Republicans: Palin's an "awesome pick"

Here's local reaction to John McCain's choice of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his vice presidential nominee.

Republican state Attorney General McKenna: "It's an unexpected and brilliant choice. He needed to choose someone who would rally the base. This clearly does that, but she also has tremendous crossover appeal, obviously to women.

"The pundits are already saying now McCain can't criticize Barack (Obama) for not having enough experience. Well, Palin is not running for president. She's running for vice president. She gets the experience she needs while she's vice president."

Tony Benegas, 47, West Richland, a city councilman and a delegate to the national Republican convention: "What an awesome pick. She's just an incredible person. Very conservative. Extremely pro-life. I'm just awe-struck. I can't think of a better choice. She's a gorgeous lady first of all. Five kids. Talk about shattering the glass ceiling ... Here's someone I can wholeheartedly support."

Laura Cheney, 63, White Salmon, Klickitat County, homemaker and a delegate to the national Republican convention: "I think it will excite the base. She's an accomplished woman and I think she has heart. ... I think the fact she's on the ticket gives women a feeling that they are more empowered. I think women figure women always listen better than men to women's issues. So I think it could be a real benefit."

State Republican Party Chairman Luke Esser: "We're offering a Western ticket to the people of the country this year. Plus Sarah Palin has the ability to appeal to a lot of those who supported Hilary Clinton's historic candidacy. She has a tradition of shaking up the status quo. She's another maverick that goes along well with Sen. McCain."

Matthew Lundh, 23, Seattle, who works for the King County Republican Party and is an alternate to the national Republican convention: "I couldn't be more pleased. He made a good choice picking someone who is an up-and-comer in the party. She has fought for ethics reform and fought against some of the corrupt machine in Alaska. I've followed her career since she became governor in Alaska. She was my dark horse. I was really hoping that she'd be the one."

Dino Rossi, Republican candidate for governor: "I think it's a perfect fit for John McCain. I flew up and did a fundraiser for her in 2006. I was very impressed with her. The conservatives will be happy. She's bright and articulate ... America is just going to have to get to know her."

Republican Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers of Spokane, Co-Chair of the Congressional Women's Caucus: "This is a bold and exciting pick that demonstrates the Republican Party is focused on the future and changing how Washington, D.C., does business. As an outsider, Governor Palin has a solid record of making government work better, including fighting for landmark ethics reform — she will bring that same focus to Washington, D.C."