alaska it is not an easy living but it is a good living, and here it is impossible to lose your way, wherever the road may lead you, we have that steady great North Star to guide us home. So, let’s all enjoy the ride, and I thank you Alaska. God bless Alaska and God bless America.

On this Independence Day, I am so very proud of all those who have chosen to serve our great nation and I honor their selflessness and the sacrifices of their families, too.

If I may, I would like to take a moment to reflect on the last 24 hours and share my thoughts with you.

First, I want to thank you for your support and hard work on the values we share. Those values led me to the decision my family and I made. Yesterday, my family and I announced a decision that is in Alaska’s best interest and it always feels good to do what is right. We have accomplished more during this one term than most governors do in two – and I am proud of the great team that helped to build these wonderful successes. Energy independence and national security, fiscal restraint, smaller government, and local control have been my priorities and will remain my priorities.

For months now, I have consulted with friends and family, and with the Lieutenant Governor, about what is best for our wonderful state. I even made a few administrative changes over that course in time in preparation for yesterday. We have accomplished so much and there’s much more to do, but my family and I determined after prayerful consideration that sacrificing my title helps Alaska most. And once I decided not to run for re-election, my decision was that much easier – I’ve never been one to waste time or resources. Those who know me know this is the right decision and obvious decision at that, including Senator John McCain. I thank him for his kind, insightful comments.

The response in the main stream media has been most predictable, ironic, and as always, detached from the lives of ordinary Americans who are sick of the “politics of personal destruction”. How sad that Washington and the media will never understand; it’s about country. And though it’s honorable for countless others to leave their positions for a higher calling and without finishing a term, of course we know by now, for some reason a different standard applies for the decisions I make. But every American understands what it takes to make a decision because it’s right for all, including your family.

I shared with you yesterday my heartfelt and candid reasons for this change; I’ve never thought I needed a title before one’s name to forge progress in America. I am now looking ahead and how we can advance this country together with our values of less government intervention, greater energy independence, stronger national security, and much-needed fiscal restraint. I hope you will join me. Now is the time to rebuild and help our nation achieve greatness!

God bless you! And I look forward to making a difference – with you!

Sarah

On July 3rd, 2009, Governor Sarah Palin announced her intent to resign her gubernatorial duties and transfer the powers of Governor to Lt. Governor Sean Parnell.

Almost immediately afterwards, several unscrupulous people have asserted false and defamatory allegations that the “real” reasons for Governor Palin’s resignation stem from an alleged criminal investigation pertaining to the construction of the Wasilla Sports Complex. This canard was first floated by Democrat operatives in September 2008 during the national campaign and followed up by sympathetic Democratic writers.1. It was easily rebutted then as one of many fabrications about Sarah Palin. Just as power abhors a vacuum, modern journalism apparently abhors any type of due diligence and fact checking before scurrilous allegations are repeated as fact.

The history of the Wasilla Sports Complex is publicly known. Contrary to the insinuation that as Mayor of Wasilla, Sarah Palin “personally” oversaw bidding, construction, funding and accounting for the project (and thus, the allegation goes, “embezzled” from the project), the truth is far more mundane, and publicly available:

Curtis D. Menard was instrumental in spearheading the effort from conception to realization of the Wasilla Sports Complex. He directed the steering committee that was responsible for placing the issue before the voters of Wasilla and subsequently passed. He remained chairman of that committee through the design and construction of the facility. He was an ardent supporter and leader of civic, educational and athletic endeavors within the community as well as an advocate of the continued success of the Sports Center.

http://www.cityofwasilla.com/index.aspx?page=114

Thus, as any basic fact checker would learn, the Mayor of Wasilla is not listed as “chair” of the Steering Committee. As Mayor, Governor Palin did appoint the committee, another fact readily verifiable, and she was publicly on record supporting the need for such a facility—as was most of Wasilla. “Wasilla weighs sports facility” published December 6, 2001 and available at While her public support of this project was deemed pivotal by many, the actual construction, bidding, financing and other day-to-day management of the project was not in her scope of authority as Mayor.

In addition, Sarah Palin was then criticized by some of not showing enough interest in the project. The Frontiersman reported that at a public meeting with the Chamber of Commerce, an opponent of the project “accused Wasilla Mayor Sarah Palin of staying quiet about the arena because of her campaign for Lieutenant Governor.” “Sports Arena Campaign gets Rolling” http://www.frontiersman.com/articles/2002/02/21/news6.txt (February 22, 2002).

