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Contrary to news reports, Alaska Governor Sarah Palin was far from a long shot to be selected as Republican Presidential nominee John McCain's running mate.
BetUS.com - an online gambling site currently offering bets on the US Presidential election including state-by-state electoral college outcomes - had offered Palin with 6/1 odds during the first week of August. Only Tim Aplenty (with 5/2 odds) and Mitt Romney (5/7 odds) had better odds at the time. Florida Governor Charlie Crist was listed with the same 6/1 odds as Palin.
The mainstream media considered the Palin pick a complete surprise out of left field.
Just prior to McCain selecting Palin, Retired Gen. Colin Powell was among the potential running mates who had been considered by John McCain, campaign advisers told Politico.
Colin Powell would add celebrity to the ticket, as well as reinforce McCain's strength as a potential commander in chief, which his campaign considers to be one of his chief assets, Politico pointed out at the time.
Little did they know the type of celebrity that Sarah Palin would bring to the ticket.
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Christopher Costigan, Gambling911.com Publisher
