I think most folks have a very romantic view of Alaska. The tv shows have tapped into that with Ice Road Truckers, the Deadly Catch, and others.
I think that could tie into her attributes, but obviously not to make it into “Alaskan’s are better than everyone else”.
Rugged individualism - not afraid to take on old-time cronism, even if it is in your own party.
The people’s rights. Her higher taxes on the oil companies were to amend the outdated and perhaps improper deal that they had got years ago. In Alaska’s constitution it is the citizens (through the state I imagine) that have ownership of the mineral rights - hence their annual checks.
States rights. I’m sure there are many examples of the State of Alaska fighting for their own state - with most of the land (62%) owned by the Federal government.
Moral code. The old-fashioned rules of the frontier - where an honest person’s handshake is worth more than a lawyer’s document.
Family and friends - working together and taking care of your own (Don’t need to bring it up specifically - but this ties in to her daughter’s pregnancy). Brings up imagery of Little House on the Prairie, and not big government coming in to save the day.
Oh - I remembered that last show - “Everything’s Tougher in Alaska”.
“And finally my fellow Americans - do not be dismayed at what some consider attacks on me and my family. A grizzly bear coming at you through dense willows, a blizzard delaying your plane a week as you try to deliver much-needed supplies to a native village. Those are things to be concerned about. But not mere words. Remember - everything’s tougher in Alaska - including its people.”
“And finally my fellow Americans - do not be dismayed at what some consider attacks on me and my family. A grizzly bear coming at you through dense willows, a blizzard delaying your plane a week as you try to deliver much-needed supplies to a native village. Those are things to be concerned about. But not mere words. Remember - everything’s tougher in Alaska - including its people.”
Now that was good, I like that.