Further, this was a highly public project, approved by the voters, and subject to public bid requirements. As described by the City of Wasilla itself:

The city uses competitive means for the purchase of all goods and services as required by Wasilla Municipal Code 5.08. The city also utilizes contracts and price agreements established by the State of Alaska, the Western States Contracting Alliance and other cooperatives or agencies when it is deemed to be in the best interest of the City. The city believes in open, fair competition and strives to ensure that all vendors have equal opportunity to compete for city business.

The City of Wasilla operates under a decentralized purchasing system. This means purchasing decision up to $5,000 is made independently by the departments in the city (with the exception of Management Information System purchases). When the estimated amount for goods or services is between $5,000 and $9,999, departments are required to obtain three quotes prior to purchase. The departments may utilize the services of the Purchasing/Contracting Officer (PCO) for this process or may do it themselves; however, when this processed is selected, the PCO must sign off on the final product prior to purchasing or contracting.

For purchases beyond $10,000, the city requires all departments to contact the PCO who will utilize the city’s bid process according to Wasilla Municipal Code 5.08. The bid process is initiated through either an Invitation to Bid (ITB), utilized when the city knows the specifications for the purchase; or a Request for Proposal (RFP), utilized when the exact specifications or process is unknown.

http://www.cityofwasilla.com/index.aspx?page=360#82.

Accordingly, the Sports Complex was publicly bid, in accordance with City and state law, and was accounted for in the time and manner all public projects are handled. The Mayor of Wasilla, be it Sarah Palin, or her successor, did not handle the funds, or the materials, for this project. To thus suggest she “embezzled” is as false as it is impossible.

The additional claim of “proof” of wrongdoing is the allegation that the Palins purchased building materials from Spenard Builders Supply—and that this company may have provided supplies for the Sports Complex. Prior to the construction of Lowe’s and Home Depot within the last few years in Wasilla, Spenard Builders Supply was the primary building supply company in Wasilla. It can hardly come as a surprise that it would sell materials to small homeowners or that it would also bid to supply commercial contracts. One would be hard pressed to find a home, cabin or outbuilding in the Mat-Su Valley in which Spenard Builders Supply did not sell at least some of the materials.

The Palins built their Lake Lucille house using Todd as the general contractor. Todd’s family owns a hardware and building supply business in Dillingham. He is no stranger to construction, or to rolling up his sleeves and doing work. The Palins used a combination of personal savings, equity from the sale of their prior home, and conventional bank financing to build the house—like millions of American families. The deeds of trust are recordable public records. Basic journalism and fact checking would confirm this.

The Sports Complex was built in 2002. It is now 2009. While the Federal Government has a process to follow, and that process sometimes takes time, we can categorically state that we are not aware of any “federal investigation” that has been “pending” for the last seven years. We are aware of no subpoenas on SBS regarding the Palins. We are aware that the Federal Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation have been helpful, responsive and diligent in prosecuting the email hacker and in cleaning up Alaska’s corrupt legislators. To be blunt—this “story” was alleged during the campaign, evaluated then by national media and deemed meritless. Nothing has changed.

To the extent several websites, most notably liberal Alaska blogger Shannyn Moore, are now claiming as “fact” that Governor Palin resigned because she is “under federal investigation” for embezzlement or other criminal wrongdoing, we will be exploring legal options this week to address such defamation. This is to provide notice to Ms. Moore, and those who re-publish the defamation, such as Huffington Post, MSNBC, the New York Times and The Washington Post, that the Palins will not allow them to propagate defamatory material without answering to this in a court of law. The Alaska Constitution protects the right of free speech, while simultaneously holding those “responsible for the abuse of that right.” Alaska Constitution Art. I, Sec. 5. http://ltgov.state.ak.us/constitution.php?section=1. These falsehoods abuse the right to free speech; continuing to publish these falsehoods of criminal activity is reckless, done without any regard for the truth, and is actionable.

Thomas Van Flein, for

Governor Sarah Palin

1 Wayne Barrett, a writer for the left wing Village Voice, published these insinuations, on October 7, 2008 in a story entitled “The Book of Sarah” available at http://www.villagevoice.com/2008-10-08/news/the-book-of-sarah. This was written in the style of one pretending to be amazed that so many people in a small town like Wasilla appear to know one another, support one another, and take on big projects together. Apparently that is uncommon in New York. Rather than recognize that leaders of a community often mobilize to accomplish projects, the writer offered this up as an unusual and questionable association of special interests.

Hi Alaska, I appreciate speaking directly TO you, the people I serve, as your Governor.

People who know me know that besides faith and family, nothing’s more important to me than our beloved Alaska. Serving her people is the greatest honor I could imagine.

