Palin’s replacement her polar opposite
ANCHORAGE, Alaska — In temperament, Sean Parnell is the polar opposite of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin.
Palin, with her signature updo, glasses and bright wardrobe, has had a tenure marked by high drama, ethics complaints and family crises.
The lesser-known lieutenant governor, an attorney with a long history in public service, is quiet in both dress and demeanor.
Republican state Rep. Mike Hawker described Parnell, who is inheriting Palin’s office with her sudden resignation, as a “public craftsman, not a swashbuckling crusader.”
“He’s passionate but deliberate,” Hawker said Saturday.
Hawker believes Parnell’s even-keel personality will help him have a better working relationship with legislators than Palin. But others say it raises questions about Parnell’s ability to lead.
“I think Sean certainly is not going to scare away any potential opponents,” said Andrew Halcro, a Palin critic who lost the 2006 gubernatorial race to her. “I don’t think he’s intimidating enough.”
Democratic state Rep. Les Gara added that while Parnell “seems like a nice guy,” one of his weaknesses is not articulating a specific vision.
“But I’ll keep my mind open and see if he has a vision to present,” Gara said.
Parnell, a Republican who has served in both chambers of the state Legislature, will be sworn in as governor July 26, the day Palin steps down. The current term expires in early December 2010, and Parnell has said he plans to seek a subsequent four-year term.
A social and political conservative, Parnell emerged as Alaska’s next leader when Palin, the 2008 Republican vice presidential candidate, abruptly announced her resignation Friday. Palin and her representatives are keeping mum about her future plans, but the governor has been seen as a likely presidential contender in 2012.
“I think we have a great team in place,” Parnell said shortly after Palin’s announcement. “I think we can have a seamless and stable transition across the next few weeks.”
Parnell served four years each in the state House and Senate, starting in 1992, then worked for ConocoPhilips before taking a job as the deputy director of the Alaska Division of Oil and Gas. Last year, he challenged U.S. Rep. Don Young but lost by 304 votes in the Republican primary.
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