Is Alaska's new Governor the Republican savior?

ADN: Do you think if they had adhered to a brighter line that they could have avoided some of this trouble?

PALIN: I think everyone has that individual and personal ethical compass within and I think that maybe in the past, some individuals, their compass was way off kilter and decisions were made based on a real skewed idea of what ethical activity would be. I am not claiming holier than thou and I am not saying that the people who I hire and surround myself with, that any of us are perfect.

All of us make mistakes ... but as long as I am confident that moral compass is right on target and we are not going to be tempted to do anything for self gain then I think that is what is going to best for the progress that we need here in Alaska. I can't say that was the case in the past in Alaskan politics. Obviously it wasn't or we wouldn't have high-ranking CEOs pleading guilty to bribery.

ADN: But I think you are also talking about the activities in the gray area -- the business relationships with, you know, a senator or congressman or a state legislator. Between someone with interests in the public process and the people running the public process.

PALIN: Right. Well, that's why I think we need more real and normal and hardworking and blue-collar Alaskans to want to run for office and serve in these positions that are making decisions.

Again, I will personalize this. I am not from that other world. My dad as a school teacher wasn't a mover and shaker developer making big bucks in the state of Alaska off of property development. My husband isn't that way. I am not raising my kids to be that way.
... If you want to be in public service, it is being willing to serve Alaskans for the right reasons. It is having to have a servant's heart when you come into these positions. It's not to get rich.

So we know Sarah can talk the talk, but can she walk the walk?

If she can, she would signal a brand new chapter in Alaska's politics. Not just for the Republicans, but for the Democrats as well. Our corrupt politicians are not really just connected to the party that is under investigation right now.

And there are some who think that Sarah may do more then just revitalize the Republicans in Alaska. They think that she might even be able to go national.

I don't know how likely that is, but it is clear that the Republicans need somebody to symbolize change in how they do business. I guess it is not inconceivable that our little Sarah may be it.