I want Alaskans to grasp what can be in store for our state. We were purchased as a territory because a member of President Abe Lincoln’s cabinet, William Seward, providentially saw in this great land, vast riches, beauty, strategic placement on the globe, and opportunity. He boldly looked “North to the Future”. But he endured such ridicule and mocking for his vision for Alaska, remember the adversaries scoffed, calling this “Seward’s Folly”. Seward withstood such disdain as he chose the uncomfortable, unconventional, but RIGHT path to secure Alaska, so Alaska could help secure the United States.

Alaska’s mission – to contribute to America. We’re strategic IN the world as the air crossroads OF the world, as a gatekeeper of the continent. Bold visionaries knew this – Alaska would be part of America’s great destiny.

Our destiny to be reached by responsibly developing our natural resources. This land, blessed with clean air, water, wildlife, minerals, AND oil and gas. It’s energy! God gave us energy.

So to serve the state is a humbling responsibility, because I know in my soul that Alaska is of such import, for America’s security, in our very volatile world. And you know me by now, I promised even four years ago to show MY independence… no more conventional “politics as usual”.

And we are doing well! My administration’s accomplishments speak for themselves. We work tirelessly for Alaskans.

We aggressively and responsibly develop our resources because they were created to be used to better our world… to HELP people… and we protect the environment and Alaskans (the resource owners) foremost with our policies.

Here’s some of the things we’ve done:

We created a petroleum integrity office to oversee safe development. We held the line FOR Alaskans on Point Thomson – and finally for the first time in decades – they’re drilling for oil and gas.

We have AGIA, the gasline project – a massive bi-partisan victory (the vote was 58 to 1!) – also succeeding as intended – protecting Alaskans as our clean natural gas will flow to energize us, and America, through a competitive, pro-private sector project. This is the largest private sector energy project, ever. THIS is energy independence.

And ACES – another bipartisan effort – is working as intended and industry is publicly acknowledging its success. Our new oil and gas “clear and equitable formula” is so Alaskans will no longer be taken advantage of. ACES incentivizes NEW exploration and development and JOBS that were previously not going to happen with a monopolized North Slope oil basin.

We cleaned up previously accepted unethical actions; we ushered in bi-partisan Ethics Reform.

We also slowed the rate of government growth, we worked with the Legislature to save billions of dollars for the future, and I made no lobbyist friends with my hundreds of millions of dollars in budget vetoes… but living beyond our means today is irresponsible for tomorrow.

We took government out of the dairy business and put it back into private-sector hands – where it should be.

We provided unprecedented support for education initiatives, and with the right leadership, finally filled long-vacant public safety positions. We built a sub-Cabinet on Climate Change and took heat from Outside special interests for our biologically-sound wildlife management for abundance.

We broke ground on the new prison.

And we made common sense conservative choices to eliminate personal luxuries like the jet, the chef, the junkets… the entourage.

And the Lt. Governor and I said “no” to our pay raises. So much success in this first term – and with this success I am proud to take credit… for hiring the right people! Our goal was to achieve a gasline project, more fair oil and gas valuation, and ethics reform in four years. We did it in two. It’s because of the people… good public servants surrounding the Governor’s office, with servants’ hearts and astounding work ethic… THEY are Alaska’s success!

We are doing well! I wish you’d hear MORE from the media of your state’s progress and how we tackle Outside interests – daily – SPECIAL interests that would stymie our state. Even those debt-ridden stimulus dollars that would force the heavy hand of federal government into our communities with an “all-knowing attitude” – I have taken the slings and arrows with that unpopular move to veto because I know being right is better than being popular. Some of those dollars would harm Alaska and harm America – I resisted those dollars because of the obscene national debt we’re forcing our children to pay, because of today’s Big Government spending; it’s immoral and doesn’t even make economic sense!

Another accomplishment – our Law Department protected states’ rights – TWO huge U.S. Supreme Court reversals came down against that liberal Ninth Circuit, deciding in OUR state’s favor over the last two weeks. We’re protectors of our Constitution – federalists protect states’ rights as mandated in 10th amendment.

But you don’t hear much of the good stuff in the press anymore, do you?

Some say things changed for me on August 29th last year – the day John McCain tapped me to be his running-mate – I say others changed.

Let me speak to that for a minute.

Political operatives descended on Alaska last August, digging for dirt. The ethics law I championed became their weapon of choice. Over the past nine months I’ve been accused of all sorts of frivolous ethics violations – such as holding a fish in a photograph, wearing a jacket with a logo on it, and answering reporters’ questions.

