To the editor:

I love presidential election years when yard signs and fall leaves compete for space in my yard. I also love the rhetoric that goes back and forth about the candidates. I have read, with interest, recent editorials and articles about John McCain’s surprise pick to be his running mate: Gov. Sarah Palin.

I, too, was surprised by his choice. However, I am not surprised by the numerous attacks condemning that choice. I think it is ironic that Gov. Sebelius is leading the counteroffensive against Palin’s speech at the Republican convention (Journal-World, Sept. 4). In this article, she recalls Palin’s so-called misjudgments in her brief public life. When I tried to recall some of the accomplishments of Sebelius’ career, I remembered our governor featured in Vogue Magazine.

In a Jan. 18, 2008, article in the Topeka Capital-Journal, “Sebelius featured in Vogue,” the governor’s spokeswoman Nicole Corcoran said how stunning our governor looked in an Oscar de la Renta dress and how great the article was. She said it was good for Kansas.

Ironically, in the same Capital-Journal article, Palin is mentioned for her efforts to clean up corrupt political and business practices in her state: Alaska. After hearing Palin’s powerful speech delivered at the Republican convention and hearing the media refer to her as the Iron Lady, I clearly see who has actually accomplished something for the good of her state.

Carmen Penny,
Lawrence