Gov. Palin addresses combat veterans fundraiser under heavy security in San Diego

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According to KFMB-TV, when Sarah Palin took the stage at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina at a combat veterans fundraiser just after 8 p.m. local time Saturday night, there was extra security present because of a reported death threat against her.

The San Diego Union Tribune reported on its Sign On San Diego website that a large crowd of supporters and journalists gathered in a ballroom to hear her introduce fellow Alaskan and candidate for the U.S. Senate Joe Miller:

Palin, standing in front of a row of American flags on stage, took shots at what she called the "lamestream media," saying, that when the media "just doesn't get it and when they don't believe what perhaps your message is so they want to belittle you and mock you and treat you with much disdain, you know, I think, well they can do that to me, that's fine, because I know truth."

She went on, "You know what, you can say whatever you want to say about me but I raised a combat vet and you can't take that away from me."

The event was organized by the political action committee Combat Veterans for Congress. Tickets cost $300 and up per person, and about 500 people were expected to attend the event, titled "Patriotic Gala." Among the local congressional candidates attending were Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Alpine, and Republican congressional candidates Nick Popaditch, who is running in the 51st District, and Michael Crimmins, who is running in the 53rd district.

Organizers said they were told Palin did not want to overshadow Miller at the event, but it was clear many were there to see her. A threat against her life before the event caused organizers to increase their focus on security.

Combat Veterans for Congress Chairman Joseph John said at a news conference that his PAC was "very concerned about about her security." Before the threat was reportedly made, the hotel had already arranged security for the event, according to Sheraton manager Warren Nocon.

- JP