Confirmed: Palin in Auburn, NY for Founders Day

Dave Tobin reports in the Syracuse Post-Standard that Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin has agreed to travel to Auburn June 6 for what organizers there call Founders Day. William H. Seward, who was a longtime Auburn resident, negotiated the treaty by which the U.S. purchased Alaska from Russia. Seward served as secretary of state under Presidents Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Johnson.

According to Tobin, Meghan Stapleton, Gov. Palin's family spokeswoman, confirmed the visit with Auburn officials to appear at the function, which this year will celebrate fifty years of Alaska statehood. Stapleton father in an Auburn lawyer who is a member of the board of the Seward House in Auburn. He wrote the invitation on behalf of the city and the Seward House.

"Auburn is the anchor," Meghan Stapleton said. "We're still trying to decide her schedule. "We're coming to Auburn because of the direct celebration of Alaska and the role of Auburn's William Seward. The governor is absolutely excited."

No word yet on whether Gov. Palin will make additional stops in New York as part of her trip.

- JP