Why Palin

Among the reasons given for McCain to have chosen Sarah Palin as running mate (getting HRC supporters, mobilizing far-right base) one other should be considered: Keeping Alaska in GOP hands.

Alaska is a HUGE state with a LOT of OIL and ENERGY wealth. Putting the state's governor on the presidential ticket should mobilize a big GOP turnout in November. A GOP turn out that could possibly vote straight GOP, even for their indicted and embattled GOP senator Ted Stevens.

After Stevens was indicted, the Alaska senate race came into play. Stevens faces popular Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich, a Democrat, in a year that Democrats seem to have the mo' on their side.

The Dems are trying to get at least 57 Senate seats -- a veto-proof 60 majority would be better -- to avoid making the SEnate the bastion of reaction that it had played in the 1930s and 1960s preventing reform legislation from being passed. Every seat counts and especially Alaska's seat. After all, drilling in ANWR or other Big Oil deals could be at stake.