The Nattering Nabob

It's probably not an indication of the strength of your position when you have to tell everyone what to say.

Talking points keep Alaskans on same page

All eyes - and all the media - are on the GOP delegation from Alaska, home to Gov. Sarah Palin, the McCain VP pick. And the 31 members of the delegation have been prepared for the onslaught of attention: Here are the official talking points they received yesterday, obtained by The Chronicle:

Republican National Convention talking points

(Indicted U.S. Sen. Ted) Stevens being electable:

-- Ted Stevens is our guy.

-- He is the only person, except Gov. Palin, who can beat Mark Begich in November.

-- As long as he does not receive jail time, he is legally capable of serving.

Corruption in Alaska

-- There was a unique clique that was involved in the Juneau corruption scandal.

-- These people do not represent the beliefs and the values of the Alaska Republican Party.

-- They have since been weeded out and the party has found better candidates to run for those seats.

-- Voters are showing approval of Alaska Republicans and will continue to favor responsible, ethical and moral people.

(Fairbanks Mayor Jim) Whitaker on supporting Obama:

-- He is free to support any candidate he chooses, he does not represent the Alaska Republican Party.

-- The party is made up of individuals and they are not controlled by the party.

-- We wish Mayor Whitaker the best of luck as he continues his career in the private sector.

Sarah Palin as VP nominee:

-- She brought change and new energy to the office of governor.

-- She will bring this same new energy to the presidential ticket.

-- No one is better suited to deal with the largest issue on the voters' minds: energy.

-- Being from Alaska, Sarah Palin understands how to provide energy independence to the country.

-- She knows the energy potential in Alaska and will work to make sure Alaska resources will fuel the country.

STAY POSITIVE when talking to reporters.