CELEBRATE ALASKA’S CELEBRITY

Whatever your political party, regardless your assessment of candidates, however you voted, 2008 was a banner year for Alaska - because of Governor Sarah Palin’s selection as a candidate for Vice-President of the United States.

Sarah’s national campaign put Alaska on the map, thrust Alaska into national consciousness, and was altogether a very good thing for our state. No Chamber of Commerce or Visitor Bureau could possibly have the money to pay for the kind worldwide publicity Alaska gained through the “earned media” i.e. getting a message out through the media without having to pay for it.

Some critics with a political agenda might allege candidate campaign shortcomings caused more harm than good. Not so. Any publicity or campaign consultant will tell you, the word “Alaska” was always spelled and heard correctly – repeatedly. Think of it as more Alaska yard signs than anyone could ever afford. Furthermore, the worldwide interest in Sarah Palin translates into interest in Alaska, and everything we do up here. Some folks probably never heard of the Iron Dog Race, our fabulous hunting and fishing, or anything else about our unique Alaska lifestyle, until the media introduced Sarah to the world. In other words, “it’s a good thing.”

Let’s celebrate Alaska’s celebrity - and leave future politics to the future.