Some legislators say the old Palin is gone [View All]

[spindrifter]

By ANNE SUTTON
The Associated Press

Published: January 31st, 2009 12:30 AM
Last Modified: January 31st, 2009 12:30 AM

JUNEAU -- Driving home at night from her office at the Capitol, the leader of Alaska's House Democrats, Rep. Beth Kerttula, often passes the governor's white-columned mansion and wonders why there aren't more lights on.

<snip>

It's a small matter, but it's part of the buzz around the Capitol among lawmakers who are seeing less of their governor than in past years and wondering what it means in the wake of a vice presidential run that brought Palin global fame and notoriety.

<snip>

Some say she appears more tense than the vice presidential candidate who delivered sly jokes and incendiary speeches to packed rallies across the Lower 48.

"Not so sparky," said Sen. Bert Stedman, R-Sitka, who wonders if the distractions of her newfound celebrity will keep Palin from devoting her full attention to Alaska's looming budget shortfall.

<more>

http://www.adn.com/news/politics/story/674119.html