I think Palin, coming from a free-for-all charismatic/evangelical background is not a natural conservative, rather she’s a religious one. This is why some conservatives have for years been suspicious of the religious right...as they seem prone to revert to liberal positions, in the name of Jesus...
Some coming from that camp (like Jim Baker’s son) have reacted against (perceived) gay bashing, to “reach out” to the poor rejected homosexual...and confused personal compassion (which is all well and good) for a public-policy stance, which must be firmly against “gay rights” if religious liberty is to be maintained as a fundamental right.
George W. Bush is certainly an evangelical...but no one said he was a wise one....or a Conservative (on issues other than pro-life). Palin is certainly even more of an evangelical, but also not necessarily very wise....(look at her kids...), however, she is interested in small government—but may be being influenced by libertarian libertinism....(amoralism)...which is a shame.
I think she’s been on the speaking tour too long. She should go home, and go to church...and learn a few (more) things.
Evangelicals are not pro-homo like Bakker's son. In fact, evangelicals are the least likely to be pro-homo among any protestant faction.
If evangelicalism has been infiltrated by the left it is through environmental issues, illegal immigration and a desire to have mercy on criminals sort of like Mike Huckabee has been.