Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Fighting For The Last Frontier

Last month the Casanova acknowledged that for Sarah Palin to emerge as the frontrunner in 2012, she must take a more visible role in national politics. It is quite difficult for an Alaskan governor to broaden her appeal in the "lower 48" without achieving a more prominent role.

Her best chance was if Senator Ted Stevens had won his reelection bid and stepped down. At that point, Palin could have filled the vacancy herself.

But Stevens lost a narrow election and now it seems as though Sarah Palin is eyeing the other Senate seat up in 2010; currently held by Lisa Murkowski, a Republican.

This presents great risks however: If she were to run and ultimately lose to Murkowksi, who maintains a loyal following, Palin's credibility and allure would plummet.

If she wins she would be forced to launch her presidential campaign immediately, not allowing sufficient time to build up what some label as a thin résumé.

Murkowski is obviously taking this very seriously and had this to say yesterday: “If she wants to be president, I don’t think the way to the presidency is a short stop in the United States Senate”.

One thing is certain: this campaign will certainly get personal as Palin defeated Frank Murkowksi, Lisa's father, in her gubernatorial bid. She then went on in her campaign stump speeches to label Frank as being part of the "old boys network" in Alaska.

A Democrat pollster in Anchorage said if the two women do face off it would be a "titanic struggle".

It is a bold move for Palin to make but one that may pay great dividends in terms of elevating her to a national stage.

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