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Their politics are not the same but both were committed to working issues of their respective states and not campaigning for higher office prior to stepping up. (I don't think Hunter even considered that he might win, he was there primarily to get the message out and it would have been nice to see the issues discussed rather than ignored.)

Both were/are considered toxic by the ruling elite within the party.
That party was as much responsible for the bad image assigned to Hunter as was any leftist/PC source.
The same party that couldn't manage to invite Palin to speak because...well, because.

He was portrayed by all as a one issue candidate despite publishing position papers on every subject of interest to the voters.
Palin is portrayed as someone knowledgeable only of Alaska, and for hiring hicks as staff.

He was lined up with Ron Paul (Bozo the politician) and Alan ("just short of the edge") Keyes in the ersatz debate format.
Palin might be allowed to say hello to the crowd after Newtie speaks - so long as she shows 'support'.

You were never intended to select from any one other than McCain and Romney - both of whom represented the status quo.
The same machinery is building on the early start it had with Palin because next time you are expectd to have a choice between Romney and another member of the white bread club.