Every one – all 15 of the ethics complaints have been dismissed. We’ve won! But it hasn’t been cheap – the State has wasted THOUSANDS of hours of YOUR time and shelled out some two million of YOUR dollars to respond to “opposition research” – that’s money NOT going to fund teachers or troopers – or safer roads. And this political absurdity, the “politics of personal destruction” … Todd and I are looking at more than half a million dollars in legal bills in order to set the record straight. And what about the people who offer up these silly accusations? It doesn’t cost them a dime so they’re not going to stop draining public resources – spending other peoples’ money in their game.

It’s pretty insane – my staff and I spend most of our day dealing with THIS instead of progressing our state now. I know I promised no more “politics as usual,” but THIS isn’t what anyone had in mind for ALASKA.

If I have learned one thing: LIFE is about choices!

And one chooses how to react to circumstances. You can choose to engage in things that tear down, or build up. I choose to work very hard on a path for fruitfulness and productivity. I choose NOT to tear down and waste precious time; but to build UP this state and our country, and her industrious, generous, patriotic, free people!

Life is too short to compromise time and resources… it may be tempting and more comfortable to just keep your head down, plod along, and appease those who demand: “Sit down and shut up”, but that’s the worthless, easy path; that’s a quitter’s way out. And a problem in our country today is apathy. It would be apathetic to just hunker down and “go with the flow”.

Nah, only dead fish “go with the flow”.

No. Productive, fulfilled people determine where to put their efforts, choosing to wisely utilize precious time… to BUILD UP.

And there is such a need to BUILD up and FIGHT for our state and our country. I choose to FIGHT for it! And I’ll work hard for others who still believe in free enterprise and smaller government; strong national security for our country and support for our troops; energy independence; and for those who will protect freedom and equality and LIFE… I’ll work for and campaign for those PROUD to be American, and those who are INSPIRED by our ideals and won’t deride them.

I WILL support others who seek to serve, in or out of office, for the RIGHT reasons, and I don’t care what party they’re in or no party at all. Inside Alaska – or Outside Alaska.

But I won’t do it from the Governor’s desk.

I’ve never believed that I, nor anyone else, needs a title to do this – to make a difference… to HELP people. So I choose, for my State and my family, more “freedom” to progress, all the way around… so that Alaska may progress… I will not seek re-election as Governor.

And so as I thought about this announcement that I wouldn’t run for re-election and what it means for Alaska, I thought about how much fun some governors have as lame ducks… travel around the state, to the Lower 48 (maybe), overseas on international trade – as so many politicians do. And then I thought – that’s what’s wrong – many just accept that lame duck status, hit the road, draw the paycheck, and “milk it”. I’m not putting Alaska through that – I promised efficiencies and effectiveness! ? That’s not how I am wired. I am not wired to operate under the same old “politics as usual.” I promised that four years ago – and I meant it.

It’s not what is best for Alaska.

I am determined to take the right path for Alaska even though it is unconventional and not so comfortable.

With this announcement that I am not seeking re-election… I’ve determined it’s best to transfer the authority of governor to Lieutenant Governor Parnell; and I am willing to do so, so that this administration – with its positive agenda, its accomplishments, and its successful road to an incredible future – can continue without interruption and with great administrative and legislative success.

My choice is to take a stand and effect change – not hit our heads against the wall and watch valuable state time and money, millions of your dollars, go down the drain in this new environment. Rather, we know we can effect positive change outside government at this moment in time, on another scale, and actually make a difference for our priorities – and so we will, for Alaskans and for Americans.

Let me go back to a comfortable analogy for me – sports… basketball. I use it because you’re naïve if you don’t see the national full-court press picking away right now: A good point guard drives through a full court press, protecting the ball, keeping her eye on the basket… and she knows exactly when to pass the ball so that the team can WIN. And I’m doing that – keeping our eye on the ball that represents sound priorities – smaller government, energy independence, national security, freedom! And I know when it’s time to pass the ball – for victory.

I have given my reasons candidly and truthfully… and my last day won’t be for another few weeks so the transition will be very smooth. In fact, we will look to swear Sean in – in Fairbanks at the conclusion of our Governor’s picnics.

I do not want to disappoint anyone with my decision; all I can ask is that you TRUST me with this decision – but it’s no more “politics as usual”.

