CAROLYN KASTER—AP Alaska Governor Sarah Palin

Alaska Governor Sarah Palin

On August 28, 2008, Republican presidential nominee John McCain announced his choice of Alaska's governor, Sarah Palin, to be his running mate. It is a historic nomination. Palin is the first woman to run on the Republican presidential ticket and the second to run for Vice President for a major party. This is not the first time Palin has made history. On December 4, 2006, she became the first woman ever to be elected governor of Alaska. At 42, she was also the youngest person ever to take the office.

Palin was born on February 11, 1964, in Sandpoint, Idaho. That same year, her family moved to Skagway, Alaska, where her parents were teachers. Palin was the point guard of her high school basketball team in Wasilla, Alaska. She earned the nickname "Sarah Barracuda" because of her intensity on the court. After high school, Palin returned to the Midwest to attend college. She graduated from the University of Idaho in 1987 and holds a bachelor's degree in journalism.

Before entering politics, Palin had a brief career as a television sports reporter. Palin was twice elected to the Wasilla City Council and served two terms as the town's mayor. She lives in the state capital, Juneau, during legislative sessions and in Wasilla the rest of the year. She and her husband, Todd, have five children — Track, Bristol, Willow, Piper and Trig.