2008 Election Home · Meet the Nominees · Select a Candidate · 2008 Primary & Caucus Dates · Voter Resources · Addressing the Issues · About the U.S. Electoral College · WILX Home
Political Poll
There are currently no active polls at this time.
Click here to view other polls on our site and past poll results.
Will Palin Help Michigan? Save Email Print
Posted: 5:31 PM Sep 4, 2008
Last Updated: 5:31 PM Sep 4, 2008
Reporter: Jamie Edmonds
Email Address: jamie.edmonds@wilx.com

A | A | A

Whatever you might think of John McCain's pick for vice president...

"I think it was a hail mary," Lansing resident Sarah Schmid said.

"I think it was a great pick," another Lansing resident, Jim Brooks, said.

Wednesday was Sarah Palin's coming out party.

"It's her defining moment," Bill Rustem said, president of Public Sector Consultants in Lansing, said.

But what does this surprising choice mean for the GOP ticket here in Michigan?

Not much according to Rustem.

"With her being from Alaska," Rustem said, "it's kind of a neutral for McCain here in Michigan."

Rustem said if McCain was looking to gain ground in Michigan with his VP pick, another governor with ties to the state might have been a better choice.

"Had Romney been the candidate it would have been a plus for McCain in Michigan, not necessarily elsewhere, but a plus here," Rustem said.

While some Michigan voters said they already support Palin.

"She's one of the most exciting things to happen at the federal level in a long time," Brooks said.

Others expressed their concern with what they call Palin's lack of experience.

"I just don't take her seriously has a vice presidential candidate," Schmid said.

"One of the questions you always have to ask of the VP nominee is are they in a position to assume the presidency?" Rustem said.

There are many questions for for the relatively unknown governor.

"It's Alaska, it's a long way away so no one's ever heard of her until now," Lansing resident Jon Kitson said.

Palin has about three months left to answer them.

More Stories
Obama, McCain Bury Campaign Pain, Vow Cooperation

Franken Hones Absentee Case Ahead Of Minn. Recount

Two Michigan Candidates May Run for RNC Chairmanship

Big Names Rumored for Possible Cabinet Positions

Bush, Obama Discuss Economy, Foreign Policy

Speculation Over Governor Leaving

Gun Sales And Elections

Cox Puts Wheels In Motion to Run for Governor

Post Your Comments
First Name:
Location:
Enter Comments: characters left
Email (optional):
Email will not be displayed on site. For station contact purpose only.
Read Comments
Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.
Posted by: Vickie Location: Lansing on Sep 5, 2008 at 08:53 AM
I think she is awesome!!!McCain made a wise choice. I hope they both go all the way and help this sagging economy. Obama has no real experience.

Posted by: Yvonne Location: Jackson on Sep 4, 2008 at 08:48 PM
Love her! What a great pick for the republican party!

Posted by: Pam Location: Jackson on Sep 4, 2008 at 03:15 PM
Is there someone at WILX who has a political biased at the republicans? The RNC stories that are posted recently appear lower on the list after other stories.

Posted by: Kim Location: Michigan on Sep 4, 2008 at 01:18 PM
Couldn't have picked a better politician! She rocks!

Posted by: Mark Location: Jackson on Sep 4, 2008 at 10:20 AM
With his pick, McCain will look like a foolish old fool or a wise elder. Time will tell.

Posted by: Jim Location: MacombTwp. on Sep 4, 2008 at 09:12 AM
Your article presents the views of Sarah Schmid as an ordinary Lansing resident. I think she works for the Democrat party as a writer in the Michigan House of Representatives. Isn't that fact important?

Posted by: Kevin Location: Lansing on Sep 3, 2008 at 11:24 PM
I was blown away by her speech. I did not expect this!

Campaign 2008 AP Video
Stay Connected With News Ten

   10 to Go
   News Weather & Video

   Breaking News & Weather
   Download Free to Your Computer

   My 10
   Submit Your Pictures and Videos Here

   Blogs
   News Sports Weather Life

   Espanol
   Clic Aqui Para Leer En Espanol

   Tell Us More
   Tell Us More

   RSS
   Get Your RSS Feeds Here RSS Readers    and Codes

   Weather Source
   24 Hour Local  Weather Channel

   Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce
   Latest Developments in Mid-Michigan