In a surprise move, US Republican Presidential candidate John McCain has announced his running mate will be Governor Sarah Palin of Alaska – a former beauty pageant queen with a mixed record of views on LGBT issues.
Palin, a former runner-up for Miss Alaska and winner of the Wasilla district's Miss Congeniality, burst on to the political scene in 2006 by becoming both the first female and youngest governor in Alaskan history at the age of 42, reports the UK Times.
The mother of five opposes same-sex marriage, but has often sympathised with the concerns of gay community about discrimination and has implemented legislation ensuring equal benefits for same-sex couples.
She is also described as a strong social conservative, a staunch supporter of gun rights, and is strongly anti-abortion.
The choice of Palin was a closely guarded secret. She flew under the political radar for months as McCain searched for a running mate.
Gay bloggers, many of them Democrats and fans of Barack Obama, have already voiced doubts about the "beauty-queen soccer-mom", calling the running-mate choice "a cynical attempt to steal women voters who wanted Hillary". Some have commented on Palin's resemblance to Karen from hit TV show Will & Grace.
