Reactions to Sarah Palin’s selection as Republican VP pick

Watch below Alaska Governor Sarah Palin accepting her vice presidential nomination:

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi: “The selection of a vice presidential candidate is one of the most significant and telling decisions a presidential candidate can make. John McCain’s selection of Sarah Palin raises serious questions about his judgment. Why, when the country is fighting two wars, facing an uncertain economy and an energy crisis, did Senator McCain make the choice that he did? Why, with so many other qualified women and men in his party, did John McCain choose Sarah Palin? Sarah Palin is not the right choice. She shares John McCain’s commitment to overturning Roe v. Wade and continuing George Bush’s failed economic policies. John McCain and Sarah Palin will not bring the American people the New Direction they need.”

Former Republican presidential candidate and Tennessee Sen. Fred Thompson: “I am absolutely delighted by this selection. Once again, John McCain has shown that he is an independent thinker who paints in bold strokes. Sarah Palin is a conservative reformer with executive experience who will bring a breath of fresh air to Washington. She will be an ideal running mate for John McCain, and will make a major contribution to our country’s future.”

Former Republican presidential candidate and Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee: “Sarah Palin is a pleasant surprise for those of us who had hoped that Senator McCain would pick a principled and authentic conservative pro-life leader. Sarah Palin is both principled and authentic. As a Governor, she also brings an important balance of understanding of the critical domestic issues that is needed and that the Democrats have ignored with their ticket. Governor Palin is smart, authentic, tough, and a dynamic choice that will remind women that they may not be welcome on the Democrats ticket, but they have a place with Republicans.”

Former Republican presidential candidate and Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney: “Governor Palin’s story is one that all Americans will find inspiring. She’s a Washington outsider with a commitment to the conservative principles that will make our nation stronger. I look forward to campaigning for Senator McCain, Governor Palin and Republicans all across the country.”

Democratic nominees Barack Obama and Joe Biden (joint statement): “We send our congratulations to Governor Palin and her family on her designation as the Republican nominee for vice president. Her selection is yet another encouraging sign that all barriers are falling in our politics and while we obviously have differences over how to best lead this country forward, Governor Palin is an admirable person and will add a compelling new voice to this campaign.”

New York Democratic Sen. Charles Schumer: “While Palin is a fine person, her lack of experience makes the thought of her assuming the presidency troubling. I particularly look forward to the Biden-Palin debate in Missouri.”

Barack Obama campaign spokesman Bill Burton: “Today, John McCain put the former mayor of a town of 9,000 with zero foreign policy experience a heartbeat away from the presidency. Governor Palin shares John McCain’s commitment to overturning Roe v. Wade, the agenda of Big Oil and continuing George Bush’s failed economic policies — that’s not the change we need, it’s just more of the same.”

Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska: “John McCain has taken a bold step today in choosing Gov. Sarah Palin as his vice presidential running mate. Gov. Palin has risen to every challenge shes faced, and her choice is historic for Alaska and for the women of America. Sarah brings a great deal of excitement to the campaign and she makes Alaskans proud. Gov. Palin understands and is a leader on the most crucial issue facing our nation today — energy. Her candidacy will highlight Alaska’s critical role as a state that can help meet our nation’s energy needs through domestic oil and gas exploration and development. Sarah has built an impressive record as Governor of Alaska, and she will bring a valuable outside-the-beltway perspective to John McCain’s candidacy. Gov. Palin is smart, energetic and her choice as the Republican vice presidential candidate represents a new direction in the race for the White House.”

Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese: “Today, presumptive Republican Presidential nominee Senator John McCain announced he has chosen first term Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as his choice to be his Vice Presidential running mate. Although only holding an executive, state-wide office for less than two years, Gov. Palin has already shown that she is a fierce opponent of equality. America may not know much about Sarah Palin, but based on what our community has seen of her, we know enough,” said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. “Sarah Palin not only supported the 1998 Alaska constitutional amendment banning marriage equality but, in her less than two years as Governor, even expressed the extreme position of supporting stripping away domestic partner benefits for state workers. When you can’t even support giving our community the rights to health insurance and pension benefits, it’s a frightening window into where she stands on equality.”

House Minority Leader John Boehner, R-Ohio: “John McCain made an historic choice in naming Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, a popular and proven reformer with a record of accomplishment and real executive experience, as his running mate. In choosing Governor Palin, McCain has put Washington on notice — he is serious about shaking up the status quo and leading a movement for reform on behalf of families and small businesses. And Im pleased he made the announcement in my home state of Ohio. Palin is a strong advocate for taxpayers, using her veto to cut wasteful spending and put a stop to the infamous Bridge to Nowhere. And she is an important ally for Americans demanding action on an All of the Above energy reform strategy to help lower fuel costs. While Barack Obama chose a running mate who shares his opposition to increasing the supply of American energy to help bring down gas prices, McCain and Palin will lead the fight to liberate the United States from its dangerous dependence on foreign oil. Last month I had the pleasure of meeting Governor Palin while in Alaska on our American Energy Tour, and I can attest that she will be a strong agent of change in Washington. The McCain-Palin ticket has the experience to lead the effort to fix a broken Washington. This is the ticket that is ready to lead.”

Americans United for Life Action President and CEO Dr. Charmaine Yoest: “With this bold and inspired selection, Sen. McCain has verified his stated commitment to assembling a truly pro-life administration. The Republican ticket stands in stark contrast to the stridently pro-abortion ticket put forth by the Democratic Party. You can be sure the vice presidential selections will have far-reaching ramifications in this race.”

Executive Director of MoveOn.org Eli Pariser: “On his 72nd birthday, Senator McCain has chosen a VP based on her political currency rather than her ability to lead our country in a crisis. If John McCain wins in November, he’ll be the oldest president in U.S. history, and Sarah Palin would be a heartbeat away from being our commander in chief. It’s not only fair, but critical in this case, to ask if she’s up for the job of commander in chief. We just can’t afford a gamble like this with our future.”

Source: Fox News