RPK: Response in St. Paul to Palin is 'astounding'

DENVER – Speaking from outside a meeting in St. Paul, Minnesota held in advance of the Republican National Convention, Republican Party of Kentucky chair Steve Robertson said delegates and elected officials cheered when they heard the news Alaska Governor Sarah Palin was selected as Sen. John McCain's (R-Ariz.) running mate.

"We've obviously been anxiously awaiting the announcement of the pick," said Robertson. "Everyone is ecstatic."

Robertson said the first-term Governor was a useful addition to the ticket while taking a swipe at Palin's newfound Democratic counterpart – vice-presidential nominee and U.S. Sen. Joe Biden (D-Del.).

"Governor Palin, unlike Joe Biden, bings something to McCain's candidacy," said Robertson.

"She s very complimentary to Sen. McCain," said Robertson. "They both have the same streak of independence."

While some in his party have speculated that Palin – as a female candidate - can potentially attract former supporters of the presidential campaign of Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.), Robertson argued that gender was only one element of Palin's assets.

Robertson said Palin would be successful for any number of reasons, whether it was "because of her demeanor, interesting life-story, leadership experience or the fact that she is a woman."