Some Alaskans don’t mind wasting public dollars and state time. I do. I cannot stand here as your Governor and allow millions upon millions of our dollars go to waste just so I can hold the title of Governor. And my children won’t allow it either. ? Some will question the timing. ? Let’s just say, this decision has been in the works for awhile…

In fact, this decision comes after much consideration, and finally polling the most important people in my life – my children (where the count was unanimous… well, in response to asking: “Want me to make a positive difference and fight for ALL our children’s future from OUTSIDE the Governor’s office?” It was four “yes’s” and one “hell yeah!” The “hell yeah” sealed it – and someday I’ll talk about the details of that… I think much of it had to do with the kids seeing their baby brother Trig mocked by some pretty mean-spirited adults recently.) Um, by the way, sure wish folks could ever, ever understand that we ALL could learn so much from someone like Trig – I know he needs me, but I need him even more… what a child can offer to set priorities RIGHT – that time is precious… the world needs more “Trigs”, not fewer.

My decision was also fortified during this most recent trip to Kosovo and Landstuhl, to visit our wounded soldiers overseas, those who sacrifice themselves in war for OUR freedom and security… we can ALL learn from our selfless Troops… they’re bold, they don’t give up, they take a stand and know that LIFE is short so they choose to NOT waste time. They choose to be productive and to serve something greater than SELF… and to build up their families, their states, our country. These Troops and their important missions – those are truly the worthy causes in this world and should be the public priority with time and resources and NOT this local / superficial wasteful political bloodsport.

May we ALL learn from them!

*((Gotta put First Things First))*

First things first: as Governor, I love my job and I love Alaska. It hurts to make this choice but I am doing what’s best for Alaska. I’ve explained why… though I think of the saying on my parents’ refrigerator that says “Don’t explain: your friends don’t need it and your enemies won’t believe you anyway.”

But I have given my reasons… no more “politics as usual” and I am taking my fight for what’s right – for Alaska – in a new direction.

Now, despite this, I don’t want any Alaskan dissuaded from entering politics after seeing this REAL “climate change” that began in August… no, we NEED hardworking, average Americans fighting for what’s right! And I will support you because we need YOU and YOU can effect change, and I can too on the outside.

We need those who will respect our Constitution where government’s supposed to serve from the BOTTOM UP, not move toward this TOP DOWN big government take-over… but rather, will be protectors of individual rights – who also have enough common sense to acknowledge when conditions have drastically changed and are willing to call an audible and pass the ball when it’s time so the team can win! And that is what I’m doing!

Remember Alaska… America is now, more than ever, looking North to the Future. It’ll be good. So God bless you, and from me and my family – to ALL Alaska – you have my heart.

And we will be in the capable hands of our Lieutenant Governor, Sean Parnell. And Lieutenant General Craig Campbell will assume the role of Lieutenant Governor. And it is my promise to you that I will always be standing by, ready to assist. We have a good, positive agenda for Alaska.

In the words of General MacArthur said, “We are not retreating. We are advancing in another direction.”

Eddie Burke: Without further ado, Meg Stapleton, a spokesperson for SarahPAC, Governor Sarah Palin, welcome to the program.

Meg Stapleton: Hey, thanks, Eddie. It’s great to be on here.

Eddie Burke: Yes, thank you so much. The FEC, according to an Associated Press story, the Federal Election Commission has dismissed a complaint over the $150,000-plus designer wardrobe the Republican Party bought to outfit Vice-Presidential candidate Sarah Palin.

Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, the good government group that filed the complaint, argued that candidates aren’t supposed to use donor money for personal expenses such as clothes.

The FEC ruled Tuesday that the ban does not apply to Party money. However, the Alaska governor was Senator John McCain’s pick for Vice-President whose purchases from such high-end stores as Sach’s, Fifth Avenue, and Neiman Marcus drew criticism for Palin, the self-described hockey mom.

Again, it seems like we’re having these event once a week or twice a week, but another complaint dismissed against the governor.

Meg Stapleton: Well, that’s true, Ed, and, you know, we are so pleased to have yet another ethics complaint dismissed. I think if you go back too, Eddie, and look and, you know, it’s filed on October 23rd and even if the merits of something are somewhat legitimate, the legitimacy comes, in my opinion, to after the campaign is over.

You don’t start filing these things within a week or two of a conclusion of a campaign because it shows the intent to just being, “Hey, let’s draw some criticisms and some questions here at how ethical this person who has taken over office and really cleaned up government. Let’s cast some doubt on that, you know, from her critics.”

And so the fact that it came in October 23rd really showed what the intent was of this ethics complaint.

Eddie Burke: Yeah.

Meg Stapleton: And then I’m glad, you know, the FEC, they took a good look at the law and no one can complain in Alaska that, “Ooops, you point at the FEC board.” So it’s great. It’s another frivolous complaint that has been dismissed and, you know, it just… I look at some of the headlines even from this and the left knows this is one of those things the media picks up on and runs with it and I think one of the headlines was even Palin shopping spree, you know, dismissed by the ethics FEC. It’s just… she didn’t even buy a single thing, so it’s, you know, a constant battle.

