It was the announcement that rocked the nation and the Alaskan government.
    Our governor has been tapped for the nation's second in command spot.

"It kind of creates a conflicting set of emotions," said State Attorney General Talis Colberg, "It would be kind of sad to see her leave the state, but on the other hand, wow. It's a prideful, emotional moment to see our governor in Ohio, with possibly the next President of the United States."

The presidential campaign has already begun for our governor. She is in route to a rally in Pennsylvania. But she says her new duties as VP pick won't affect her running our state.

"It is the honor of my life to represent you as your Governor, and over the next two months I will continue to

Palin Spokesperson, Bill McAllister (KTVA)
do so," said Governor Sarah Palin via e-mailed statement. "As the mother of five, I know how to multi-task, and I will continue to promote the path of reform that we set out on together in the state of Alaska."

For now, Palin is running the state via her BlackBerry.

"We have commissioners running departments, and the governor is in constant communication with her key aides through BlackBerry phone," said Palin spokesperson Bill McAllister. "With all the technology, she is going to be able to stay on top of state business."

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Over the next few months Palin will be campaigning with Senator John McCain, while Lt. Governor Sean Parnell is in the middle of a very close congressional race. Both say their campaigns won't affect them running the state.

"The governor is in constant contact both with me and with key members of her administration," said Lt. Governor Sean Parnell. "This administration is fully functioning."

But if the new McCain and Palin ticket wins in November, and Lt. Governor Sean Parnell is elected to Congress, Attorney General

State Attorney General Talis Colberg (KTVA)
Talis Colberg is in charge—at least temporarily.

"Alaska statute provides that because I am not an elected governor, it would be a temporary term of 60 days, and I would be calling for a special election for the next governor of the state," said Colberg.

If Palin gets elected and Parnell does not, the attorney general would move into the lieutenant governor spot for the remaining two years of the administration. The governor can name a new successor at any point, but that person would have to be confirmed by the Legislature.

As of Friday, both the governor and the lieutenant governor say they are very capable of conducting our state's business, while they run for national office.


To contact Andrea, call 907-273-3186.