McCain's Been Running Longer Than Palin's Been Governing

by Chris Bowers [courtesy of Open Left - Front Page]

Here is a fun fact: John McCain has been running for President longer than Sarah Palin has been governing. McCain announced his exploratory committee on November 13th, 2006:

McCain to Form Committee To Explore White House Bid

By Dana Milbank
Washington Post Staff Writer
Monday, November 13, 2006; Page A08

Sen. John McCain of Arizona said he will form an exploratory committee as the first step toward a possible run for the Republican presidential nomination in 2008.

Palin took office three weeks later, on December 4th, 2006:

Palin was also the first Alaskan governor born after Alaska achieved U.S. statehood and the first not to be inaugurated in Juneau, instead choosing to hold her inauguration ceremony in Fairbanks. She took office on December 4, 2006.

This is probably the first time in history that a presidential nominee has chosen a Vice-President who has governed for less than the candidate has been campaigning.

Update: It also turns out that during McCain's entire campaign, he has never been to Alaska. Since he has been campaigning longer than she has been governing, it is hard to believe that they have met many times. This pick is entirely political and superficial.

Update 2: Turns out they only met once before McCain offered her the VP slot:

John McCain first met Sarah Palin only six months ago and had just one conversation with the Alaska governor before offering her the vice presidential slot on the Republican ticket, the Arizona senator's campaign said Friday.

One meeting to pick possibly the next leader of the country? Nice judgment call, McCain.