Eddie Burke: What is… I mean, you’re a part of the political side of this. From a political point of view, I’ve thought that this ethics complaints whether they’re on a statewide level or a national level, they’ve really little to do with the complaint, but more to do about just throwing mud at the governor.

Meg Stapleton: Yeah.

Eddie Burke: Because, you know, we all know if you keep calling somebody a wife-beater long enough, pretty soon they’re a wife-beater, right?

Meg Stapleton: Yeah, you’ve got it. That is definitely the tactic. It’s actually done and maybe they’ve been a little sloppy in that, but it’s been discussed quite openly by those who just can’t stand the governor for the fact that she is breathing, and so it is a tactic. Throw it up there as many times as you can, create anything, whether it’s how she looks, what she wears, what she says, where she said it, just constantly pick, pick, pick, pick, pick, and eventually people will think that maybe she isn’t as ethical as we once thought.

Eddie Burke: Right. It casts doubt, right?

Meg Stapleton: What’s that?

Eddie Burke: It ultimately casts doubt.

Meg Stapleton: Yeah.

Eddie Burke: It’s really a political machine that has worked. It has some success to it if you’re not out there fighting it constantly, is that correct?

Meg Stapleton: Yeah, and you have to get out there and fight it, and the thing is I remember even as a reporter, this became a game before, especially in the legislative recesses, it became a game and (inaudible) because the ethics complaints, you didn’t know whether it was legitimate and so you covered it and then sure enough it became illegal to discuss those ahead of time and I stopped covering them, even though we knew and people would try to leak them to us, we would say, “You know what? No, it’s against the law. You don’t cover them.”

Well, we do still have that same obligation that’s felt and on the executive side, there’s no punishment. So okay, let’s create this sensational headline. Let’s get a great massive front page of the paper and then to dismiss them will be, you know, either buried in the show or buried in the newspaper as a minor paragraph, “Oh, by the way, that one was dismissed.” and so it works, that’s why they keep doing it.

Eddie Burke: Right, yesterday, I was talking about some of these complaints and I’ve mentioned Zane Henning, his wife Val Henning, as you know, Mr. Henning has filed an ethics complaint against the governor, his wife Val called the show in somewhat of a frantic mode and I said, “Well, your husband has filed one,” and she readily said, “You know, we got the tape. I can play it back. I may file one, too.”

You know, what caught me on her statement there is that it wasn’t about whether or not she thought the governor had done anything wrong. It was just that, “Yeah, and since I can file one, I’m going to, too.” And I thought it was just what an abuse of the ethics complaint system.

And we also know that these are being orchestrated. I mean, you can read the liberal blogs and it’s just out there.

Meg Stapleton: Well, you know, and the thing is, I think it was the last dismissal. I can’t keep track of them because the dismissals are coming in so fast, which is just incredible, but, you know, the last one said, “Look, I think Alaskans, in their quest to bring someone so popular across this nation down, they’re confusing ethics with politics.”

And they may disagree with the governor on, “You know what? We don’t want [...] Alaskans and Americans, so let’s shoot her down.”

And well, the thing is okay, that’s a political discussion. It doesn’t mean anything unethical with that and, you know, they’re confusing that.

Eddie Burke: Well, I think that’s a point that, let’s see, we have invited Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics on Government on today’s show. They have declined, just so that people know that they’re the people who filed this complaint, this ethics complaint, against the governor with the FEC.

I have a question for you from an e-mail. Since how does Meg respond to national pundits that says Governor Palin needs to have more presence on the national stage. This is a quote from a recent political article. What she really needs is somebody who has good political sense to move to Alaska, said a Washington-based Republican who wants her to succeed and until that happens, she is going to continue floundering.

It’s pretty tough for the Governor to get out on the national stage because every time she does, her critics are throwing dirt clogs at her.

Meg Stapleton: Oh, it exactly is. It’s kind of…. I laughed when I read that because that’s exactly what we’re trying to get away from. It’s that inside the beltway mentality, that in order to be successful in this world, “you got to one of us and you have to listen to us and we only have the right way to do it” and they keep messing things up in their own personal and, you know, national ambitions for her and they’re fighting against the governor’s constant quest and constant… I mean, she’s always out there saying, “My focus is on Alaska.”

And her constant need to focus on Alaska and that desire to focus on Alaska and the people who… you know, it’s very flattering in one sense. They see her as the future.

