It is clear the Republican brand is damaged goods and your pick of running mates being our dearest of governors, Sarah Palin, has all of us gasping. Few would doubt that your status as a political maverick is sealed for posterity with this announcement, which some would deem brave while others consider it brash.

You are a true warrior and your mettle has been tested. But this, perhaps your political swansong, has been dubbed rightfully so as a Hail Mary. I apologize for the cliché and unlike many others, I will try to avoid using any more, but this one appears a perfect fit.

There are a couple of things you should make clear to everyone immediately. The first is the fact that the governor’s name is pronounced PAY-lin. The second, tell us what you can that would make us comfortable with the idea that this woman is a plausible president of the most powerful nation in the history of the world.

If you think all Alaskans share your exuberance, you are mistaken. Many are scratching their heads wondering, as many Americans are, if the life experiences of Gov. Palin have adequately prepared her for this incredible possibility. Certainly, you expect to be around for the next four years, at least, but others are a bit shaky over the premise of a 72-year-old cancer survivor’s odds.

You are right, Sarah is a tough, bright, capable, moose-skinning, fish-catching, snowmachining, gun-totin’ evangelical, God-fearing mother of five; not exactly a typical resume for the vetting of a vice presidential running mate.

You can imagine some perfunctory conversations on the international scene if Sarah is involved. Something akin to: “Amadinejad, sit down!” “Vladimir, go to your room!” and “Kim Jong, get a haircut.”

After all, some say, if you can handle five kids, the Russians shouldn’t be more than a few hours’ work.

While I implore others to neither seek to destroy nor to necessarily defend this question of Sarah Palin’s capabilities as a president, the answer undoubtedly should be sought, as all truth should be.

Let us just say the language being used by the national media is a little flowery. She has been noted as a reformer of sorts — she did challenge the state GOP chair, the attorney general and ran successfully against an incumbent republican governor and won.

Daffy Duck could have teamed with Betty Boop and beaten Frank Murkowski handily, as he was nearly despised here in Alaska by late 2006. Just don’t say anything to John Binkley, Tony Knowles or Andrew Halcro about that, at least one of them is still smarting, besides Frank. This does not detract in the least from her victory.

As for ethics, Sarah had nothing to do with the fact that half of our former and existing state legislators now reside in prison along with a few lobbyists, business folks and, oh yes, one former chief of staff.

She was running in the primary when the first indictments came and the only effect she might have had could have been if she was a member of the FBI. As for ethics legislation, in light of the preceding, it could, and may have been written, by Marmaduke.

Some in Alaska have questioned our governor’s own ethics regarding a little issue up here we affectionately refer to as Troopergate. You may be hearing more about it soon yourself.

Ms. Palin’s honesty may be questioned as she claims she knew nothing of anyone pressuring her former public safety Commissioner Walt Monegan, even though her husband is rumored to have had a bit of an obsession with a certain state trooper here in Alaska being removed from the payroll.

The nation awaits you, Sen. McCain, we are beginning the nail-biting already. University of Oklahoma history professor Steve Gillon put it succinctly when he said that Palin is “unknown, unvetted and undefined.”

This sentiment is shared by millions. Although here in Alaska, we have a certain understanding about our governor already and it isn’t unanimously a good one, even with her meteorically rising approval ratings.

Everyone these days is a commentator; even the illustrious political columnist Arianna Huffington couldn’t contain the wry smile as she described Sarah Palin’s ideology as being archaic.

As for me, the more I find myself disagreeing with Arianna, the better I feel about myself as a human being. That being said, the ability or the imperative to think rationally or critically is not something that seems to give Americans a great deal of concern, especially if there is a good movie to watch.

We wish you luck senator, but most of all, we wish ourselves luck as we are a fickle bunch of narcissistic, character assassins with hedonistic tendencies. But then, you already knew that.

Oh, and senator, don’t worry if folks try to tell you Sarah isn’t well traveled; she has visited Talkeetna regularly and has been seen fishing in Canada on more than one occasion.

In the words of Peggy Noonan, the famed former speechwriter of President Reagan, your pick of Sarah Palin is a Hail Mary and although Hail Mary’s rarely succeed, when they do, the leave a lasting impression of beauty.

All of Alaska sends the both of you the best of luck.

Warm regards,

Jeff Jones

Publisher, Alaska Journal of Commerce