Meanwhile, back in Alaska

Governor Palin's 36-hour visit to Indiana for two events left her very little time for relaxation, save what rest she was able to get on the plane. Now back in Alaska, the precious few hours away from the 49th state may seem like a vacation. Here's some of what she returned home to:

The "Legislature of No" cut off funding for an intra-state natural gas line, Gov. Palin's top priority. The governor's $9 million request for the in-state gas transmission line might resurface in a supplemental bill the Senate Finance Committee is scheduled to consider today.

A federal appeals court has called a halt to expansion of oil and gas development in Alaska's coastal waters, ruling that the Interior Department did not adequately evaluate the environmental impact of offshore drilling. The ruling will likely delay oil and gas exploration off of Alaska's northern coast for what could amount to years.

The parental notification bill is going nowhere, and even a compromise endorsed by Gov. Palin wasn't able to save it. The legislation had passed the house, but liberal Democrats in the Senate, including kangaroo court commander Hollis French, locked it up in committee. How dare parents want to know when their underage daughters try to get abortions!

Alaska's unemployment rate has risen to 8.5%, making it equal to the national average. That is up 0.6% from February and two percentage points from a year ago. On the upside, Alaska is one of only four states which have economies still growing despite the national recession.

Gov. Palin will have the opportunity to make another appointment to the state Supreme Court. Justice Robert Eastaugh has announced his intention to retire in November. The Judicial Council will accept applications for the vacancy for 30 days, and then the legislators will submit at least two names to the governor from which she can make her selection.

Good news! The House has passed a bill outlawing bestiality. The vote was unanimous. It remains to be seen whether liberal Democrats in the Senate will allow the measure to pass, as it may be considered "discriminatory" by some. Hey, some people are just born "that way." Besides, the government has no business sticking its nose into people's barnyards. [/sarc]

Update: Gov. Palin's reaction to the gas line vote is here.

- JP