Eddie Burke: Yeah.

Meg Stapleton: But you got to get out there and you’ve got to be a part of us and you’ve got to come to these parties and you’ve got to join this circuit of friends and you’ve got to… no, actually, she is focused on getting gas to Alaskans and now, the in-state lifeline and that requires a lot of attention and she can do that, although she has to do it. You know, it is a constant give and take.

Eddie Burke: Yeah.

Meg Stapleton: I mean, we’re winning, but the political fight of the governor is just focused on Alaska, too. We are not out there saying, “Okay, there’s going to be this, you know, ha-ha project.

Eddie Burke: All right. Hey, Meg. We’re just speaking with Meg Stapleton, the spokeperson for SarahPAC.org. Hey, could you stick with us another segment?

Meg Stapleton: I assure you that, Eddie.

Eddie Burke: Okay, thank you. With Meg Stapleton, we’ll be right back. If you have any questions or concerns, 274-529-7866 or 610-5297 or you can always e-mail me at eddie@kbyr.com. We’ll be right back.

Eddie Burke: Hi, welcome back to the program. It’s 3:22 in the afternoon. This is Eddie Burke Show and I’m your host, Eddie Burke. Meg Stapleton, spokesperson for SarahPAC.org.

Hey, how was the new political fund trust going, the defense fund for the governor. She has incurred, it had been reported nearly half a million or over half million dollars fighting these bogus ethics complaints. Is that something that’s been good for the governor?

Meg Stapleton: Well, you know, the outpouring of support is just phenomenal and I can speak to it only because Kristan Cole is the trustee to the Alaska Fund Trust and I know it’s part of SarahPAC to get envelopes with donations to the legal expense fund to SarahPAC and that we, you know, forward and the notes, Eddie, are just unbelievable. It’s “Paying this economy, I’ve got $5. Please let the Governor know I’ll give another $5 in a month.”

Eddie Burke: Right.

Meg Stapleton: Then it’s just, you know, and then others are saying, “I wish we could contribute more, you know, I’m giving my maximum,” and they just really believe in her and what they’re watching is… you know, they’re watching this barrage of attack and the negativity and politics has really, really changed.

It’s no longer just this forum of ideas and ideals, but its just that “let’s attack people and tear them down to absolutely nothing”.

Eddie Burke: But here’s… the question is that the attacks we know are out there. Is it true that there are more of them against this governor, against Sarah Palin than other candidates? To me, in my opinion, there is maybe because she’s a hometown girl. I pay close attention to her. Maybe I shouldn’t refer to her as a hometown girl, but anyways, that’s what she is to me. So is that true?

Meg Stapleton: Oh, I think it’s…

Eddie Burke: And why?

Meg Stapleton: Without a doubt.

Eddie Burke: Have you guys sat around your think thank and thought why are the attacks so… why is there so much venom against Sarah Palin?

Meg Stapleton: I think we have… I’ll just give one example. When you are in Florida then you that is set aside for 3,000 to 5,000 people to show up at a campaign rally and 50,000 to 60,000 people show up then you have conservatives who are worried, who want to run for office. You have liberals who are frightened to pieces, and you have independents saying, “Ha, let me listen.”

And so you have this just phenomenon and I will say it’s a phenomenon because I had traveled with her a couple of times. In Evansville, the Right to Life dinner, I literally thought how ironic. We’re going to be crushed to death at a Right to Life event. I mean, it was thousands.

Eddie Burke: Yeah.

Meg Stapleton: Just pouring in around us and then when I was there it feels warm for dinner. You have the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. You have a President of the United States. You have Rupert Murdoch. I mean, people in this world that others line up to see and instead literally, the only line there and I was with the Governor at the reception.

Eddie Burke: Wow.

Meg Stapleton: It was to see our Governor.

Eddie Burke: Right.

Meg Stapleton: Twenty to forty-five minutes, congressmen, senators, and justices of the Supreme Court are waiting to shake her hands and talk to her.

Eddie Burke: Right.

Meg Stapleton: People aren’t dumb. They look at that and say, “Holy cow. We need to control that. We need to knock it down because whether you’re conservative or liberal, we haven’t seen a reaction or stuff like that.”

Meg Stapleton: Right. Well, that’s just a big mistake that I think the naysayers are doing and that is whether you like Sarah Palin or not, she is a huge advocate for Alaska and if you like Alaska, that these people are lining up to her, they’re lining up to speak to her, they’re lining up to listen to her and why would you not want her out there speaking on behalf of Alaska and driving home these issues that are important to us; the gasoline and water, another resources development that we can provide national security.

