RALEIGH, N.C. — A little-known governor from Alaska has stolen the media spotlight from Democratic Presidential Candidate Barack Obama.

The soon-to-be Republican Candidate — John McCain — tapped 44-year-old Sarah Palin to be his VP — a move that surprised people across the country and right here in the Triangle, mostly because they never heard Palin’s name before today.

Considered a dark horse, local Republicans say putting the conservative mother of 5 on the GOP ticket is brilliant.

“Her background makes her uniquely American and I think she’s gonna bring those values that are not only Republican, but American values that will make her an effective Vice President,” said NC Republican Delegate Kieran Shanahan.

Recent numbers show North Carolina leaning towards McCain and a Republican strategist believes Palin may appeal to women voters here — giving McCain the push he needs.

“She’s really made it on her own, she isn’t a soccer mom, but a hockey mom, she’s a governor and I think that a lot of women will relate to her,” said Republican Media Strategist Marc Rotterman.

And on the heels of the Democratic National Convention, Political Scientist David McLennan says the timing of McCain’s announcement has upstaged the history made last night.

“This was a strategic pick, is to get the news cycle back for the weekend heading into the Republican Convention,” said McLennan.

“I think this’ll be a very close election, it’s gonna be a dog fight,” according to Rotterman.

 Other reactionary statements released to the media Friday:  

“I commend John McCain on his excellent pick of Governor Sarah Palin of Alaska to be the next Vice President of the United States.  Governor Palin is a strong, pro-life conservative with a proven track record of reform in Alaska, effectively bringing accountability and transparency to government.  Her experience as chief executive of a state that is at the forefront of the energy debate will complement John McCain’s experience and leadership.  This is an exciting and well balanced ticket that will assuredly provide the leadership that America needs.”
  –U.S. Senator Richard Burr (R-NC)

 
“I think Gov. Sarah Palin, a former mayor with a background of cleaning up state government, is a great choice for vice president.  She is someone with a real record of changing the status quo and challenging corruption in state government.  Gov. Palin stopped the infamous ‘bridge to nowhere’ and used her veto to actually cut spending.  People are hungry for change in Washington just as they are hungry for change in state government in North Carolina.  The contrast between the reformer and outsider–Palin and the consummate insider who has been a U.S. Senator for over 20 years– Joe Biden, is just as stark as the contrast in this campaign for Governor of North Carolina.  I am the candidate running to change state government, running against a lieutenant governor who has been part of the failed status quo for over 20 years.  Sarah Palin proves that sometimes it takes a mayor to clean up state government.”
  –Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory, the Republican nominee for governor

“I am delighted with the selection of Governor Sara Palin as the Republican nominee for Vice-President of the United States.  It is a historic day and we have a great opportunity to elect our first female vice-president. Governor Palin is extremely qualified and has a wonderful reputation as a fighter and a reformer.  She and John McCain share a commitment to our long-held core values and roots, limited government, and a strong presence in the world as we face multiple threats to liberty and freedom. I look forward to working very hard to help them carry North Carolina for the McCain/Palin Campaign this November.”
  –Senator Elizabeth Dole (R-NC)