U.S. Sen. Olympia Snowe said having a woman on the Republican Presidential ticket is past due, and Gov. Sarah Palin not only shatters the glass ceiling, but will also be a pioneering figure for the country.

In her statement, she acknowledged that Palin is a working mother, meaning she understands issued facing the average American.

Her full statement:

“John McCain has once again demonstrated his willingness and commitment to push boundaries and transform America with his historic selection of Governor Sarah Palin. As we’ve witnessed, women are a central and profound force in elections – the time has long since come for a woman to be the vice presidential nominee on the Republican ticket, and I congratulate John McCain for breaking this political glass ceiling on behalf of millions of American women in the 21st century. As Sarah Palin has been a pioneer in her home state of Alaska, she will be a pioneering figure for America.

“A forthright, strong, and results-oriented leader as Governor, Sarah Palin will bring exceptional energy and ideas to the position of Vice President of the United States. This decision is reflective of John McCain’s message of inclusiveness and his commitment that he will be a President serving in the best interests of all Americans. It is an outstanding choice that will resonate with voters in Maine and throughout America, as she will further bring an outside-the-beltway, reform-minded approach to the White House with a John McCain presidency -- and as a working mother she will bring an understanding and awareness of those issues that truly matter in people’s everyday lives. I believe Americans will find her addition to the ticket to be yet another compelling reason to support Senator McCain’s candidacy for President, and I look forward to hearing from Governor Palin next week at the Republican National Convention.”