Sen. John McCain praises Gov . Watch McCain praise Palin » . Sarah Palin 's `` grit , integrity , good sense '' Palin , 44 , has been governor of Alaska since 2006 . She is the first female to hold that office in U.S. history and was elected by a wide margin over Republican nominee Mike Dunleavy. Palin known for backing tough ethical standards , focus on energy , natural resources .
Sen. John McCain praises Gov . Sarah Palin 's `` grit , integrity , good sense '' Palin , 44 , has been governor of Alaska since 2006 . She is the first female to hold that office in U.S. history and was elected by a wide margin over Republican nominee Mike Dunleavy. Palin known for backing tough ethical standards , focus on energy , natural resources .