The Governor has touched down on the runway of Ted Stevens International Airport, returning from her pilgrimage towards the bright lights of national political stardom.  Ironically, as CNN boldly proclaimed victory for President-elect Barack Obama and the nation began celebrating, voting polls remained open in Alaska. That’s right; Alaskans could still vote, even as the next president was signed, sealed, and delivered to Grant Park in Chicago.

If the country could have waited a bit, they would have seen overwhelming support for Alaska’s daughter of roguishness; 62% of Alaskan voters supported Palin/McCain in their bid to storm the White House as opposed to a small 36% for Obama/Biden. Not surprising, considering how Alaskans think and act when one of their own is in the limelight. Even when they lose. 

You see, I learned a few things these past 63 days while Sarah Palin was off straight-talking the rest of America. I learned that Alaska politicians are family, and as family, loyalty appears to trump ability, perceived or actual. To a vast majority of residents, Palin’s bid for the Vice Presidential position had less to do with experience and knowledge, and everything to do with creating a shining moment for Alaska. Supporters were willing to overlook Troopergate, a $150,000 shopping excursion, and even rants against her own party while the Six-Pack/Plumber contingent was on the campaign trail.

What has this whirlwind operation done to Alaska? How will Governor Sarah Palin pick up the pieces of a state now polarized into two sharply divided camps of for-her and against-her, mostly because of her? Take Senator Ted Stevens, for example. Immediately following the jury’s decision to convict Stevens, Palin announced her desire for the 84 year-old curmudgeon to step down. Oops. Be assured that when Palin shows up for work Monday, she’s got some explaining to do. Alaska prides itself on an alliance of solid, hardworking people who embrace their independence and dedication to the other hardworking folks who live in a place that is not for everyone. We are willing to forgive and forget for the sake of our future success. We’re too scared to do anything otherwise.

Palin remains noncommittal about her future, saying only that she is “looking forward to returning to work in Juneau and Anchorage for the people of Alaska.” Certainly she has to smooth over ruffled feathers of a Legislature and a constituent base miffed at her negative comments and current antics. Alaska is no longer the state of obscurity and mystery whose inner workings are of no interest to Real America. When Sarah Palin jumped with both feet into the national political spotlight she carried Alaska with her. It remains to be seen if we can handle all this attention. Perhaps we’ll go rogue. But wait, aren’t we rogues already? Maybe it’s “maverick”.  

Erin K. Kirkland, a freelance writer and one of our MomBloggers, lives in Anchorage, Alaska. Check back for more on this series on her insider take on this historic election year.