Give Back the Funding for the Bridge to Nowhere

Since the day that Senator John McCain brought Governor Sarah Palin (R) of the of Alaska onto his campaign ticket as his choice for Vice-President, Governor Palin has repeatedly stated that she said "Thanks, but no thanks" to earmark funding for the "Bridge to Nowhere" (Gravina Island bridge in Ketchikan, Alaska). The facts support otherwise.

When running for governor, Palin expressed a different position. In 2006, the Ketchikan Daily News quoted her expressing optimism and support for the bridge at a Ketchikan campaign stop.

Palin, 2006: "People across the nation struggle with the idea of building a bridge because theyve been under these misperceptions about the bridge and the purpose," said Palin, who described the link as the Ketchikan area's potential for expansion and growth. [...] Palin said Alaskas congressional delegation worked hard to obtain funding for the bridge as part of a package deal and that she "would not stand in the way of the progress toward that bridge."

Palin also answered "yes" to an Anchorage Daily News poll question about whether she would continue to support state funding for the Gravina Island bridge if elected governor. "The window is now," she wrote, "while our congressional delegation is in a strong position to assist."

It was only after she won the governorship that Sarah Palin shifted her position on the funds. And even then, it is inaccurate to say that she "told the Congress thanks, but no thanks."

Palin accepted non-earmarked money from Congress that could have been used for the bridge if she so desired. That she opted to use it for other state transportation purposes doesn't qualify as standing up to Congress.

The State of Alaska did not return the money. They still haven't. And today, Governor Sarah Palin is telling the American Public a lie about her stance on the funds.

Please read about this and other statements made by the Vice-Presidential candidate of the Republican party here:

http://www.factcheck.org/elections-2008/gop_convention_spin_part_ii.html


On behalf of the American taxpaying public, we are asking Congress and the President of the United States to ask the Governor of the State of Alaska and the State of Alaska to return the $433,000,000.00 in funding they received, since clearly such funds were, according to Governor Palin in 2008, unwanted, unneeded and scorned.

The American public can find other uses for such scorned funds.