As predicted, the choice of Sarah Palin is being greeted with enthusiasm by the base of the Republican Party.  Palin's choice has electrified and engaged conservatives in much the same way that Obama energized liberals.  As evidence of this, former U.S. Senator and presidential candidate Fred Thompson has endorsed Palin.

In a press release this morning, Thompson stated:

I am absolutely delighted by this selection. Once again, John McCain has shown that he is an independent thinker who paints in bold strokes. Sarah Palin is a conservative reformer with executive experience who will bring a breath of fresh air to Washington. She will be an ideal running mate for John McCain, and will make a major contribution to our country's future.

Locally, Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), who also has a child with Down syndrome, praised the choice of Palin, saying in a press release:

Sarah Palin brings to the Republican ticket a unique and important perspective that is grounded in her role as a wife, mother of five, governor and someone who isn't afraid to shake up the status quo.

This is a bold and exciting pick that demonstrates the Republican Party is focused on the future and changing how Washington, DC does business. As an outsider, Governor Palin has a solid record of making government work better including fighting for landmark ethics reform - she will bring that same focus to Washington, DC.

Finally, as a Westerner, Governor Palin understands the values and ideals that make our region unique. She has been a strong advocate of meeting our energy needs with American energy, she understands the importance of our resource economy, and is a strong protector of our individual freedoms.

And finally, Palin's selection got high marks from the man who probably lost the most today, former Arkansas Governor and presidential candidate Mike Huckabee:

Sarah Palin is a pleasant surprise for those of us who had hoped that Sen. McCain would pick a principled and authentic conservative pro-life leader and Sarah Palin is. As a Governor, she also brings an important balance of understanding of the critical domestic issues that is needed and that the Democrats have ignored in their ticket.

Gov. Palin is smart, authentic, tough, and a dynamic choice that will remind women that if they are not welcome on the Democrat's ticket, they have a place with Republicans.

Not only did Huckabee miss out on a VP bid, he likely lost the role of standard bearer for pro-life and Evangelical Republicans in 2012 to Palin today as well.