McCain picks female Alaska governor as running-mate
Friday, 29 Aug 2008 19:26
Sarah Palin is shock running-mate pick for John McCain
Alaska governor Sarah Palin is John McCain's pick for running-mate for his assault upon the White House.
Mr McCain confirmed the shock move on Friday afternoon after feverish media reports stateside.
Presumptive Republican presidential nominee Mr McCain, 72, had been due to announce his running-mate on Friday ahead of next week's convention.
Mr McCain hailed Ms Palin, 44, as someone to help him "make government stand on your side, not in your way", describing her as a woman of "integrity" who represents the "fighting spirit and deep compassion" of the Republican party.
"My friends, I have spent the last few months looking for a running-mate who can best help me shake up Washington and make it stand up for the people," he continued.
"I had many good people to choose from and I was honoured by their willingness to serve.
"But I could only choose one and it is with great pride that I introduce… Sarah Palin to you all."
In her speech to the gathered crowd at the convention, Ms Palin paid tribute to her husband, Todd Palin, who she described as "a lifelong commercial fisherman" who is still well connected to his middle class roots.
"He is a proud member of the United Steelworkers' Union, and he's a world champion snow machine racer too," she added.
Ms Palin also had a word of thanks for former Democratic presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton, who lost out to Mr Obama for the party's nomination.
"It was rightly noted in Denver last week that Hillary left 18 million cracks in the highest, hardest glass ceiling in America," she said.
"But it turns out the women of America aren't finished yet and we can shatter that glass ceiling once and for all."
A statement on the McCain campaign website described Ms Palin as a "tough executive" who was "ready to be president".
"She has brought Republicans and Democrats together within her administration and has a record of delivering on the change and reform that we need in Washington," the message continued.
Ms Palin became governor of the state two years ago after a career in journalism.
A staunch conservative absolutely opposed to abortion, the mother-of-five will become just the second female candidate for VP in the history of the United States - the first for the Republican party.
Former Republican White House hopeful Mitt Romney or Minnesota governor Tim Pawlenty had been widely tipped to be given a place on the ticket at the rally in Dayton, Ohio.
The choice of Ms Palin represents Mr McCain's first response to
Barack Obama's acceptance of the Democratic party's nomination.
The statement on Mr McCain's website further explained his choice of running-mate.
"Governor Palin has challenged the influence of the big oil companies while fighting for the development of new energy resources. She leads a state that matters to every one of us - Alaska has significant energy resources and she has been a leader in the fight to make America energy independent," the statement said.
"In Alaska, Governor Palin challenged a corrupt system and passed a landmark ethics reform bill. She has actually used her veto and cut budgetary spending. She put a stop to the "bridge to nowhere" that would have cost taxpayers $400 million (£220 million).
"As the head of Alaska's national guard and as the mother of a soldier herself, Governor Palin understands what it takes to lead our nation and she understands the importance of supporting our troops.
"Governor Palin has the record of reform and bipartisanship that others can only speak of. Her experience in shaking up the status quo is exactly what is needed in Washington today."