Can Sarah Palin's Support Boost Joe Miller to Victory?
Former Alaska governor campaigns for beleaguered Tea Party favorite.
WASHINGTON, Oct. 28, 2010 — -- As Alaska Senate candidate Joe Miller plunges in the polls, Sarah Palin re-engages in the hard-fought race as she tries to revive the momentum that helped Miller, a Tea Party favorite, win an upset victory over Sen. Lisa Murkowski in the primary.
Republican heavy-hitters and television stars join Palin and husband Todd today at a Miller "Change D.C." rally in Anchorage. The rally coincides with the release of a new poll by the Hays Research Group that shows Miller trailing Murkowski, who is running as a write-in candidate, and Democratic challenger Scott McAdams. The poll found write-in candidates, which presumably includes Murkowski, with 34 percent of the vote; McAdams with 29 percent; and Miller with 23 percent.
In addition to the Palins, the rally will include video testimonials from such conservatives as Rep. Michele Bachmann of Minnesota, Sen. Jim DeMint of South Carolina and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee. Actress Janine Turner, best known for her role on the Alaska-inspired "Northern Exposure," is also slated to attend.
While Palin's support gave Miller a boost in the Republican primary, she has kept a relatively low profile in her home state race. Until now, that is. Palin re-emerged this week, taking to Twitter and Facebook to defend Miller's record and to drum up support for his campaign.
The 2008 vice presidential nominee came to Miller's defense Wednesday after the release of records in which he'd admitted he'd lied about improperly using government computers while working as a attorney with the local government.
"Who's the real Joe Miller? Media obviously ignores GOP nominee's winning record, message & plan for AK to favor their Leftwinger chosen one," Palin posted on Twitter.
Following an Alaska Senate debate, Palin took to Facebook Monday to defend Miller's military record and attack the "gall" of Murkowski.
Palin accused Murkowski of contesting "the will of the people" by running as a write-in candidate after Miller's surprise primary victory.
