Sarah Palin introduced as McCain's choice for VP

DAYTON, Ohio -- Republican John McCain today introduced Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate -- a move that could shake up the presidential race with a social conservative who will appeal to the party's base and a woman who may attract disaffected Democrats who backed New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton instead of Barack Obama.

"I have found the right partner," McCain said at a rally in Dayton, calling Palin "someone of fighting spirit and deep compassion."

The Arizona senator, who celebrates his 72nd birthday today, said: "She's not from these parts and she's not from Washington. When you get to know her you're going to be as impressed as I am."

Palin, who came onstage with her husband Todd and four of their five children, said she was honored at the selection. "It will demand the best that I have to give and I promise nothing less."

Calling McCain an American hero, Palin said she was proud to be selected some 88 years after women got the right to vote. She praised Democrat Geraldine Ferraro, who in 1984 became the first female vice presidential candidate of a major party, and Clinton, who ran a spirited contest against Obama. And she sought to reach out for the votes of Democratic women.

"Hillary left 18 million cracks" in the glass ceiling, she said. "The women of America aren't finished yet and we can shatter that glass ceiling once and for all."

The crowd, echoing a chant made famous at Obama rallies, responded by saying, "Yes we can, yes we can."

Elected Alaska's youngest governor -- and its first woman governor in 2006 - she, like McCain, is known as a reformer who believes in curbing government spending. In her first year in office, she introduced ethics legislation and a budget with a $124-million reduction in spending.

Palin, 44, was talked about in conservative circles -- a fiscal conservative who is also a staunch opponent of abortion. But the McCain team rarely mentioned her, instead focusing attention toward former presidential candidate Mitt Romney, who has campaigned actively for McCain since his withdrawal from the race, and Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty.

Her choice came as a surprise because of her limited experience in public office and relatively low profile in national politics.

Palin established a record for cutting taxes as mayor in her hometown of Wasilla. As Alaska governor, her drive for budget cuts won over fiscal conservatives. Before her name was even announced this morning, the conservative Club for Growth released a statement praising her as a choice.