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U.S. Sen. Gordon Smith’s (R-Pendleton) campaign reacted enthusiastically to Republican presidential candidate John McCain (R-Ariz.) adding Gov. Sarah Palin (R-Ak.) to the presidential ticket.

“Sarah Palin is an exciting choice who will resonate with the small towns and big dreams of Oregon,” Smith campaign spokeswoman Lindsay Gilbride said. “She completes a strong ticket - an all Western ticket - that will understand and focus on the issues facing Oregon.”

Palin traces her roots to the Beaver State’s next door neighbor, Idaho. She was born in Sandpoint, a small town in the northern part of the state. She graduated from the University of Idaho in 1987 with a degree in journalism and political science.

Smith will not be in attendance when Palin is officially nominated as vice president next week at the Republican National Convention in Minneapolis. According to Gilbride, he will be spending the week campaigning for re-election in Oregon.

Stay tuned to PolitickerOR.com for continuous coverage of the Republican National Convention Sept. 1-4.