Williams: Palin shores up GOP base

DENVER  – John McCain’s  Kentucky presidential campaign chair, state Sen. David Williams (R-Burkesville), sees the selection of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as the Arizona lawmaker’s vice presidential running mate as a welcome addition to McCain’s ticket that solidifies core Republican support.

“She brings the Republican base, unlike some of the other candidates who were similarly qualified,” said Williams.

Contrasted to rumored potential picks such as U.S. Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-Ct.) and former Gov. Tom Ridge (R-Pa.), Palin favors an anti-abortion position. Williams also noted she was a member of the National Rifle Association.

Williams argued that Palin’s political experience proves she will be a strong campaigner, given her success in unseating Governor Frank Murkowski in 2006.

“She has strong campaigning experience,” said Williams. “In a state like Alaska, where the population is relatively spread out, you have to be a skilled politician to beat incumbent governors.”

As Americans are now learning after the pick was announced this morning, Palin has five children -- one of whom is preparing to deploy with the U.S. Army to Iraq. Williams pointed to these aspects of her biography as positives for her role on the ticket and her potential role in government.

“As they say, with her son going to Iraq, she has some skin in the game,” said Williams. “She is a mother of five, so she is skillful in balancing her duties.”

As the holder of the highest-ranking leadership position in the state Senate, Williams also said he was pleased a state politician was on the ticket.

“I always believe it’s good to get people who are involved in state government,” said Williams, who then pointed to the duties of governors as an asset. “The executive decision making process lends itself well to the ticket.”

Palin comes to the ticket as a relative unknown in national politics, having served two years as Governor and previously working as the mayor of Wasilla.

“I can’t say it wasn’t a surprise,” said Williams. “But it was a very bold move.”