Replies

Governor Sarah Palin’s Accomplishments Energy Independence, Development, and Environmental Stewardship  Governor Sarah Palin’s cornerstone accomplish- ment was AGIA, the Alaska Gasline In- ducement Act. During the Palin admini- stration, an alignment was formed be- tween Tran- sCanada and Exxon to build a natural gas pipeline from Alaska to the Lower 48. More progress was made during Governor Palin’s two years in office than in the previ- ous 30 years. This is the largest private sector infrastructure project in North American history and helps put us on the path to energy independence.  During Governor Palin’s administration, drilling for oil and natural gas at Pt. Thompson was done for the first time in decades.  Governor Palin created Alaska’s Petro- leum Systems Integrity Office, which over- sees all aspects of energy development, as well as a Climate Change Subcabinet to comprehensively and honestly evaluate climate change. Fiscal Conservatism  During her administration, Governor Palin reduced earmark requests for the state of Alaska by 80%, and requested only ear- marks that would benefit the country as a  Governor Palin’s budget for Fiscal Year 2010 was more than one billion dollars smaller than the previous governor’s Fis- cal Year 2007 budget, a 9.5% real reduc- tion in spending. Her FY2010 budget was $10.57 billion compared with Governor Murkowski’s FY2007 budget of nearly $11.7 billion. At the same time, she fulfilled a campaign promise to forward-fund edu- cation, allowing districts greater flexibility and predictability in their planning.  Governor Palin opposed much of the “stimulus,” originally wanting only to ac- cept 55% of the funding allocated to Alaska, and to use those funds only for infrastructure projects. Although the legis- lature overturned her veto, she stood firm on her commitment to allow Alaska to be responsible for itself, and not to add to the skyrocketing national debt.  Governor Palin invested $5 billion in state savings for Alaska. Leads by Example on Fiscal Responsibility  Governor Palin sold the private jet pur- chased by the previous governor, stating that it was an unnecessary financial bur- den on the state; it was unable to land on many of the state’s landing strips.  Governor Palin accepted less state per diem allowance for herself and her family than her predecessors, despite having a larger family. As a means of cutting costs, Governor Palin drove herself from Wasilla to her of- fice in Anchorage, dismissing the taxpayer -funded personal driver as well as the gov- ernor’s chef. 10th Amendment Advocacy/Promotion of State Constitution  Demonstrating strong support of the 10th amendment, Governor Palin advocated for the sovereignty of the state of Alaska.  Governor Palin’s administration sued the federal government for placing the polar bear on the endangered species list, citing the move as an unnecessary restriction on energy development that would lead to increased energy costs.  The Alaska constitution states that the Alaskan people are the owners of the oil and other resources. A Constitutionalist, Governor Palin signed Alaska’s Clear and Equitable Share (ACES) bill into law, en- suring that the people of Alaska receive a clear and equitable share of oil profits. National Defense/Veterans  Governor Palin supported a ground-based missile defense system in Alaska to pro- tect America from North Korea and its po- tential use of long range missiles. She criticized the Obama administration for cuts to this vital national defense measure.  Governor Palin fought successfully for re- tirement benefits from the federal govern- ment that were due to the Alaska Territo- rial Guard members who fought during World War II.  Governor Palin demonstrated her support for Alaskan soldiers by visiting them in Kosovo and Kuwait. Transparency/Anti-Corruption  Governor Palin signed bipartisan ethics reform legislation into law that helped to hold both the legislative and executive branches accountable.  Governor Palin put the state checkbook online, allowing all constituents to see how state money was being spent. Health Care  In an effort to make health care consumer driven and accessible, Governor Palin in- troduced health care transparency legisla- tion intended to put information about cost and quality of health care into the hands of consumers . Sanctity and Dignity of All Life  Governor Palin was a strong supporter of parental consent and parental notification legislation.  During Governor Palin’s administration, funding for special-needs education in- creased.  Governor Palin implemented the Senior Benefits Program to support low income seniors. Positions Held while Governor  Chairman of the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission.  Vice chair of the National Governors Asso- ciation Natural Resources Committee. “Will we chart our own course, or will Washington engineer it for us?” –Governor Sarah Palin ―The role of government is not to perfect us, but protect us—to protect our inalienable rights.‖ –Governor Sarah Palin +++++++++ SET MATCH GAME