In the 2006 governor's race, Palin was unequivocal in her opposition to abortion. In a questionnaire from the conservative Eagle Forum, she wrote: "I am pro-life," adding that she would agree to allow abortion only in medical cases where "the mother's life would end."
But Palin, who took office in December 2006, has not made Alaska a battleground on the issue.
When two bills emerged in the Alaska Legislature this year to restrict abortion -- one to require parental consent and the other to outlaw dilation-and-extraction procedures, called partial-birth abortion by opponents -- Palin said she was ready to sign them into law.
But both efforts were killed by Democrats. And when Green, who supported the measures, pressed for a special session to deal with abortion, Palin instead chose a special session to secure a natural gas pipeline project.
Antiabortion leaders said they understood Palin's delay on the issue because of other state concerns.
"She's a woman of integrity and we trust her," said Karen Lewis of Alaska Right to Life. "Sometimes you have to wait."
Palin also did not challenge an Alaska Supreme Court ruling that mandated health insurance benefits for same-sex partners. Instead she signed a nonbinding referendum that asked voters their opinion on the issue.
"She's been careful not to squander all her political capital on social conservative issues," said Allison Mendel, an attorney whose lawsuit led to the insurance ruling.
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Pentecostal training
Palin has appeared at prayer sessions and church functions across Alaska and has turned to her childhood pastor and other religious leaders for guidance.
"She uses us as a sounding board," said the Rev. Paul Riley, who spent 30 years leading the Wasilla Assembly of God Church, where Palin worshiped until a few years ago. Riley said he and other pastors formed prayer circles around Palin in Anchorage at several "One Lord Sunday" events -- which bring together various churches -- and had offered prayers at similar events since she became governor.
In April, Palin told 500 people at an Assembly of God conference in the Anchorage Sheraton about the trials ahead in raising her youngest child, Trig. Born that month, he has Down syndrome.
"The whole group stood up and prayed beside her," Riley said. The pastors also prayed that Palin's efforts to win a major natural gas pipeline project would lead to a "blessing."
