Dozens of supporters came to talk hunting, fishing, and Alaska with Todd Palin at the Pro Bass Shops in Denver on Tuesday. They also managed to squeeze in a little time to talk about his wife, GOP Vice Presidential nominee and Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, and the family's journey on the campaign trail.
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Todd Palin, frequently referred to by his wife as Alaska's "First Dude," mingled with an eclectic group of well-wishers, some you would expect to see at a sporting-goods store and others who clearly just came to see him in person. True to his roots, Todd Palin came to the store dressed in work jeans and a black fleece complete with an "Iron Dog" racing logo. A four-time champion of the "Iron Dog", an annual 2000 mile, weeklong snowmobile competition, he immediately got to work, shaking hands and signing autographs.
Denver firefighter Leon Scott said he came to show his support for the McCain-Palin ticket because he says it best represent the issues that are most important to him, such as maintaining a strong national defense and promoting a “sane” economy.
“I don’t think we’ll get that with [Sen. Barack] Obama,” said Scott. “I’m concerned too many people aren’t going to think about the issues and vote for Obama just because he’s the black guy.”
Scott, who is black and a member of his local firefighters’ union, says he thinks national security trumps all other issues this election and expressed his doubts over Obama’s ability to lead.
Vietnam veterans Marsha Prell-Sharp and Dale Lanham also came to see Palin because they said Todd and his wife represent the kind of leadership they would like to see in Washington.
“Sarah is pushing everything I love and care about politically,” Prell-Sharp said.
Prell-Sharp served in the Air Force and now lives in Larkspur. Lanham served in the U.S. Navy and currently resides in Littleton.
Writer P.A. Ritzer said he came to hand deliver an autographed copy of his historical novel, Seven Ox Seven, to Palin, something he thought the Alaskan would enjoy. “The historical fiction I write supports the traditional values the Palins uphold,” Ritzer said.
Ritzer also said the Palins represent a part of the country that the rest of America often doesn’t understand.
“Her accent is made fun all the time,” he added. “But, I grew up in Wisconsin, so to hear her accent makes me feel at home.”