Sarah Palin, the Republican Governor of Alaska, was announced as John McCain’s Vice Presidential running mate today. The 44-year-old former beauty pageant winner is in her first gubernatorial term and is the mother of five children.
Sarah Palin is known for her support of strict ethical standards for politicians, both Republicans and Democratics. She is also an avid outdoor enthusiast, a lifetime member of the NRA, a highschool basketball star and a snowmobiler.
In 2006, Palin defeated incumbent Republican Governor Frank Murkowski in the gubernatorial primaries and defeated Democrat and former Alaska Governor Tony Knowles in the general election. In addition to her work on ethics, Palin has worked to reduce wasted tax dollars and earmark spending.
Sarah Palin has served on a number of committees seeking to control and regulate the use of oil and natural gas mined in Alaska. She is currently the chair of the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission that seeks to "promote the conservation and efficient recovery of domestic oil and natural gas resources while protecting health, safety and the environment."
Palin’s eldest son currently serves in the United States Army. She has three daughters, ages 17, 13 and 7 and has an infant son, born in April, 2008 with Down Syndrome.