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One thing that bothered me about Palin was her support of the public school system and funding. (We’re a homeschool family.)

All of Palin's positions HAVE to be taken in the context of Alaska, which is an enormous state geographically, with its population of mostly working class people and Natives scattered across a wide variety of small rural towns and villages out in the boonies. Most of those folks have only high school educations or none at all, and home schooling of children, as done in the lower 48 states, simply is not that feasible for most Alaskan households. Think about those guys who work the crab boats on the Deadliest Catch. Very hard-working, very brave, but mostly uneducated past high school.

So it is NOT an issue for her as the governor.

Before making these kinds of judgments, you really need to take a trip up to Alaska to see the state and its challenges first hand since it is quite different than the rest, with schools and hospitals few and far between its population centers.

All of Palin's positions HAVE to be taken in the context of Alaska, which is an enormous state geographically, with its population of mostly working class people and Natives scattered across a wide variety of small rural towns and villages out in the boonies. Most of those folks have only high school educations or none at all, and home schooling of children, as done in the lower 48 states, simply is not that feasible for most Alaskan households.

Homeschooling works very well for families that are isolated in rural areas, which is why many families in Alaska DO homeschool. The "first dude" reportedly was homeschooled, and Palin's daughter's ex-fiance was "homeschooled". The state of Alaska even funds home study programs. (Of course, when the state funds it, it's really public-school-at-home.)

The federal government spends more per capita in Alaska than any other state, as it always has. Federal education spending there exceeds $2,000/per student (whereas it averages around $600/student in the other states). Check the Tax Foundation website for a source.

But, for the record, I wasn't even commenting on her record in Alaska. As VP candidate, she spoke in favor of increased funding for public schools. So, she supported it nationwide. Again, that's why it's difficult for me to support her. She also is on record opposing school vouchers, not because she favors more free market in the education business, but because she favors a public school system. Then again, that position could attract some crossover Democrat voters in 2012. In any case, I'd prefer any Republican over a Democrat. I just wish more Republican candidates would embrace free market principles.

Most of those folks have only high school educations or none at all,

Hold on dere, Hoss. Sarah gonna come aflyin' outta that there igloo she lives in and whap you upside da haid wiff her skillit.

Alaska has been one of the mostest educated States in this here Union. Usually in the top three. Except for post-graduate degrees it kicks the crap out of Ol' Virginny. Pluck out a county or two in Northern Virginia and them ice-bound hillbillies will take you to school in their Lear Jet. Them bar wrasslers is a crafty bunch. Jess don't you piedmont crackers git in no poker game with 'em. Or no spellin' bees.