Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin is big energy booster

August 29, 10:07 AMBusiness ExaminerDarrell Proctor

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Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin is a former beauty queen.

The buzz surrounding Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin centers on the fact she's young (44), attractive - and, as could be expected from the leader of an energy-rich state, a big booster of the energy industry even as she works to maintain her independence from energy companies.

The technology that brought us the Trans Alaska Pipeline has produced a burgeoning energy industry in the state, and Palin has taken advantage. In fact, she has just approved TransCanada Corp.'s plan to build a $27 billion pipeline to carry natural gas from the Arctic to U.S. markets - almost certainly something that will create jobs and aid the state's economy.

The former first runner-up in the Miss Alaska beauty pageant (1984) was elected governor in 2006, largely due to her whistle-blowing efforts against fellow Republicans.

A risky choice for McCain? Depends on your point of view. She's very conservative on social issues, and has a good economic record - both plusses for the GOP camp. She also has the support of several online communities and her youth provides a balance to McCain's age - he turns 72 today.

Check out some video of Palin below (she appears a bit more than 4 minutes into the clip) .