(June 17, 2010) -- Former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin is backing Star Parker for Congress. In a dispatch on her Facebook page on June 17, the 2008 GOP VP candidate likens Ms. Parker to a "Mama Grizzly" in her run against Dem incumbent Congresswoman Laura Richardson (D., Carson-LB).
The endorsement isn't exactly a shock; Gov. Palin is a Repub and Ms. Parker is the Repub candidate...but Palin has made a point of lending her support to conservative Republicans.
"Star has an incredible story and a passionate commitment to her community and our great nation," Gov. Palin writes on her Facebook page. "Rising up from being a single mom on welfare, Star worked hard to build a non-profit network that seeks to reduce poverty and create a brighter future for America by promoting free market solutions and personal responsibility. There is no doubt that she will bring a new level of enthusiasm and energy to Washington for American values, limited government, and economic growth. She’s a dynamic leader who is committed to building a more prosperous environment for the families in her district and ushering in positive change," Palin's dispatch says.
Gov. Palin's Facebook page (which has roughly 1.6 million page fans) includes a link to Parker's campaign website.
As previously reported by LBReport.com, Ms. Parker energized a crowd at the May 2010 gathering of the LB Area Republican Party (photo right). For LBReport.com video coverage of the event, click here.
In her LB appearance, Ms. Parker vowed a campaign that will urge freedom and conservative values as alternatives to policies she said have impoverished communities and undermined families and likened Obama administration policies to failed socialism. She said the government is a cruel taskmaster and (quoting Lincoln) said the country can't survive half slave and half free.
In her Facebook, dispatch, Gov. Palin endorses two other "Mama Grizzlies": Repub Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (seeking reelection in eastern Washington) and Mary Fallin (Repub running for Governor of Oklahoma).
"I heartily endorse these liberty-loving "Mama Grizzlies." They’ll do more than just growl about our challenges because they know how to work hard and protect America’s future by ushering a new era of prosperity and security. How? By proving their selfless service, common sense, and respect for the will of the people," Gov. Palin writes on Facebook..
The 37th Congressional district (drawn by Sacramento legislative majority Democrats in 2001) includes roughly 80% of LB, plus Signal Hill, Compton and Carson. Then-Assemblywoman (former LB Councilwoman) Richardson won the seat in a 2007 special election (succeeding Carson-based incumbent Juanita Millender-McDonald who succumbed to cancer). Cong. Richardson was reelected in 2008 amid news stories regarding bank foreclosure on her Sacramento home, ultimately reversed by the bank; a House Ethics Committee probe was launched and is pending with no charges brought to date.
Ms. Parker writes a syndicated column and has authored three books: White Ghetto: How Middle Class America Reflects Inner City Decay (2006), Uncle Sam's Plantation: How Big Government Enslaves America's Poor and What We Can Do About It (2003) and Pimps, Whores and Welfare Brats: From Welfare Cheat to Conservative Messenger (1998).
