Palin Losing Support In Alaska

Before she was chosen to be McCain's running-mate on the national Republican ticket, Sarah Palin was a pretty popular governor. Just a few months ago, she had an approval rating of 82% among Alaskans. Most people, even Independents and Democrats though she had done a pretty good job of governing from the center -- neither too far to the right or the left.

But recently her popularity is starting to fall in Alaska. That 82% has now fallen to 68%, and may fall even further. She is still popular with Alaska Republicans. Around 93% of them support her. But she is experiencing a significant drop among Independents and Democrats. She has lost 18 points among Independents and 24 points among Democrats.

There are several reasons for the drop in popularity. One is "troopergate". After saying she would cooperate with the investigation, she is now fighting to derail it -- even to the point of bringing in out-of-state lawyers to stop or delay the investigation.

Another is the shrill right-wing tone she has taken in the presidential race. After governing from the middle in Alaska, she has disappointed many Alaskans with her siding with the ultra-right and indulging in attack politics.

Others think she was fine as governor, but is in over her head with the run for the vice-presidency. Her performance on the campaign trail and in interviews the last couple of weeks has not inspired confidence.

Will she still carry Alaska? Probably. But it'll be a lot closer than it would've been a month ago. The upcoming debate this week is very important for her. It could be disastrous for her campaign (and McCain's) if she comes out of the debate looking foolish -- and that is a distinct possibility.

(The above cartoon is by Peter Dunlap-Shohl in the Anchorage Daily News.)