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Palin makes one last stop in state

Alaska governor warns voters of Dem domination

By Sara Burnett, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published November 4, 2008 at 12:05 a.m.

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Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin thanks singer Hank Williams Jr. before speaking to 4,000 in Colorado Springs on Monday.

Photo by Barry Gutierrez / The Rocky

Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin thanks singer Hank Williams Jr. before speaking to 4,000 in Colorado Springs on Monday.

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Gov. Sarah Palin made a final pitch to voters Monday, warning them a Democrat-dominated Washington would mean higher taxes, the "gutting" of the defense budget and continued dependence on foreign oil.

Calling Colorado's nine electoral votes pivotal, she asked the crowd of about 4,000 gathered in an airplane hanger to elect her and Sen. John McCain.

"We want to work for you, so will you hire us?" Palin asked the screaming crowd, which responded with applause, followed by chants of "USA."

It was a scene reminiscent of Palin's stop here the Saturday after the Republican National Convention, when the newly nominated vice-presidential candidate and McCain appeared in a different airplane hangar before a crowd of more than 10,000.

Monday's crowd, though smaller, was fired up, booing Democratic Sen. Barack Obama and his running mate, Sen. Joe Biden, throughout Palin's speech.

Country music artist Hank Williams Jr. set the tone as he announced the national anthem.

"You know that song Mr. Obama's not real crazy about?" Williams asked. "We're singing it right now."

Afterward Palin, joined on stage by husband Todd, took the microphone and thanked Williams for his "great inspiration" on the campaign trail.

"Never one to hide his opinion or be afraid to share it," she said. "Hey, he exercises those First Amendment rights. We love him."

Obama spokesman Matt Chandler responded that "all of the last-minute negative attacks in the world can't distract voters from the fact that John McCain and Sarah Palin will continue the failed economic policies of George W. Bush."

Palin said Obama was "out of touch" with small businesses and told voters that in a time of war, the country needs McCain's experience.

"The rousing speeches of our opponent, sure, they can fill a stadium," she said. "But they cannot keep a country safe."

Mariel Catarisano, of Colorado Springs, voted early for McCain/Palin. She came to the rally "to support Sarah."

"She's a strong woman that can lead us in the right direction," Catarisano said.

McCain will make a similar tarmac stop this morning in Grand Junction.