Senator John McCain has finished his speech and now the nation is thinking about Governor Sarah Palin again. Alaska's governor and VP candidate has not been interviewed one-on-one by anyone—that is until CBS 11's Andrea Gusty, reporting from the Republican National Convention in Minneapolis, spoke to her.

Security has been around Alaska's governor since she was brought inside the McCain fold less that a week ago. We haven't been able to get to our governor at the convention. Security has been tight: police and Secret Service are all protecting her. Thursday for the first time since this whirlwind campaign began, CBS 11 News was able to grab her at a press conference and ask her the questions Alaskans want to know.

To get to Governor Palin, we had to go through a maze of security sweeps, background checks and secret service escorts. It was Palin's first public appearance since her powerful speech last night.

"I'm not much of a joiner of exclusive political clubs. And last night, I may have fallen off a few invitation lists in Washington; but that's alright. But you can always count on me as a proud member of the governors of the Unites States," said Gov. Palin.

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Palin says it's her strong Alaskan base that has brought her to this point and will help her on the road to the White House.

"Alaska will play a major part in an energy policy that, thus far, has been lacking in our country—Alaska will lead on that. So here again, I am glad I have the foundation that I have with energy in the state of Alaska that can produce so much more energy that will allow us to become less and less dependant on foreign sources of energy," said Gov. Palin.

After her prepared comments, the Secret Service rushed everyone out. Palin refused to answer any questions—except for ours.

"Hey Andrea, how are you?" said Palin.

Do you have anything to say to Alaskans?

"Oh, I'm just so happy to get to be here, of course, in this position. And I have Alaskans to thank for that, of course. Alaskans who have believed in that positive change that needed to be ushered into our state. And we are going to bring that change and that reform to the nation. And we have Alaskans to thank for that. So I appreciate, so much, for their support. This is going to be really good for Alaska, because I get to travel across the nation and let people know about our great state and about the people who live there," said Palin.

Then the big question:

    Though she will be talking about Alaska, will she still serve the state?

"I am happy to continue to be the governor of Alaska, and couldn't be more proud of my position as governor of Alaska," said Palin.

Governor Palin has a very jam-packed schedule over the next few months, while on the campaign trail; but she says her heart is with Alaska. Over the next two months, we'll see if we keep our governor, or lose her to the nation.

To contact Andrea, call 907-273-3186.