Posted on 09/16/2010 12:00:52 AM PDT by 2ndDivisionVet
Written off by pundits as a lightweight, mocked by comedians as a dummy and quietly cursed as a loose cannon by Republican officials, Sarah Palin has nevertheless emerged as a potent kingmaker in national politics. Her success may be setting up a run for president in 2012.
On the surface, Palin's endorsement record is impressive. Of the 36 candidates facing contested primaries that she has endorsed, 25 have won. That's a win ratio of just under 70%.
What makes it really notable is that it includes several upsets that have shocked the Washington establishment. Many of Palin's picks were opposed by the GOP leadership, which poured resources into other candidates.
Upsets? You Betcha
These upsets include Joe Miller in Alaska, Nikki Haley in South Carolina, Sharron Angle in Nevada and, on Tuesday, Christine O'Donnell in Delaware.
While elections are rarely determined by one factor, many cite Palin's endorsement as key in bringing in donations and whipping up grass-roots support.
Rob Godfrey, a spokesman for Haley — the GOP nominee for governor in the Palmetto State — said Palin's "decision to get involved — and stay involved — in the race here was a huge boon to our campaign, because it caused a lot of South Carolinians to take a second look at a once little-known — but rising in the polls — state legislator who was fighting to give them back their government."
Even those who didn't make it say the endorsement made a big difference. For example, Cecile Bledsoe lost her bid to be the GOP nominee for Arkansas' 3rd Congressional District by a slim 52%-48% result. She only wishes she got the endorsement sooner.
"It helped tremendously," Bledsoe said.
(Excerpt) Read more at investors.com ...
Therein lies her genius: always exploiting the foibles of the media to her own purpose. The media were so eager to inform us she wrote her notes on her hand, that they never considered the comparison: President Obama is literally speechless the instant his teleprompter malfunctions, yet Governor Palin delivers her entire address based on five simple words written on her hand.
In 2008, she had a problematic lack of experience in national issues. I’d say she’s demonstrated one heck of a learning curve, wouldn’t you?
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