McCain picks Palin

Posted to Politics Watch by Mary Daly at 3:27 p.m., Aug. 29, 2008

Presumptive Republican nominee John McCain announced this morning that he has selected the person who will join him on the Republican ballot, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin.

Palin, 44, is the first woman to be nominated for Republican vice presidency and the second to run for vice president on a major ticket. She is also the first Alaskan to be on any major party's ballot.

“Governor Palin is a tough executive who has demonstrated during her time in office that she is ready to be president,” according to a McCain campaign press release. “She has brought Republicans and Democrats together within her Administration and has a record of delivering on the change and reform that we need in Washington.”

Palin unseated former Alaska Gov. Frank Murkowski in the 2006 Republican primary and went on to win the general election. She is the first woman and youngest person ever to hold the Alaskan governor position.

She is an advocate for ethical standards for politicians and passed an ethics reform bill shortly after taking office.

Palin also is a leader in the fight to make the United States more energy independent.

“Governor Palin has challenged the influence of the big oil companies while fighting for the development of new energy resources,” according to the press release.

At a rally in Ohio, McCain told onlookers he has found the best person to be his vice president.

“I have found the right partner to stand up to those who value their privileges over their responsibilities,” McCain said. “She’s exactly who this country needs to help me fight the same old Washington politics of me first and the country second.”

Palin addressed the rally, saying she is honored to serve next to McCain.

“To have been chosen brings a great challenge,” Palin said. “I know that it will demand the best I have to give, and I promise nothing less.”

McCain’s announcement comes the day after the conclusion of the Democratic National Convention. The Republicans will hold their convention Sept. 1-4 in St. Paul, Minn.