REACTIONS TO GOVERNOR SARAH PALIN BEING CHOSEN AS JOHN MCCAIN'S VP

"John McCain has made clear from the start that he wants to change Washington and he proved it today by going as far away from Washington as possible in selecting his running mate. Eighty-eight years after our nation's women first gained the right to vote, this selection demonstrates how far our nation has come." — Rep. Roy Blunt, R-Mo.

"Gov. Palin's views align with Sen. McCain's own stated position that human life is precious and must be protected. ... This selection by Sen. McCain is a very encouraging sign for his campaign." — James Dobson, founder of the conservative Christian group Focus on the Family.

"Governor Palin is a GREAT choice and she has already captured the female vote we needed to win. She is a reformer. She is a REAL conservative. She will be a FABULOUS campaigner. She will support the President and be ready for whatever assignments she receives once elected. "

- Arizona GOP National Committeeman BRUCE ASH

"I believe that in order to make government work better it must include both strong men and women. With this historic choice Sen. McCain has clearly shown his and the Republican Party's commitment to including every voice in our society." — Rep. Candice Miller, R-Mich

"This is a bold and exciting pick that demonstrates the Republican Party is focused on the future and changing how Washington, D.C. does business. As an outsider, Gov. Palin has a solid record of making government work better, including fighting for landmark ethics reform." — Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash.

"Gov. Palin is a strong conservative with executive experience who has cut wasteful spending, opposed earmarks and shown courage in taking on corruption in her own party." — Sen. Jim DeMint, R-S.C.

I am pleased with Sen. McCain's pick for vice president. Gov. Palin is an outstanding, terrific pick for the job — for the country, for the Republican Party and for the citizens we try to serve." — Gov. Tim Pawlenty, R-Minn

"They're (conservatives) going to be excited about this pick because here's an authentic person who believes and does what she says in her policy atmosphere and can authentically carry that message to the country." — Sen. Sam Brownback, R-Kan.

"Gov. Palin is a conservative Republican with a track record of reforming government. She will strengthen Sen. McCain's appeal to Reagan Democrats, and supporters of Sen. Hillary Clinton, who are looking for a president who has the experience and temperament to be commander in chief." — Michigan Republican Party Chairman Saul Anuzis.

"She's tough, she's tenacious. I believe that she does have what it takes to get out there. Again, her ability to connect with voters and make a case is very, very, very strong." — Paulette Simpson, of the Alaska Federation of Republican Women.