You see, I think it’s shortsighted to say it’s national politics over state good.

Meg Stapleton: Maybe it is shortsighted and I think during the campaign, a lot of the key Democrats, Waffle Halton, a bipartisan, to get some of these things for Alaska. They really have a great opportunity to say, “Yeah, I was a part of that.”

Eddie Burke: Right.

Meg Stapleton: And instead they weren’t thinking, they were shortsighted and, you know, in DC I was given as another example, we’re out at dinner at an Alex House, she is sitting next to Dick Cheney across from Madeleine Albright and in front also Diane Feinstein.

Eddie Burke: Sure.

Meg Stapleton: And they’re having a very disputed discussion about this stimulus package, its impact on Alaska.

Eddie Burke: Right.

Meg Stapleton: On what she needs and is asking for as governor, not pretending to be part of the congressional delegation, but say, “Hey, Governor. There are just some things that we need that you’re not thinking about, that you’re not paying attention to.”

Eddie Burke: Sure.

Meg Stapleton: And Madeleine Albright and Dick Cheney don’t have to do that, but Diane Feinstein does and Mel Martinez does and other who are also at that party and these were all these questions and then, you know, “As former Vice-President, you know, have you come up to Alaska in a bit. Have you talked about… Hey, we could use some assistance with the gas line.”

Eddie Burke: Sure.

Meg Stapleton: It’s constant. It’s always Alaska with her. It’s just doesn’t matter who the audience is, it is come visit Alaska, let me tell you about Alaska, do you know what we need in Alaska, can I talk to you about what our future is, it is always Alaska in her heart.

Eddie Burke: Let’s take a call here. Meg Stapleton is my guest. She is spokesperson for SarahPAC. Vern on Line 1, 274-5297. Vern, you’re on with Meg Stapleton.

Vern: Yeah, I saw it kind across from mine. I have a couple of lawsuits against me in the past and I found that countersuits kind of helped a whole bunch. Maybe she should acquire or talk to some bulldog lawyers around the country to create an attempted defamation type of lawsuit, monetary based, so that when these people throw these things up in the air at her and try to make them stick, if they don’t, they know that they’re immediately going to get served with this kind of paperwork.

Eddie Burke: Well, what does make…

Vern: In other words, attack back.

Eddie Burke: Meg, what was the political discussion. How does the Governor fight back? You know, sometimes you want to… if someone smacks you, you want to smack him back, but then you sit around and you politically talk about it, that’s not the best thing to do. What is the Governor’s plan? What is she doing to fight back and clear her name as these ethics complaints continue to get dismissed?

Meg Stapleton: Well, I think a lot of it is just educating people right now. We have been trying to –

Eddie Burke: Go ahead.

Meg Stapleton: — take the higher road by saying hey look, this is just the tactic of the White House of the DNC, of the DCCC. They have gone out of their way to pull in a number of Alaskans and say, “Hey, here’s your role. Here’s your role. Here’s your role.”

They all have the grand scheme of things and we’ve tried to take that higher road. I think we are to a point where we may have to say, “You know what? This is enough and if we have to stop it to the extent where we become more aggressive, then we have to become more aggressive because it is sickening how Alaskans cannot do their work because of the inundation of the frivolous complaints, comments, [...] request. It’s just again, it’s the abuse of process and abuse of the system that is designed to, of course, keep an eye on people, of course, make people accountable, but not abused.

Eddie Burke: You know, I don’t want to hold you through the break, but I want to do it quickly, the book deal is, is that done? Is it pretty well inked up? In a minute or so, can you give us an update on that?

Meg Stapleton: Well, you know, it’s really exciting and again, kind of as you pointed out earlier, I think this is the Governor is just unfettered opportunity to tell not only her story, but Alaska’s story. She is so excited and even her critics I’ve heard some just say, “You know what? This is actually really good for Alaska.”

I think we’re going to get a great story out there and people who may have a different perception of a state that is just as rich and wonderful as ours and then they’ll get a different idea now because of the Governor.

Eddie Burke: Well, one thing I hope out of this talk that it gets a 206 success and 206 out of it and then maybe he’ll take me flying. That’s the only thing I hope for. So, hey, Meg. I’m sorry. I know it’s not politically correct to say things like that, but you know what?

Meg Stapleton: Well, not you ever.

Eddie Burke: Todd can use 206. I could use a 206. All right. Hey, thank you so much. Meg Stapleton, a spokesperson for SarahPAC. It’s always a pleasure.

Meg Stapleton: Oh, thank you, Eddie.

Eddie Burke: All right. We’ll be right back, folks.