Whatever the reason, Gov. Sarah Palin is popular. So popular, in fact, she ranks among the most popular, if not the most popular, governor in the country, with approval ratings of 83 percent.

In a statewide political opinion survey conducted by Ivan Moore Research Oct. 19 to 21, some 500 Alaska voters gave their opinion of the governor on a five-point positive/negative scale. Of those surveyed, more than 50 percent have “very positive” feelings toward her. Only 10.7 percent said they have “somewhat negative” or “very negative” feelings toward the governor.

Palin has been riding the wave of popularity since last year's Republican gubernatorial primary election, when she garnered more than half of the votes. John Binkley came in second with roughly 30 percent, and incumbent Frank Murkowski lagged behind with roughly 19 percent of the votes.

In the 2006 gubernatorial election, Palin won by a healthy margin over Democratic challenger and former governor Tony Knowles, with more than 48 percent of the total votes.

Survey participants were asked about party affiliation, whether they consider themselves conservative, moderate or progressive in their political views, number of children living in the household, age, gender and marital status.

Of those who responded, 31.9 percent were Republican, 17.3 percent were Democrats and the vast majority, 47.3 percent, claimed no party affiliation. Nearly 40 percent described themselves as conservative, 17.3 percent as progressive and roughly 43 percent as moderate, or middle of the road.

Exactly 250 males and 250 females were surveyed. Just more than 75 percent said they were married. Respondents ranged in age from 18 to 49, 50 to 59, and 60 and older. A fairly even sampling was taken from each age range.

Whether Palin's high approval ratings will continue is anyone's guess. Earlier this year, her approval numbers were in the 90 percent range, and this survey marks the first time Palin's negative numbers have gone into double figures.

Controversy surrounding the Oil and Gas Inducement Act and proposed changes to Alaska's oil and gas production profits tax may have caused her popularity to decline.