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Palin stiffs the House Republicans
January 31, 2009 7:34 PM
ABC News' Jonathan Karl reports: When House Republicans planned their annual winter retreat, they extended an invitation to Alaska Gov. Sara Palin, hoping the party's 2008 vice presidential nominee would give a morale-building speech to the more than 130 Republican members of Congress gathered this weekend in Hot Springs, Va.
Retreat organizers tell ABC News that Palin politely declined, giving a perfectly understandable reason. According to the Congressional Institute, which hosted the conference, Palin said she simply could not make it to the retreat because pressing state business made it impossible for her to leave Alaska this weekend.
So where is Palin this weekend? She's in Washington, D.C., attending the super-elite Alfalfa Dinner.
"She lied to us," said a Republican at the retreat.
Asked why Palin told the Republicans she could not leave Alaska this weekend, Palin spokesman Bill McAllister offered this non-responsive answer:
"My understanding is that the governor has not scheduled any partisan events on her current trip to D.C.," McAllister told ABC News.
The House Republicans seemed to do just fine without Palin. Their list of speakers included Republican stars Michael Steele, Mitt Romney, Tim Pawlenty and Newt Gingrich.
Asked about Palin's no-show, House Republican leader John Boehner shrugged.
"Whatever," Boehner said.
January 31, 2009 | Permalink | Share | User Comments (1048)
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Sarah's all about what is going to net her the most money. A true 'fiscal' conservative. I do hope she gets the $11 million advance she's seeking for her book deal.
Posted by: Eric | Jan 31, 2009 7:47:00 PM
You Betcha!! -- Still convinced that McCain was not supposed to win and he set that in concrete by adding Palin to his ticket.
Posted by: Ford Fairlane | Jan 31, 2009 7:49:00 PM
She has 'Redoubt' on her mind...
Posted by: tendergroins. | Jan 31, 2009 7:50:03 PM
Stupid is as stupid does!!!
Posted by: JimM | Jan 31, 2009 7:50:34 PM
She is SO dumb. She tries to build her profile at a private party but snubs the Republicans and without them, any hopes she has of taking a run in 2012 are dust. That's perfect. I hope she keeps shooting her feet off. She fits Archie Bunker's definition of a ding bat perfectly.
Posted by: Marshall | Jan 31, 2009 7:57:50 PM
Palin is s-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o 2008.
Posted by: Gotterdammerung | Jan 31, 2009 8:00:35 PM
She seems to only be interested if it involves compensation - sounds like Obama would offer her a position in his own cabinet .. they at least have that in common!
Posted by: Marcus | Jan 31, 2009 8:00:37 PM
How very predictable!
Posted by: ally d | Jan 31, 2009 8:01:07 PM
There you have it, folks! The future of the GOP! Lies, more lies, and more,"non statements".
Posted by: gravy | Jan 31, 2009 8:06:05 PM
Gee. I thought she wasn't relevant any more. You disappointed progressives are thrilled to have Palin to kick around, right? Thrilled! Try to focus on Daschle and Geithner and the tax cheats in your own party why not?
Posted by: beebop | Jan 31, 2009 8:10:48 PM
"Their list of speakers included Republican stars Michael Steele, Mitt Romney, Tim Pawlenty and Newt Gingrich." I don't really see how anyone can blame her for making up some excuse not to hang out with this bunch of losers for the whole weekend.
Posted by: Sparky | Jan 31, 2009 8:14:32 PM
Palin is upset with the congressional Republicans because they do not support the stimulus package which will give the poorly managed states money to pay towards their deficit and build bridges to nowhere. The stimulus is a bail out for the states which are running deficits. Just like the banks, AIG and Lehman brothers, Governors will take the money for their own pet projects and will not stimulate the economy. The usual suspects who are notorious to stop the trickle down to the people are once again spreading their hands in front of the poor tax payers who have no confidence anymore that their taxes will be used prudently and effectively to stimulate the economy. The last bail out money has disappeared and not accounted for. Palin needs to learn from Mayor Bloomberg and Arnold that they need to cut spending in whichever way it is possible.
Posted by: gjkotw01 | Jan 31, 2009 8:14:57 PM
"Tax cheats"? Don't we all do our best to pay as little as possible? lol
Nice trye, beebop.
Palin/Steele in 2012!!!
Guarantees a second term for Obama.
Posted by: gravy | Jan 31, 2009 8:16:18 PM
Sarah Palin is full of @#!^
Posted by: Lily Bell | Jan 31, 2009 8:17:13 PM
OH NO YOU DID'NT!!!!
Posted by: Lily Bell | Jan 31, 2009 8:20:08 PM
Sad, , , so, so sad. Sarah Palin is a "Go-It-Alone Diva". But she will eventually learn that if she really want to have a successful 2012 presidential run, she better learn to solidify her relationships with the Beltway Party leaders.
Posted by: Perusing-Through | Jan 31, 2009 8:23:15 PM
She's so into Obama now that she hopes to get a place in his cabinet to help her gain more experience outside of Alaska. lol
Posted by: Karen | Jan 31, 2009 8:24:01 PM
ANOTHER ABC NEWS REPORT THAT THINKS THEY KNOW EVERYTHING THAT'S GOING ON..... I'LL BETCHA EVERYBODY ON THE INSIDE KNEW THE 'REAL' SCOOP .......
ALL YOU PEOPLE THAT CAN'T SAY ANYTHING GOOD ABOUT A BEAUTIFUL WOMAN THAT CAN BE A LEADER AND A MOTHER ARE JUST SO JEALOUS ..YOU AIN'T SEEN NUTHIN' YET!!!
WISH WE HAD MORE WOMEN IN GOVERNMENT !!
Posted by: MY WORLD | Jan 31, 2009 8:27:15 PM
Hey gravy, understand this. Tax avoidance is legal. Tax evasion isn't. And as for you Bush haters, didn't you get enough of a chance to kick Sarah around during the campaign? Are you afraid of her in the future? Do you just want to be sure that she can't come back. Give me a break. Or are you all pin-heads.
Posted by: carn1val | Jan 31, 2009 8:28:14 PM
Ha, figures! Just like the rest of the polititions.
Posted by: Joe the Plumber | Jan 31, 2009 8:29:47 PM
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