Palin pulls in base

Much of the talk among members of the delegation today and tonight was about John McCain's selection of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin to join him on the ticket.

The consensus seemed to be that the pick had already energized the base -- several delegates said they had friends who had written off McCain who were now on board with his candidacy -- and that Palin's life story, executive experience and stances on abortion and hunting had the potential to encourage Wisconsin's independent voters to back McCain.

Scott Southworth, the Juneau County district attorney and a first-time national delegate, called it a "brilliant" pick by McCain on many levels and said he thought McCain would win Wisconsin because of the pick.

"She identifies more with the American people than any of the other candidates," he said. "Governor Palin really attracts a lot of younger voters. She's going to be very attractive to women, especially mothers. She's going to be very attractive to hunters because she's an avid NRA member and hunter herself and really identifies, I think, with working people in Wisconsin."

Listen to audio of an interview with Southworth

Madison's Jeff Waksman wasn't optimistic about picking up Clinton voters because of the contrast between Clinton's and Palin's views on abortion

"Hillary voters tend to be avidly pro-choice," he said. "I know some Hillary supporters who dislike Obama and they have a problem with Palin being pro-life, but you don't need all of the Hillary supporters, you just need some of them."

He said at a minimum the addition of a woman to the GOP ticket could pull in some Dem-leaning voters who aren't yet sold on Barack Obama.

"I think they're looking for a reason to vote for McCain and this gives them a reason ... this might keep them from coming around [to Obama.]"

Robin Moore of Brookfield said Palin's affinity for hunting and her stance on the 2nd Amendment could attract Wisconsinites.

"I'm not sure everybody just automatically flips a switch for McCain because of that, but it certainly makes the ticket more attractive, especially when we have the high number of independent voters that we have in Wisconsin," she said.

Among conservatives, Moore said Palin's opposition to abortion and her fiscal responsibility made her an appealing pick. And she said Palin's experience with beauty contests provides her some background to deal with the scrutiny of a national campaign.

"I think she has the intestinal fortitude that is required to go through campaign season and do a job as vice president," she said.

-- By Mike Schramm