Alaska Democrats say Palin not ready to lead

Alaska Governor Sarah Palin lacks the judgment and experience to assume the country's highest office, the Alaska Democratic Party said today.

"In the coming weeks, John McCain will have to explain why he believes Sarah Palin, the former mayor of a town of 7,000 with absolutely no foreign policy experience, is the best person to serve literally a heartbeat away from the presidency."

"Many Americans will want to hear Sarah Palin's views on the energy crisis, the economy, Iraq, and Afghanistan. She'll need to explain what experience she brings to solving these and other important challenges confronting our nation," said Alaska Democratic Party spokeswoman Kay Brown.

From CNN: Rep. Rahm Emanuel, the 4th ranking House Democrat, said in a statement the choice of Palin "shows political panic."

"Is this really who the Republican Party wants to be one heartbeat away from the Presidency? Given Sarah Palin's lack of experience on every front and on nearly every issue, this Vice Presidential pick doesn't show judgment: it shows political panic," he said.

From a Alaska Democratic Party press release