Mary, we've known each other for several years. You've been very active in Republican politics, including as chairman of the GOP precinct organization. Politically, I believe you're pretty conservative. Maybe you could give us a little of your personal history and background?

I have a traditional upbringing. My dad was a US Navy Seal (Frogman) and my mom stayed home to be a great mother and wife. I worked my way through school and hold two degrees in dentistry. I worked until 2000 when I decided perhaps I could serve my country by volunteering full time for the Republican Party.

Have you always been a Republican or did you convert?

I was not politically inclined until later in life. My husband, Tom, made sure we voted absentee for Ronald Reagan for President since we were on the road moving to California during the election in 1984. That was my first vote ever.  I remember registering to vote in California as DTS until I realized I could not vote for the candidates I wanted in the primary. Since the Republican candidates were the ones that lined up with my philosophy, it made sense to register Republican. 

What are your thoughts as to having a woman on any ticket, Republican or Democrat? Does it matter to you?

Gender doesn't really matter to me personally because I think a person's abilities and character are more important to leadership than their gender. There is no achievement in gender, you just have to be born. I generally view 'identity politics' as a trait of the other party and think it's pretty shallow.

There are so many reasons to be excited about Governor Sarah Palin on the ticket. The fact that she is a woman is only one factor and it may help some women voters take a more positive view toward the Republican Party. However, there is plenty about Governor Sarah Palin that will appeal to both men and women.

You are older than me by a few years, I think, do you think that there is an 'age gap' among women - meaning that women who experienced the gender revolution at work might be more inclined to cross party lines to vote for a woman for office while younger women, who grew up in a more even playing field, might not feel that way?

I worked in a profession with mostly males and did not experience a 'gender revolution'. It is hard for me to imagine a woman crossing party lines just because of gender although there are women who probably would. I think women of any age look at many aspects of a candidate when they are deciding whom to vote for. At least I hope that's the case. 

How important do you think the 'time' issue is for women. Meaning, in my day to day life, I've found one of the things women, particularly working women complain about is that they work, but that it really impacts the other more traditional family responsibilities they are still expected to perform.

Every situation is different depending on one's expectations of themselves and their partners. Sometimes adjustments have to be made by everyone involved so there is balance of responsibilities and fulfillment at the same time.

With 5 children, having run a small business, being in elective office up to being elected Governor of Alaska with some great outside interests (NRA, beauty queen and basketball), Sarah Palin seems to have accomplished this very well. Her husband must be a great partner.  

By saying you didn't experience a gender revolution do you mean that you found the business atmosphere to be more difficult for women?

No, the atmosphere was merit based, as it should be.

Who did you support in the Republican Presidential Primary, and why?

I supported Mitt Romney because of his demonstrated leadership, economic experience and he articulated a conservative world view with national and border security as priorities.

Besides her gender, what do you think Governor Palin brings to the ticket?

She brings a lot to the ticket. She is a very well rounded person with a compelling life story. Besides having more leadership experience than Obama, she has actually implemented reform and accountability, not just 'talked' about it. She gets it on how we are to achieve energy independence and I hope she influences John McCain in this regard.

Mostly, I love her attitude about the reason for running for office - to challenge the status quo to serve the common good. Now there's a novel concept! She said a ship is safe in harbor but that is not why it is built. She says we should govern with integrity and goodwill, with clear convictions and a servant's heart! Wow!  She is one of us!

This attitude has immense appeal for voters who think their elected officials are in it more to serve themselves.

Today we found out that Palin's 17 year old, unmarried daughter is pregnant. Do you think this is a campaign issue?

It shouldn't be. As a family, they seem to be dealing with it responsibly and with love.

If Republicans win the White House and the President was to become incapacitated in office, do you think Palin has the experience or ability to deal with aggressive foreign leaders like Putin?

I think she has already demonstrated that she has the personal qualities and toughness to deal with whatever comes her way. I don't think she got the nickname "barracuda" for nothing!  As any good leader knows, you have to surround yourself with very competent people as well.

As a conservative, does this make you want to work harder for the Republican ticket? Do you think this will help drive Republican volunteers to walk precincts and make calls for the ticket?

Yes, yes and yes! 

Beatles or Rolling Stones?

Both.

Does Governor Palin's  nomination help end the opinion expressed by some women in the GOP that it is a 'good old boys' club with a glass ceiling for women?

No, It is an "insider's club" with many who go along to get along to serve themselves instead of doing what is right.  Nominating a fresh leader like Governor Sarah Palin, a proven reformer who is more in touch with Republican voters by her  attitude, values, and idea of service to voters is a great start!

By 'insiders club' then you would be arguing that there are no inherent obstacles to women or ethnic minorities rising in Party ranks to leadership positions?

No. By "insiders club" I mean there ARE obstacles for ANYONE who challenges the status quo, is an independent thinker or is reform minded, be they a woman, man, ethnic minority etc.

It is really too bad because in the long run, a Party of insiders is grooming spineless lemmings instead of competent leaders. Voters got sick of this in 2006 and that is why Republcians lost so many seats. That same year, the voters in Alaska apparently became awakened to the fact that reform was needed and helped Governor Sarah Palin overcome the "insider's club".