Elizabeth Edmands is a Democrat who sits on the Governor's Council on Disabilities and Special Education and has a 26-year-old daughter, Mariah, who has Down syndrome. Edmands said Palin was interested in the issue before Trig was born and had attended council meetings.
"She won't just be supportive. She'll be an activist," Edmands said. "When anything touches your life, you become more involved."
Palin was aware her child would be born with Down syndrome but did not abort the pregnancy. That decision has endeared her to evangelicals who oppose abortion, and numerous delegates at the Republican National Convention referred to that decision as they lauded her selection as McCain's running mate.San Jose State University political science professor Larry Gerston predicted McCain and Palin would spend "much more time" talking about Trig than about other social issues. By talking about Palin's youngest son, they can discuss social values in a way that won't upset the moderate voters whom they must attract if they are to win on Nov. 4.
"It is much safer ground," Gerston said. "It is another way that Republicans show they care."
Bain, the suburban Denver resident whose teen daughter has Down syndrome, generally votes Republican but often has had his vote canceled by his wife, Barbara Burck. And it could happen again this year.
Burck heard Palin's speech on her car radio. Although she was pleased that it could mean more help for children like Megan, she is skeptical that Republicans will make disability funding a priority.
"We are a rich and wealthy country," she said, "and sometimes we abandon the people who need help the most."
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dan.morain@latimes.com
