 Larry Persily, a Palin staffer, and Jim Whitaker, the Republican mayor of Fairbanks, indicated their support of Palin as Governor, but questioned whether she was ready to serve as vice president.Other Alaskan politicians, such as Republican Gail Phillips, expressed surprise.Kari Sleight, publisher of the "Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman", which covered much of Palin's life in Wasilla, endorsed Palin for Vice-President.