Palin Endorses Mary Fallin for Governor

Former Alaska governor and vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin announced her support for Mary Fallin’s bid for Oklahoma governor today. Palin made the endorsement on her Facebook page under the entry, “The Nature of Those Tough, Self Sufficient-Bears,” where she wrote:

“Mary Fallin is another strong, smart conservative who I am proud to support. Mary is running for Governor of Oklahoma, and the Sooner State is fortunate to have her offer to serve in this new capacity.  Mary’s another fiscal conservative with policy experience, political backbone, and real world knowledge that will serve the entire state well as she proves her mettle as Oklahoma’s next CEO.  Her personal, professional, and political background gives her a healthy perspective on the challenges facing so many of our families and businesses.  Mary truly understands public service, and she served her state with distinction in Congress and as the first Republican and first female lieutenant governor in Oklahoma history.  … Mary also understands the complexities of our domestic energy policy and has been a consistent voice for energy independence. 

"Her personal, professional, and political background gives her a healthy perspective on the challenges facing so many of our families and businesses.  Mary truly understands public service, and she served her state with distinction in Congress and as the first Republican and first female lieutenant governor in Oklahoma history.  … Mary also understands the complexities of our domestic energy policy and has been a consistent voice for energy independence,” Palin added.

Fallin said she was thrilled to have the endorsement and honored that Sarah Palin would choose to support her candidacy.

“Sarah Palin is a conservative hero,” said Fallin. “If anyone has taken a stand against big government, big spending and the Washington elite, it’s her. We’re honored to have her support and ready to join Sarah and conservatives everywhere in taking back Oklahoma and taking back the country.”

Fallin’s Republican opponent in the primary Randy Brogdon issued a counter release to supporters questioning Palin for pragmatism over conservatism.

Brogdon wrote, “It's perplexing why Gov. Palin, a self described conservative, would endorse someone who supported the Wall Street Bailout and was key to adding hundreds of billions to the national debt. The simple truth is that an endorsement from Ronald Reagan himself wouldn't change the fact that Mary Fallin supports Big Government Bailouts and Pork Barrel Spending.

“It is obvious that Palin's endorsement is more about her bid for president in 2012 than supporting Oklahoma’s values of limited government and controlled spending. I am seeking the approval of Oklahomans and not the Republican establishment,” Brogdon, a term-limited State Senator added.

Republican voters will decide between the two on the state’s primary election July 27.