Little public support for Dems' criticism of Palin

State Democrats are criticizing Gov. Palin for her plans to leave Alaska Thursday to attend a right to life banquet and a breakfast for a Downs Syndrome support group while the legislature wraps up its session.

But the public doesn't appear to agree. According to an online poll on KTUU's website (scroll down a little), an overwhelming majority of those who have responded approve of the governor's trip as of this posting.

A disclaimer: Internet polls are not scientific surveys.

Update: In this press release, Sarahcuda schools her critics on this non-issue:

Governor Palin had previously personally informed the legislative leadership of her upcoming event and asked if legislators had any problem with her attendance at an event outside the Capitol building. None expressed concerns.

And this event doesn’t cost the state a dime – the governor has no staff, not even state security, with her, though her predecessors did travel with state security even on vacations.

This morning the Alaska Democrat Party held a press conference suddenly expressing concern about the governor’s well-publicized short absence from Juneau...

A historical review shows that Governor Palin has spent the vast majority of time working in Juneau during the legislative session especially when compared with other governors. Governor Knowles traveled an average of 38 days during session and Governor Murkowski traveled an average of 45 days during session. Governor Palin has only been out of Juneau 14 days as she worked in other communities around Alaska this session. Governor Palin has spent only two days out of state.

Read the full press release. Sarah Palin will not go quietly into the night.

- JP